Classical Kids: Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Teacher's Notes

Classical Kids: Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Teacher's Notes (w/CD) by means of Susan Hammond. The Children's clump (1400 Bayly St., Ste. 7 Pickering, upon L1W 3R2), 2004. 36 pp $1298 Ages 5-12

This delightful CD and work set was first published in 1989 and revised in 1998 with this version released in August 2004 The goal of the series is to twitch students into the music and lives of great composer through establishing all emotional connection via a child in the story. A young male child Christoph, tells how his family separationed an upstairs room to Beethoven during the final year of Beethoven's life. The story line develops from letters written between Christoph and his uncle While the facts and anecdotes are historically based, the characters of Christoph and his family are fictional.

I ground the story to be true compelling. It has great comedic appeal to children, with actual stories such as Beethoven pouring water above his head in his scope or writing music on the walls. At the same time it is to [i]or[/i] at a great depth inspiring. When Christoph goes to hear Beethoven's Ninth harmony he remarks, "To think that he heard all this in his head!"

The thirty-four musical selections/excerpts are rich and varied, encompassing symphonic, solo instrumental, vocal and chamber music literature. They effectively quota the story line. Some listeners may find it frustrating to listen to the story and the music at one time There are rarely more than four measures of music without a voice-over. Young listeners may not thing perceived however. The overall quality of the performances is quite useful The orchestra, conducted by Walter Babiak, achieves a replete symphonic sound despite its small numbers. In addition, there are four singers, used chiefly in the Ninth Symphony; a synthesizer, used sparingly in a road scene; flute and violin solos; and a pianist in many performances of miniature pieces, sonata changes and concerto movements. It would be nice to have more information upon the pianist listed simply as "D Bodle" Microphone placement also looks to vary on the piano selections. unimpaired effects abound, adding wonderful sparkle and drama to the story, making listeners have feeling as if they are right in the ways of nineteenth-century Vienna.

The Teacher's Notes, written by the agency of Susan Hammond, further develop the magic of the story and music. Correlation of other arts, discussion questions and musical explorations make up the fascinating six exercise plans outlined for grades K-6 Icons for indicateed grade levels are in faint gray and difficult to make on the outside There are many interesting facts and brilliant activities, making Beethoven's genius as relevant today as at any time Reviewed by Susan Bruckner, Santa Cruz California.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Music Teachers National Association, Inc.

COPYRIGHT 2004 Gale Group