I had no idea the original Tortoise and Hare fable was so short. I also had no idea the tale was centuries old. I mean, I knew it was older than me, but 2000 years! Those are just two of the tidbits I picked up while enjoying Maestro Classics' new Stories in Music CD "The Tortoise and The Hare". With music from the little outfit known as the London Philharmonic Orchestra, this CD is a delight from start to finish.
The Bear was entranced from the start of the nearly-21 minute story. The dramatic retelling of the familiar fable, combined with the spirited orchestral score is a big winner. Steven Simon, the composer of the music on The Tortoise and The Hare, has one track all to himself to explain his instrumental decisions and other fascinating musical intricacies in the piece. Back in college, I once learned that there is nothing accidental in fiction writing and the same is true of classical composition. It's exciting for both adult and child to learn why particular instruments where selected for the Tortoise's "theme" music and how Mr. Simon made French-sounding music to accompany Hare's visit to Mrs. Beaver's bistro. Again, nothing at all accidental about the sounds you're hearing throughout the piece. In less than 5 minutes, you'll learn so much, in a peeling back the curtain sorta way, that your next listen of The Tortoise and the Hare story will be greatly enhanced. The concept of this kind of track, and the execution of it here, is my favorite part of the CD.
A good story is always appreciated in our house, and well, it should go without saying that we're also a music lovin' bunch. This disc satisfies both of these cravings and does so with a style and an educational component that is highly welcome and enjoyable.
A good story is always appreciated in our house, and well, it should go without saying that we're also a music lovin' bunch. This disc satisfies both of these cravings and does so with a style and an educational component that is highly welcome and enjoyable.
*The Maestro Classics "The Tortoise and The Hare" CD was provided to OWTK for review. The opinions expressed above are unbiased and true - no arm twisting took place in the review process.
1 comment:
Thank you! What a delight to read a review from someone who really gets it! Yes, every second of every minute on each of these CDs is carefully planned. Our aim is to delight children and adults alike and to open the wonderful world of music. Glad that we are now part of yours.
Bonnie Ward Simon, executive producer
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