Maestro Classics is a cd series which combines story-telling of the classic style with rich orchestra accompaniment. Stephen and Bonnie Ward Simon created this series, with years of experience and a long list of qualifications in the fields of both music and children. The TOS Crew was asked to review a sample of their Maestro Classics series, and my kids and I received The Tortoise and the Hare.
The classic story is given a new touch by Mrs. Simon, while Stephen Simon provides an original musical score. Yadu, who has narrated the Stories in Music concerts at the Kennedy Center, as well as other Maestro Classic selections, shares the story is a calm but expressive voice. The cd has a running time of about 53 minutes and has an accompanying 24-page program. The program includes basic information about musical notation, instruments in an orchestra, a few activities to go along with the story, and short bios of the Simons and the narrator, Yadu. The cost is $16.98.
While this is a quality product, the cost is an issue. Also, my kids, who love music and have enjoyed our classical studies thus far this year, had difficulty getting engaged in the story. Having said that, I would therefore recommend this for a younger audience, say, Pre-K/K. Also, this particular story was one that my kids are very familiar with, and so there was no sense of wonder about what would happen.
I don't want to dissuade anyone who truly might benefit from the Maestro Classics series, but I need to be honest. Check out the website and listen to the samples they have available. The Maestro Classic series currently contains several tales, including Mike Mulligan, Casey At the Bat, The Story of Swan Lake, Juanita the Spanish Lobster, and more! They currently are running a special--buy three cds for $45, which saves about six dollars overall. The code for that special is MAESTRO45.
Please, check out what other TOS Crew members have to say here, as well.
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