CD Reviews: My Name is Handel

Exuberant, vibrant, and elegantly Child-Speak, the narrative and music on this CD performs its own miracle!  All I can remember of classical music from my childhood is being forced to play Bach, Beethoven and Chopin on the piano, when I have no ear and fingers that fumbled as I cried and screamed at my piano teacher.  I had no desire to ever hear classical music again!  However, this CD creates its own enchanting spell as it interweaves Handel’s beautiful operatic and Water Music into song and narrative.  I absolutely loved it, and I can’t wait to hand it over to the grandchildren!  Simple and compelling, Yadu, the narrator creates an atmosphere of excitement as we learn about who Handel really was, what he created his music for and how the Hanover Electorate who named him – in his twenties – as Court Musician later became King George 1^st of England.  I got so excited about the music as it twirled around the enchanting narrative that I wanted to play this CD again and again – the child in me stopped crying over long ago piano lessons that failed, and found myself crowing over Handel’s showmanship and creativity!  Wonderful!

AND this CD is created for all the family, and introduces music that is not only lovely, but that allows parents to enjoy an evening with their children and introducing symphony music through an alluring story environment. 

“In today’s busy world, the quality of time spent together as a family takes on tremendous importance.”  (Washington, DV, June 27, 2011)   The CD contains a children’s workbook along with the CD and the music is so overwhelming done by the London Philharmonic that it swells and trills as you help you children learn and listen. 

“In an age when caring parents choose finely crafted wood toys over plastic, it seems natural for them to also choose musical and artistic products that encourage children to develop discriminating tastes.”

This top notch CD requires no demands – your child will find himself transported to 18^th  century Germany, Italy and England as he or she listens with delight.  Maestro Classics has performed a magnificent job that seems so interesting on the surface that the beautiful strings and bass of the symphony flow in the foreground and background as we listen to the fabulously told story of Handel and his ways of finding favor with the Court.  Beautifully told, beautifully presented, this is one gift your children must receive!  And hey – as parents you deserve it too!

Entertainment Weekly states, “If your little ones are past the age of getting their classical music from Baby Einstein, here is the perfect next step.”  I say – one better.  Stephen Simon’s musical production will allow your children to fall in love with music, learn about our musical heritage and their real lives, and startle your family as you fall in love with learning all over again!

“My Name is Handel – The Story of Handel’s Water Music” from Maestro Classics with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, Stephen Simon, Conductor, Yadu, Narrator

For Children 7+ and their families (www.MaestroClassics.com)

Run time:  49 minutes

With:   The Story of Water Music

            About Handel and the Story

            “My Name is Handel” Song

            About the Music with the Maestro

            Prepare to Perform

            “My Name is Handel” Sing-Along

Ratings are based on a 5-star scale

Overall: 5