Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music Review & Giveaway
When I was in Grade 3 a student based string orchestra visited our school to play for us. Cue my interest in violin lessons and soon I was touring from school to school with very same string orchestra. I absolutely loved playing classical music as well as contemporary pieces alone or with the orchestra. Unfortunately once I went to high-school I dropped my lessons but I never stopped my love for classical music.
When I was contacted by The Secret Mountain, an innovative Canadian Publisher, to review a new title called ‘Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music’ (ages 7-9) I gave a definite Yes! Although I do not have children in this age range I knew it was something I could enjoy for myself, and that the CD included would be a great way to introduce Keira to Classical music during playtime.
Written by Ana Gerhard and illustrated beautifully by Cecelia Varela, Listen to the Birds is an amazing discovery of the similarities between musical instruments and birds’ songs. Within the 64 pages of the book you will find descriptions of the bird evoked or mentioned in each composition as well as a brief explanation of the intent of the composer.
I have actually played several of the pieces myself in Orchestra on Violin and did not realise some of the background of the pieces. Vivaldi’s Spring was actually one of my favourite pieces to play and I was happy to find it included. The explanations written by Gerhard on each piece is not only concise but interesting and I think appropriate for the age range given of 7 and up. The book also features a glossary of musical terms, biographies of the composers as well as a listening guide for each song.
The accompanying CD is prefect for all ages and includes excerpts of 20 different recordings (with a total duration of 26 minutes) including Dance of the Little Swans by Tchaikovsky from Swan Lake, The Raven by Schubert and more. A printable PDF file of all the illustrations, explanatory notes, composer biographies and the glossary of musical terms are also included on the CD.
Listen to the Birds is a great book to give your child to start a dialogue about, and hopefully also a lifelong appreciation, for classical music. I think this set is also a must have for homeschooling families as a tool for teaching music.
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Buy it: You can purchase this title direct through The Secret Mountain or through Amazon. List Price is 16.95 USD or 22.95 CDN. Also available in a digital download including printable PDF for 12.50 CDN.
Win it: One Canadian Frugal Mom Eh reader will win their own copy of “Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music” Storybook & Music CD. Giveaway ends August 16th at 11:59 pm EST. See Giveaway Tools form for entry and full T&C.
Mozart?
I love Mozart.
I like Giacomo Puccini, classic opera.
I love Beethoven and Mozart.
bach betoven
Mozart is the best 🙂
Mozart is always been a huge fav in our home
I like Fauré.
Mozart.
What an awesome way to introduce classical music. It is not just for old people.
I love Mozart
grieg
Um… if I heard a song I could tell you if I liked it, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you which composer went with that song. 🙂
If you really need to see a composers name here, I’ll go with Mozart!
Sorry for the double comment. Typo in the first one! I thought I caught it before it posted. Oops!
Um… if I heard a song I could tell you if I liked it, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you which composer went with that song. 🙂
If you really need to see a composers namer here, I’ll go with Mozart!
I love mozart
sounds lovely!
I have many favourites, but one of them is Chopin. I love the richness and emotion in his music. Another favourite is Mozart, when I want something lighthearted.
MOZART
Chopin
Chopin.
Bach is my favourite.
Beethoven is my favourite 🙂
nobody better than bach
I’d have to say Tchaikovsky:)
I love mozart
Chopin is my fav
I remember listening to “Beethoven lives Upstairs” on cassette tape when I was younger, so he is my favourite!
Chopin
I like all classical composers, especially Bach or Beethoven.
Beethoven makes classical music sound so exciting!
Beethoven
Beethoven
Mozart
mozart is my favorite
My favorite composers are Bach, Tchaikovsky, Mozart, Beethoven and Chopin to name a few. 🙂
I have always loved Tchaikovsky because of the Nutcracker.
I love most classical music but Tchaikovsky would have to be my fav
I’d love to give this to my nephew, who is already showing intense interest in music- he turns 2 on August 1st, and I want him to hear this wonderful music, that his parents don’t play or have.
I appreciate the works of so many classical composers… I played the violin as a child, and when Amadeus came to theaters, I had a renewed excitement for playing because of Mozart’s music. I gave up in high school, but still have a deep love for classical music. I always have good memories tied with Eine Kliene Nachtmusik. I also love pieces from Bach, Beethoven, Handel, Vivaldi, Tchaikovsky, Chopin, Pachelbel, Shubert, Rachmaninoff, and Verdi, but how can anyone not? Really, it’s impossible not to appreciate it all.
Beethoven is my favorite one i listen to
Mozart is my favorite classical composer but I enjoy a variety of classical music.
I like Mozart 🙂
I don’t have a fave, but I still have my sons CD from years ago, Baby’s first classics. Love everything on it….
Mozart.
chopin
Franz Lizt
I would probably have to say Beethoven.
I would probably have to say Beethoven.
Beethoven
I love Mozart.
I have fond memories of Peer Gynt by Edvard Grieg from when I was a kid, lots of nostalgia there.
I’ve always loved Bach
Our family loves everything classical; Mozart, Beethoven, Schubert the list goes on. My kids love music and would love this CD. Thanks for hosting and making it open to Canadians.
Besos, Sarah
Blogger at Journeys of The Zoo