Product Review: Maestro Classics

The Maestro Classics' CD I received to review re-creates the fable The Tortoise and the Hare to include narration and orchestration, similar to Prokofiev‘s classic, Peter and the Wolf. The tortoise and the hare each have their own musical themes, played by instruments whose tone personifies the character. The narrator, Yadu, tells the story with enthusiasm and draws the listener in with his character voices. The results spark the imagination and bring the story to life.

Both of my sons loved the music. With the London Philharmonic Symphony performing, how could they not? My son who plays piano and violin now wants to add the trumpet, the bassoon, and the timpani to his repertoire. Ay, ay, ay! Maybe the folks at Maestro Classics have done their job a little too well!

When I asked my younger son to give his opinion, he answered that he did not like the story at all. I was shocked by his answer and asked a few probing questions. He explained that the hare is prideful and his statements were rude. As I listened to him state his case, I realized how well Maestro Classics kept his attention and got him emotionally involved in the story. He was able to recall many details and defend his position.

Because of my son’s dislike of the story, particularly the hare’s attitude, I listened to the story a second time to make sure I had not missed anything inappropriate. The hare is rude, but not any ruder than in any other telling of the story I have heard. Keeping to the theme and moral of the original fable, this rendition teaches an unambiguous lesson.

There are a couple of statements on the teaching tracks of the CD that clash with my worldview. The sing-along is about a pretzel vendor on the Champs Elysees who sells his pretzels to American tourists on Sundays. Because we do not work on the Lord’s Day, I felt uncomfortable allowing my children to sing this song. In one of the teaching tracks, “B.C.E.” is used in place of “B.C.” However, we were able to work around these minor issues, and they did not affect our overall enjoyment.

I give Maestro Classics two thumbs up and may purchase other titles in the Stories in Music series, like Casey at the Bat, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, and my personal favorite, Peter and the Wolf. Each CD is currently available for $16.98, a great price for such a quality product.

I received one Maestro Classics CD for the purpose of completing this review. I received no other compensation and have offered my honest opinion. Please visit the TOS Homeschool Crew to read more reviews of this and other products.