Maestro Classics classical CDs combine storytelling with symphony orchestra music. As a member of the Crew, I received a complimentary copy of The Tortoise and the Hare for the purpose of reviewing it. The opinions expressed are our family’s only and I received no other compensation for this review.
The Tortoise and the Hare contains an expanded version of Aesop’s fable with an original music score playing in the background. The music is played by the London Symphony Orchestra, and the recording is exceptionally well done. The narrator, Yadu, employs a variety of voices for the animals in the story and held my children’s attention, even though they know the story by heart already. In addition to the story, the CD contains a short 2 minute track about the story and author, a replay of one of the songs, an “about the music” track in which the composer/conductor tells of how he chose the music for the story, and a repetition of the story that plays after the children have heard the background information.
My children really enjoy listening to books on CD during their afternoon quiet time and this has been added to the quiet time basket.
Along with The Tortoise and the Hare, Maestro Classics has produced:
- Swan Lake
- Peter and the Wolf
- Mike Mulligan and his Steam Shovel
- The Sorcerer’s Apprentice
- Juanita the Spanish Lobster
- Casey at the Bat
The CD sets cost $16.98 individually, but the website currently lists a special of 3 CDs for $45.00. If you are curious, the website has samples of all the tracks from each album. Just click on the album from the home page and then click on the music note next to the track listing.
Maestro Classics have produced high-quality, high-interest, and highly enjoyable story-telling and classical music CDs that will provide hours of listening and learning for the whole family.
