Series Originator and Producer: Susan Hammond
Classical Kids recordings combine music and drama to help children learn about famous composers, their music, and some history of the times. These biographical and/or fantastical dramas allow kids to unleash their curiosity and imagination as they embark on a journey that takes them around the world and back in time. Each musical story is underscored by context-relevant selections of the featured composer's musical works, and tells a poignant story that revolves around children listeners can really relate to, their discoveries, and interactions with other well-developed characters. Classical Kids recordings are at once elaborate and simple and thus provide enjoyable listening for the entire family.
With so many children's products relying heavily on visual stimuli, Classical Kids recordings provide a fresh change of pace. Kids will listen instead of watch, sparking their imaginations as they instinctively visualize the story in their minds. These recordings appeal to children of all ages, and many a parent as well!
In Song of the Unicorn, a kind-hearted young Queen has fallen mysteriously ill. The King is heartbroken, and the land is saddened. An owl's message to the King prompts a search in the forest for the healing unicorn that will restore the Queen's health. The King and Queen's children, Owen and Megan, are the ones who are "pure of heart" and thus able to approach the unicorn. Wearing the owl's necklace, they embark on a magical and musical adventure that takes them into the Great Forest, through a monastery and village, into a cave where they meet the wizard Merlin, and finally to the isle of Avalon where they meet the gentle Unicorn.
This heartwarming story is narrated by Jeremy Irons, and his intensity combined with the quality of the story itself create powerful imagery in any listener, young and old. Excerpts from pre-Baroque music (including traditional English songs like Greensleeves and Early One Morning), Celtic songs, and Medieval dances underscore this magical tale. Merlin the wizard even demonstrates the birth and future of music, and listeners are treated to excerpts from Bach, Beethoven, and Mozart as well. This production celebrates music and life itself. Though the mission is a serious one, there are some wonderfully playful moments in this recording. There are plenty of elements here to entertain young children, including the delightful riddles that are sprinkled throughout the story — in fact, Owen's love for riddles finds practical value in his journey.
The audio CD is enhanced, and can be used in PC or Macintosh computers. The activities here are meant to extend the story and provide children with a visual component as well. Through the program's music, art, riddles, and games, children discover the world of medieval times. Elementary school teachers will find this CD a wonderful supplemental learning resource, whether their classes are studying music or the Middle Ages.
This CD again confirms my opinion that all families should own at least one Classical Kids recording. Song of the Unicorn is every bit as extraordinary as Beethoven Lives Upstairs, also by Classical Kids. This CD/cassette is perfect for travel time or lazy/rainy afternoons.
You may also be interested in the following related reviews:
