My Name is Handel CD {Giveaway - Ends 1/20} (CLOSED)

*This giveaway is closed. Congrats to the winner listed below.*

Are you looking to add a little culture to your children's lives? Maybe your own too? The new My Name is Handel CD from Maestro Classics is a perfect introduction. With stories, beautiful music, and lovely singing you will fall in love with these classical songs by George Friderick Handel.

'MY NAME IS HANDEL'

from

MAESTRO CLASSICS

A STORIES IN MUSIC CD for Narrator, Soloists, and Symphony Orchestra

Featuring the London Philharmonic Orchestra 

Stephen Simon, conductor

"If your little ones are past the age of getting their classical music from Baby Einstein, here is the perfect next step. - Entertainment Weekly

"Conductor Stephen Simon and narrator Yadu continue the series of fun and informative introductions to symphonic music -- and other styles...music that kdis and their parents can enjoy." - The Washington Post

"You don't have to love classical music to fall under the enchanting spell of Stephen Simon's magical production." - Parents' Choice Awards

WASHINGTON, DC (September 2, 2011) - In today's busy world, the quality of time spent together as a family takes on tremendous importance. Maestro Classics, winner of more than 45 prestigious awards for its Stories in Music CD series is dedicated to upgrading family time by creating recordings that offer memorable listening experiences for the whole family -- albums where uncompromisingly great performances are woven into enchanting narratives, supplemented by expanded commentary and activities in attractively designed booklets with exquisite illustrations. Maestro Classics proudly announces the release of the company's eighth CD, My Name is Handel: The Story of Handel's "Water Music" (Maestro Classics, $16.98, for ages 7+ and families, run time 49 minutes).

My Name is Handel transports listeners to early 18th century London, where George Frideric Handel, the brilliant young German composer, has established residence. Handel's erstwhile employer, the Elector of Hanover, has just succeeded to the throne of England to become King George I. As a true showmans' response to the announcement of a royal boat trip on the River Thames, Handel composes a suite of dances, hires a boat and 50 musicians, and heads down the river to surprise the King. The music Handel wrote for this occasion has become known as "Water Music," one of the composer's best-loved works. The story of this tuneful adventure serves as the engaging backdrop for a multifaceted exploration of Handel's career and a musical response to the question, "How did a German become England's most famous composer?" With eminent conductor Stephen Simon directing the London Philharmonic Orchestra, renowned Baroque soprano Julianne Baird and baritone James Shaffran, narration by Yadu (a.k.a. Dr. Konrad Czynski), and intriguing observations by Maestro Classics co-founder Bonnie Ward Simon, My Name is Handel is much more than your typical "classical music for kids" CD.

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 taste. Unfortunately ,  many recordings of classical music designed for children are done on a budget that does not allow for world-class performances by truly great musicians and singers. The Maestro Classics Stories in Music series, however, features thrilling musical performances of the highest adult standards. My Name is Handel is no exception. The London Philharmonic Orchestra plays splendidly under the baton of Stephen Simon, who also presents valuable information that enhances the meaning of the music. Soprano Julianne Baird performs with crystalline clarity and tenderness of expression, and James Shaffron displays his burnished baritone, singing jolly faux-lyrics to the celebrated Hornpipe melody from the Water Music Suite. Narrator Yadu has a gentle, old time style that is always easy to understand and perfectly captures the mood of the text. Listening to him is like listening to a favorite uncle present a well rehearsed family narrative. Maestro Classics co-founder Bonnie Ward Simons's descriptions of musical life in the London of Handel's day are as engagingly child-friendly and fun-filled as they are illuminating.

Altogether, there is no detail that has escaped the cultured eyes and ears of the Simon team, including beautiful illustrations by Martin Millard incorporated into a 24-page booklet carefully designed by Bonnie Ward Simon that is filled with information and innovative activities. Additionally, the Maestro Classics website (www.maestroclassics.com) contains a wealth of advice and activities designed to help families incorporate classical music into their lives.

Maestro Classics recordings are available at maestroclassics, amazon.com, and other major distributors and retailers. In addition to My Name is Handel, the Stories in Music series includes Peter and the Wold, The Tortoise and the Hard, The Story of Swan Lake, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Casey at the Bat, and Juanita the Spanish Lobster (also available in Spanish).



The music on My Name is Handel is beautiful. When you have the world renowned London Philharmonic Orchestra performing, you'll get nothing less. This CD has cleverly woven the story of Handel into the musical numbers. Not only are you enjoying classical music, but you are learning about one of the most famous classical composers at the same time. Your children will enjoy this CD probably as much as you will. Just think of it as a nice peaceful car ride with this one on.

You can learn more about My Name is Handel and other CDs from Maestro Classics on their website- www.maestroclassics.com. You can purchase the CD from their website as well through Amazon and some retailers.

I have a copy of this CD to give away. Just enter in the Rafflecopter form below.


*Disclaimer: I received this product to review. All opinions are my own.*
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