Customer Reviews

Beethoven's Wig 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies

5 star:		(19)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

I am a HUGE fan of the original Beethoven's Wig. I think the premise is brilliant: instead of following the tired formula of simply collecting "important" classical pieces into CDs aimed at children, take those pieces and give them clever lyrics for the kids (and their parents) to sing along with. Much of what I liked about the original Beethoven's Wig was the way the lyrics managed to be silly and yet at the same time convey some real information about either the song, the composer or both.

If Beethoven's Wig 2 has a fault, it's simply that it isn't quite as clever or entertaining as the original. First, I think Richard Perlmutter did a better job of selecting the classical pieces for the first disc. More of the songs are upbeat and seem "made" for singing along to. Beethoven's Wig 2 starts out strong with the Light Cavalry March, La donne e mobile and In the Hall of the Mountain King, but the middle of the disc switches gears and seems to lag in comparison to the bright opening. Moreover, the lyrics just aren't as consistently clever in Beethoven's Wig 2. While I love "Stuck in the Saddle Again" and "It's the Same Every Verse," I think several of the other songs (such as "Dvorak The Czechoslovak") try too hard to impart "important" information about the composer at the expense of maintaining the sense of humor and fun that typifies the Beethoven's Wig series. Finally, while the first CD ended with a literal bang ("1812 Overture," aptly re-titled "Tchaikovsky's Cannonball"), the second ends with the Wedding March - a decent enough piece re-titled "Wow What a Wedding Cake," but not nearly the big finish of the first Beethoven's Wig.

Despite all this, I still give Beethoven's Wig 2 four stars simply because I believe it's one of the very best ways to introduce children to classical music and make it an exceptionally enjoyable experience. Kids of all ages will definitely want to hear this disc over and over, and while it might not live up to the incredibly high standards of the first Beethoven's Wig, it's still much better than many of the other children's music CDs out there.

Richard Perlmutter's "Beethoven's Wig 2" is a rare and special type of album. Ostensibly, it is a children's album full of Mr. Perlmutter's sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, often witty, but always-intelligent lyrics, sung over famous classical pieces. The strength of this album, however, lies in its broad appeal and lasting power. "Beethoven's Wig 2" is great for your 5 or 6-year old, who will love Permutter's kid-friendly delivery and engaging stories. However, a 8 or 9-year old child will also love this album, being able to catch many more of Perlmutter's witticisms and puns. As a parent you will love the fact that your children are being exposed to, and more importantly, being engaged by Classical music (the original instrumental performances are also included on this album). As Perlmutter embeds quite a bit of musical history and factoids into many of the songs (i.e. "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" is a fantastic 3-minute summary of the great Czech composers life in America and how it, in part, inspired his famous Humoresque No. 7) you may learn a thing or two about Classical music yourself. Where else can you find an album that is appealing both to you and your children, exposes you to great music, teaches you, and most importantly makes you laugh and smile?

Only 5 Stars!!! If I could, I'd give Beethoven's Wig 2 ten or more stars! Richard Perlmutter has done it again - this cd is brilliant and has quickly become a beloved cd for our entire family. There is nothing better than listening to my children hum classical music and sing the lyrics to these great masterpieces! Every family should own a copy of this great CD! We can't wait for Beethoven's Wig 3!

I was so excited to see that another volume of Beethoven's Wig was finally available, only to be terribly disappointed by the lack of cleverness and wit. Other than In the Hall of the Mountain King ("It's the Same Every Verse"), none of the songs really stood out. They lyrics felt forced and half-baked, like a term-paper written in the wee hours of the morning and completed only moments before the deadline. The songs just aren't particularly clever or polished. (...)!

I don't hate this album. I'm just disappointed. The first was much better, since the cleverness of the lyrics helped balance out the weakness of Mr. Perlmutter's performance. This second album is simply dull in comparison. Not terrible, but not half what I was hoping for.

My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!

I received Beethoven's Wig and Beethoven's Wig 2 just a few days ago, and I think they are marvelous! I have listened to them over and over, and I find myself tearing up at the lyrics to the "Trout," "There's music in the river; there's music in the sea." I LOVE "WOW, What a Wedding Cake!"

Pure genius. I want more!!!!

Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.

Believe the people who say this one is not as good as the first. The whole thing just seems like rejects from the first volume. And the reasons they were rejected become clear. None of the songs on this CD, or any of the others that follow, impart the same type of info as the first CD. You can listen to this one for months and still not know the composers or the real name of the pieces. Only the first CD does that--and does it well!!

Perhaps not quite as well known tunes as the first Beethoven's wig, but a treat to hear my 2 year old singing along in the backseat. The music of decent to good quality, a buffet sampler of a few great classical pieces. The pleasure may not be the same as the full rendition by an amazing performer BUT that is not the point of these CDs.

For me it is pure listening pleasure to have my family ask for classical music because of these CDs rather than groans over dad's music.

The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!