Customer Reviews

Classical Kids: Hallelujah Handel!

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

 

 

Katerina, heroine of Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery in the same Classical Kids CD series, has accompanied her grandfather, the Duke, to London. While there she meets and befriends a rather jolly composer and musician named G.F. Handel as well as a rather melancholy boy treble named Thomas. The storyline reeks of melodrama and is chock-a-block full of Dickensian coincidences critcal to the plot. All that sniffy stuff aside, however, this is another effective and enjoyable introduction for kids to a wonderful composer's work. The disc explores many aspects of Handel's output, humorously describes dealing with a difficult diva, hints at the sometimes uneasy relationship between artists and patrons; it also pokes fun at class stereotypes. While the story does not flinch at some of the uglier aspects of 18th Century London (poverty, the plight of orphans, drink and lawlessness) it does not overwhelm the sensibility of listening children. My four year old son has listened to this CD more than a dozen times; neither he nor I have tired of it despite such exposure. This disc succeeds nicely, as do all the CDs in this series, in presenting an iconic musical figure in a human and personable light. Good music, good entertainment, good value.

This Classical Kids story stars Katarina, from Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery. Having returned with her grandfather to London, she is attending a party when she meets the great composer George Frideric Handel. They're drawn together by a boy named Thomas, an orphan with the voice of an angel who never speaks and is rented by the cruel "Keeper" as entertainment. In trying to free Thomas from his slavery, convincing him to speak, and practicing with the orphans who will be singing Handel's Messiah, Katarina and Handel travel all over London, to operas and taverns, to orphanages and parks. It rises to a peak in the end with the joyful Hallelujah chorus. The music in this is wonderful, and I can honestly say that at 16 I love this as much as I did when I first got it (and that was probably more than 6 or 7 years ago). The plot is a nice vehicle to introduce people of all ages to the beauty that is the heart of all Handel's compositions, and I'd recommend it to everyone, regardless of age or musical tastes.

We love the cd's in this series. We listen to them on car drives and they have added so very much to our lives. Thanks to this series my 7 year old daughter can recognize the compositions of Bach, Mozart, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky and Vivaldi while listening to the classical station on the radio. What a fun way for a family to become familiar with classical music.

But the story line of this one is a bit too sad for small children. If the cd had a warning, something like " best for children over 9 years old", or something like that I would have appreciated it. My daughter became quite frightened listening to the story and so I put it away. Maybe in a few years.....

My older children really enjoy "Hallelujah Handel." It's subject matter is a bit mature for my little children as it involves a boy who, as a result of abuse from his "handler," can express himself only through music. The music is moving and the boy, Thomas, is tenderly cared for afer being rescued. We rated this CD four stars as it isn't quite as wonderful as "Mr. Bach Comes to Call."

Handel's music is, of course, grand and beautiful. I applaud Susan Hammond's creativity and her hopes to introduce children to classical music. However, the fictional storyline is just that....fictional. Your (and your child's) impression and "memories" of Handel will forever falsely be tied to this fictional storyline of Thomas, Katerina, and Handel which never occured. There are of course elements of truth in the storyline but the majority never happened. Buy some CD's of Handel's wonderful music and listen with your family! There are several good books you can read about Handel's real life and they are not boring.

I am 20 years old and I still love the Classical Kids CDs! The music in this one is gorgeous and the story has more depth than say Mozart's Magic Fantasy and it is a little darker but it is no less fantastic. The boy who plays Thomas does indeed have the voice of an Angel and can only express himself through music, but he does so beautifully. I highly enjoy listening to these and have imported my old CD version into Itunes to transfer to my Ipod! I remember getting this CD version when I was a little girl and to this day it remains as one of my favorite soundtracks of classical music because it doesn't just present the music as it is, but it weaves it into a story that anyone can relate to and enjoy! I hope to find the other Classical Kids soundtracks at some point...perhaps Vivaldi's Ring of Mystery because that one also has the character of Katarina.

This is an excellent tool for helping children understand and enjoy classical music. Our six-year old granddaughter and four-year old grandson really enjoy it and are learning so much. We have purchased Classical Kids for other composers and find each one a delight.

All of these Classical Kids cds are not just for kids. It's a fun way to learn more about the classical composers for the whole family.