Prokofiev: Peter And the Wolf / March In B Flat Major / Overture On Hebrew Themes / Classical Symphony

Stefan Vladar (Artist), Sting (Artist), Sergey Prokofiev (Composer), Claudio Abbado (Conductor), Chamber Orchestra of Europe (Orchestra) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Orchestra: Chamber Orchestra of Europe
• Conductor: Claudio Abbado
• Composer: Sergey Prokofiev
• Audio CD (May 7, 1991)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Deutsche Grammophon
• ASIN: B000001GCF
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (11 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #45,864 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)
  • #65 in Music > World Music > Middle East > Israel
  • #88 in Music > Classical > Forms & Genres > Theatrical, Incidental & Program Music > Overtures

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

30 of 30 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Family Favorite, from a Dad who knows..., June 27, 2000

By 

M. Aves (Mechanicsburg, PA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prokofiev: Peter And the Wolf / March In B Flat Major / Overture On Hebrew Themes / Classical Symphony (Audio CD)

(My original review, from 2000)

Picture this: It's family vacation time. You're in the car, 500 miles to go, kids are screaming "Are we there yet?", and you aren't lucky enough to own a car TV/DVD. You want to keep them occupied, but listening to "Barney Sing-alongs" one more time will make you go postal.

THIS IS THE CURE!

Sergei Prokofiev composed this piece to introduce young people to the symphony. Though Disney did animate the piece several decades ago, it still works best as an audio-only experience -- one that forces the child to be quiet, and listen closely so that the story can unfold within the boundless realms of their rich imaginations.

If you know the story, each of the characters are portrayed by instruments of the orchestra (Bird=flute, cat=clarinet, duck=oboe). Sting enhances and brings fresh perspective to this tale, adding vocal characterizations that make it more than just a narrative -- it is more of a one-man dramatic reading with Sting playing all the parts. (Sting actually rehearsed for the part by playing many versions of previous recordings, and noting how his own chidren reacted). The music serves as score/soundtrack to this dramatic reading, making it a wonderful listening experience to share with children.

My own daughter (age four) likes to act out many of the scenes herself as she listens, and often runs for protection into the safety of my arms when the wolf appears.

Buy this, and years from now when you and your children have grown older, like Chistmas Eve's, and Thanksgiving Dinner's, you will each recall with much joy, the quality time you spent together experiencing this timeless classic.

PS - It's now 2006, and my 4 year old is now 10, but true to my predictions we read this review together and she nodded in agreement...it's an experience she already treasures, and one we've introduced her younger sister to.

13 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great fun for kids, February 16, 2001

By 

Linda A. Kidwell (Laramie, WY) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Prokofiev: Peter And the Wolf / March In B Flat Major / Overture On Hebrew Themes / Classical Symphony (Audio CD)

This rendition of Peter and the Wolf is lots of fun. Sting uses different voices for each character, but I only wish we heard more from the duck (his best). As a Police fan of old, I get a kick out of hearing Sting's very proper British accent. The music is likewise wonderful, and my children enjoy chasing each other around the house playing and singing the different animals. The only complaint I have is that the range of dynamics is too broad. If you play it loud enough to hear the narration, the bird (flute), and cat (clarinet) clearly, then the wolf (horn section) is too loud for comfort. When I listen in the car, I have to keep my hand near the volume dial. Still, the overall quality of this recording is excellent, and I highly recommend it.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Sting not only for children, June 17, 2000

By A Customer

This review is from: Prokofiev: Peter And the Wolf / March In B Flat Major / Overture On Hebrew Themes / Classical Symphony (Audio CD)

Sting, the former singer of one of Rocks most successsful groups The Police, joined the Chamber Orchestra of Europe under Claudio Abbado to narrate this long-time children's classic. Being a former elementary teacher and father of four, Sting is able to tell the story in a gripping and convincing way. This is a great CD, not only for children, but also for their Sting-loving parents. P.S.: In 1985 Sting also recorded the song Russians, which is based on another Prokofiev melody from Lieutenant Kije.