Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies

Beethoven's Wig (Performer)

Product Details

• Performer: Beethoven's Wig
• Audio CD (May 2, 2006)
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Rounder / Umgd
• ASIN: B000F1IPPQ
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 3.9 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (18 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #12,533 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

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Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Outside of Kidz Bop and Disneymania!, you won't find a lot of kids' series racking up the kind of sales that merit three installment, which is why the creators of Beethoven's Wig ought to step out of the orchestra pit and take a bow. Not only have they made it to No. 3, they've done it with a concept that veers sharply and unswervingly into educational territory. From the toot of the first cornet to the timpani's final thump, not a tired note has surfaced yet. For newcomers, here's a primer: Head wig-flipper Richard Perlmutter leads a respectable-sounding ensemble of singers and musicians in the loopy lyricizing of classic symphonic pieces. Everything from Handel to Rossini gets the word treatment. Instead of random witticisms, though, the lyrics he ascribes are meant to impart something memorable about the music. Thus, Mozart's Horn Concerto No. 4 is wedded to a charming ditty called "Chap in a Cap" and Bizet's "Toreador" song from Carmen comes to life with images of a bull in a China shop. Where Beethoven's Wig 3 differs from the others is in its focus on individual instruments--clarinets, mandolins, bassoons and basses all get the Wig equivalent of a shout-out. Otherwise, it's a return to form: Liner notes crammed not only with lyrics, but with fun questions and answers (How many fingers do harpists use when they play? Eight), a second half devoted to unsullied versions of the sung symphonies, and blasts of familiar sound leeched of stuffiness. Cue it up for anybody under 12 and keep your fingers crossed. With any luck, Perlmutter and company will come through with a fourth volume. --Tammy La Gorce

Product Description

Beethoven's Wig celebrates the instruments! With more zany lyrics set to the greatest hits of classical music, these new Sing Along Symphonies feature a variety of different instruments from the familiar to the fascinating. The instrumental performance of each piece is also included without lyrics. A fun foundation for classical music that will last a lifetime. Beethoven's Wig has become the classical music sensation for the whole family. This is the third CD in the wildly popular Beethoven's Wig series which has won a record number of national awards (30 thus far) including two Grammy® Award nominations. The CD booklet includes lyrics, trivia questions, and activities.

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Warning: the fun is contagious!, May 28, 2006

By	Mark Stevens (Alameda, CA USA) - See all my reviews

For those of you familiar with Beethoven's Wig 1 and 2, you already know to expect the unexpected from lyric genius Richard Perlmutter and his very talented Beethoven's Wig crew. They have single-handedly delivered the classical music repertoire to millions of young children in the most innovative, engaging way - marrying the best of the classical repertoire to witty, fun lyrics for children (and adults!) that engage, entertain, and make the music unforgettable with the charming voice of Perlmutter himself and an accomplished operatic ensemble of singers. While so many artists struggle to follow up two gigantic successes with a third that doesn't disappoint, Beethoven's Wig 3 masterfully and refreshingly follows its own act with a new twist on the recipe this time: showcasing individual instruments in the orchestra, appreciating the uniqueness of each, and marrying them to short lyrical stories that are making my nephews and nieces laugh out loud while they learn (and while their parents and grandparents chuckle along -- and learn a few things too). The CD booklet contains not only the illustrated stories, but also interesting and fun questions about classical music and different orchestral instruments. I can really see why Beethoven's Wig has won so many children's music awards - there's nothing else like it, kids adore it, and parents feel great about knowing their children are developing a life-long love and appreciation for classical music at an early age.

10 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The appeal of this CD can't be exaggerated, July 20, 2006

By	Melanie Wilson "vegetarianbabydotcom" (USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Sometimes pretentious, sometimes downright ridiculous products promising to expose our children to classical music can be as obnoxious as they are ubiquitous. Noise-making machines imitating Mozart do not a classical music lover make, particularly when it comes to plastic devices that light up and play unrecognizable sound.

But exposing our children to classical music is important, right? So parents dutifully play Mozart. We want our kids to be smart, so we play the music even though we'd sometimes rather be listening to NPR...or AC/DC.

The CD Beethoven's Wig 3, released in May 2006, is the antidote to insane-classical-music-noise-for-children. It also passes easily the "Entertains Parents, Too" test. The creator of the Beethoven's Wig series, Richard Perlmutter, is brilliant. His unmistakable and humorous voice combines with incredible operatic voices and lyrics that are charming and delightful - even educational. You'll want to read the included lyrics, trivia questions, and related activities for parents, educators and children.

There are two directions the CD takes. One is a feature of various musical instruments (musicians in the family are sure to be intrigued), from the familiar oboe to the more obscure Cor Anglais. The other is a section "Short and Suite," a collection of brief pieces of larger works with complete, short lyrical songs.

The appeal of Beethoven's Wig 3 can't be exaggerated. The first two CDs in the series have two Grammy Award nominations, more than 30 national awards, and you may have seen them featured on television talk shows. You won't resent this music stuck in your head, because it's beautiful and the lyrics are smart, if not wacky. The album's final piece is a story of an alien spaceship landing to perform a concert, and you'll never hear Strauss' "Also Sprach Zarathustra" the same way again, with "TAKE ME TO YOUR LEADER" bellowed out during the timpani.

The CD also contains all the compositions sans vocals on the second half, serving as great background music or sing-along inspiration.

Beethoven's Wig 3 is a must-have for parents who love classical music. It's honestly unique - I've never seen anything that compares with this amazing collection of songs for children. The humorous and educational components of the CD make it a sure bet as a gift for all the children in your life, and parents surely will discard all those so-called classical music noisemaking toys when they hear Beethoven's Wig 3. --Caity McCardell

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

3.0 out of 5 stars Worse than BW 1 and 2, May 20, 2007

By	Alex K (Philadelphia, PA USA) - See all my reviews

I am big fan of Beethoven's wig 1 and 2 but this number 3 is not as good.
Looks more like leftovers compiled from failed BW 1 and 2 songs to me. I gave even 3 starts mostly out of respect to the artist. BW 1 and 2 are always in CD holder of our family van. Number three will not be there (However, if I decide to make them mp3, I would add one on two songs from BW3 to the playlist).