Series Originator and Producer: Susan Hammond
Classical Kids recordings combine music and drama to help children learn about
famous composers, their music, and some history of the times. These biographical
and/or fantastical dramas allow kids to unleash their curiosity and imagination
as they embark on a journey that takes them around the world and back in time.
Each musical story is underscored by context-relevant selections of the featured
composer's musical works, and tells a poignant story that revolves around children
listeners can really relate to, their discoveries, and interactions with other
well-developed characters. Classical Kids recordings are at once elaborate and
simple and thus provide enjoyable listening for the entire family.
With so many children's products relying heavily on visual stimuli, Classical
Kids recordings provide a fresh change of pace. Kids will listen instead of
watch, sparking their imaginations as they instinctively visualize the story
in their minds. These recordings appeal to children of all ages, and many a
parent as well!
In Song of the Unicorn, a kind-hearted young Queen has fallen mysteriously
ill. The King is heartbroken, and the land is saddened. An owl's message to
the King prompts a search in the forest for the healing unicorn that will restore
the Queen's health. The King and Queen's children, Owen and Megan, are the ones
who are "pure of heart" and thus able to approach the unicorn. Wearing
the owl's necklace, they embark on a magical and musical adventure that takes
them into the Great Forest, through a monastery and village, into a cave where
they meet the wizard Merlin, and finally to the isle of Avalon where they meet
the gentle Unicorn.
This heartwarming story is narrated by Jeremy Irons, and his intensity combined
with the quality of the story itself build powerful imagery in any listener's
mind,
young and old. Excerpts from pre-Baroque music (including traditional English
songs like Greensleeves and Early One Morning), Celtic songs,
and Medieval dances underscore this magical tale. Merlin the wizard even demonstrates
the birth and future of music, and listeners are treated to excerpts from Bach,
Beethoven, and Mozart as well. This production celebrates music and life itself.
Though the mission is a serious one, there are some wonderfully playful moments
in this recording. There are plenty of elements here to entertain young children,
including the delightful riddles that are sprinkled throughout the story —
in fact, Owen's love for riddles finds practical value in his journey.
The audio CD is enhanced, and can be used in PC or Macintosh computers. The
activities here are meant to extend the story and provide children with a visual
component as well. Through the program's music, art, riddles, and games, children
discover the world of medieval times. Elementary school teachers will find this
CD a wonderful supplemental learning resource, whether their classes are studying
music or the Middle Ages.
This CD again confirms my opinion that all families should own at least one
Classical Kids recording. Song of the Unicorn is every bit as extraordinary
as Beethoven Lives Upstairs, also
by Classical Kids. This CD/cassette is perfect for travel time or lazy/rainy
afternoons.
You may also be interested in the following related reviews:
Rating: 
