Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies

Lyricist and singer Richard Perlmutter is clearly someone who understands children as well as he understands music, and his love and passion for both fairly burst through the speakers on every track. Fur Elise alone is worth the price of the CD. And Beethovenï, Wig is not just for small children: my 12-year old daughter, upon hearing the lyrics sung to Fur Elise, dashed immediately to the piano, which she had given up two years ago and began playing the piece again for the first time since I can remember and singing Perlmutterï's delightful lyrics from the activity booklet included in the CD package. Now she's saying she wants to perform it in her middle school talent night.

This CD is beautiful gift to all our children and, someday, to their children and may have the power to do as much for preserving the classical repertoire as do the finest conservatories. With, of course, a nod and a wink and lots of chuckles along the way.


Brings back fond memories from when I learned music!   January 14, 2005
Matthew G. Sherwin (last seen screaming at Amazon customer service)
22 out of 23 found this review helpful

When I was rather young, just four or five years old, my mother got me started listening to classical music by numerous composers. I can't help but think of the fond memories I have of those days with my mom as we listened together and she taught me to appreciate this fine music. Therefore I sincerely believe this CD is a good purchase for children who are just beginning to get acquainted with classical music.

The first part of the CD preps the child to be receptive to classical music by the use of some fun and silly lyrics (which are well written) to go along with the music excerpts. As the CD tracks progress the same music is played again--but this time without the silly lyrics--to get the child to hear the beauty of the music. I think this is a valuable tool to entice kids to listen to and appreciate classical music. Children need to be exposed to the arts and this CD helps accomplish that.

The quality of the sound is rather good and the CD has a pretty good range of musical excerpts to keep the children interested. The liner notes are fantastic! They will entertain young and old alike! GRIN

One thing, though: I suggest you listen to the audio clips from the CD on this web site to see for yourself if you like Richard Perlmutter's singing. There seems to be some disagreement amongst the listeners (the adult ones who wrote the reviews, at least) so remember to give the CD sound clips a listen.




YES!!!   April 30, 2003
E. Kinnon (Los Angeles, CA)
15 out of 16 found this review helpful

For those reviewers concerned about this CD "dumbing down" classical music by the addition of clever lyrics, I say "LIGHTEN UP, FOR CRYING OUT LOUD!" I am a professional musician whose children love this catchy, fun, educational CD which, by the way, stays true to the original (acoustic) orchestration without adding synthesizers or electronics. My 9 year old had memorized the entire CD in a very few days, and will no doubt remember the themes (and their composers) forever. His 7 year old brother is not far behind. I highly recommend this CD to anyone with children.


My Kids Love This CD   December 30, 2004
Amy Haaland (Texas)
13 out of 15 found this review helpful

I bought this CD for my kids (ages 13, 9,7, and 1) last July. They ALL love it and ask to listen to it all the time. They have memorized the lyrics and the older three know the names of the composers as well as the names of the original songs. My one year old loves "Hyden's Great Surprise" and recognizes it the moment it begins to play. Great music for kids of all ages. The voice quality of Richard Perlmutter is not great...but we love the CD anyway. A very enjoyable way to learn some great classical tunes.


A Tremendous, Stupendous Hit at Our House!   April 30, 2002
Deborah J. Taub (Lafayette, IN United States)
12 out of 14 found this review helpful

Everyone at my house loves this CD (brought to us by Grandma) -- my husband (classically trained musician), our 8 year old son ..., our 2 year old daughter (who dances around the family room to the tunes), and me.

The lyrics Perlmutter has put to these grand warhorses of classical music are so witty and inventive you can't help chortling. And how he manages to get through these parodies with wonderfully straight performances is a great mystery to us all.

Each of us has our own favorites. The 2 year old likes "Harmony." The 8 year old likes "Drip, Drip, Drip." I'm partial to "Kings and Queens of England" and "Hey Guitar Teacher." And all of us love the Night Music ("Sheep will never help me sleep!").

I also should mention that the music and the humor hold up to repeated listenings (which is good b/c with kids you get repeated listenings).

Give this one a try. You won't regret it.