Mozart's Magnificent Voyage

"Mozart's Magnificent Voyage" provides biographical information about Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart using some of his most famous compositions as background music. The idea is that Mozart is working on his last opera, "The Magic Flute," but has to take time out to visit his son Karl at school, where the young boy has been acting up. As a result, Mozart will not have time to write the parts for the Dream Children, who decide to do something about it, namely use their magic boat to reach Karl first and take the boy on a journey that takes them back in time to Mozart's childhood when he first became famous as a musical prodigy. There is also a visit to the future, when Beethoven himself offers young Karl some insights on Mozart's music. This album contains more than two dozen excerpts from Mozart's music, including Eine Kleine Nachtmusik, the Clarinet Quintet, Symphony No. 1, variations on "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star" and several songs from his operas. A few of the songs are worked into the narrative, as when the Dream Children sing "Three Spirits" from "The Magic Flute" and Constanze sings the "Letter Duet" from "Cosi Fan Tutte" on her wedding day to Mozart. None of the songs are identified on the album itself, although they are all listed in the album notes. As a result, children will probably learn more about Mozart's life than his music. Educators should be aware that Teacher's Notes are available for all Classical Kids recordings, a series that also includes "Mr. Bach Comes to Call," "Beethoven Lives Upstairs," and "Tchaikovsky Discovers America."

This CD is a great way to introduce your children to classical music! Mozart's music really comes alive through this story which is brilliantly and seamlessly interwoven with excerpts from his work. My 3 children were completely riveted, and we were too. I look forward to listening to the other CD's in this collection.

My daughter is 5 and loves to hear this CD over and over in the car.