Book Description

Originally published as Gonna Sing My Head Off!, this big, colorful songbook is now reissued for the first time with a 23-song CD created especially for it. The book includes 62 of the best-loved American folk songs, with all the lyrics and easy-to-play musical arrangements of the tunes everyone remembers although they may need a little help with the words. From Maine to California, here are ”Michael, Row the Boat Ashore,” “On Top of Old Smoky,” “Home on the Range,” “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad,” “This Land Is Your Land,” to name a few–songs that represent the American spirit and history. With each beautifully illustrated song is a note about its origin. ... Read more

Book Description

John Lennon's influence on music and culture is legendary. He was a rebel, a genius, an innovator, and a peace activist. From a young age he dreamed of fame and fortune. When he achieved it as one of the Beatles, he recognized the need for a deeper meaning in life. His inner search for happiness shaped his life and brought new dimension to the world of rock 'n' roll. As a follow-up to their award-winning title, Martin's Big Words, Doreen Rappaport and Bryan Collier present John Lennon's life through a combination of narrative and song lyrics, cut-paper collage and watercolor art-capturing the energy and the essence of a man whose vision and creative genius continue to inspire people today. ... Read more

Book Description

Catchy melodies, drill and student involvement make multiplication tables to twelve very memorable. A complement of self quizzing music tracks allows students to quiz themselves. ... Read more

Reviews (1)

Absolutely the best multiplication resource I've ever tried.
I purchased this for use with my third grade class and I have to say that we played it so much I had to replace the tape! This collection of songs was put together with a great deal of thought. Each melody is different, very musical and very catchy. NOT the usual rap sounds that I had expected to hear. As a matter of fact, the tunes are so catchy they almost have a hypnotic effect. Even adults find themselves singing the times tables after class. (Looks a bit crazy, I know!)

What I especially like about these songs is that they also teach skip counting. The chorus of every single song is actually skip counting. So, not only do students learn all of their timetables, they can count by 6's, 7's, even 12's with no problem! The use of skip counting makes this tape perfect for grade three students as a primer and for grade four students as a resource and review.

The flip side of the cassette allows for students to test themselves.

I have had many students tell me that they do well on their tests because of these songs! I often recommend this cassette kit for home use as a fun way to review. ... Read more

Book Description

God’s Kids Worship is a new collection of today’s top Praise & Worship recordings produced for and sung by kids 8-14 years old. Each all-new recording of God’s Kids Worship: Blue, Green, Red, and Orange will feature the most popular songs kids are already singing in church today. Included on these recordings are all of the top 25 and most of the top 100 of today’s most popular Praise & Worship songs as established by Christian Copyright Licensing International. Each recording also includes at least six hymns and traditional songs. Perfect for at home listening or sing-alongs at Sunday School, children’s church, small group, and backyard Bible clubs.Produced by four-time Children’s Album Dove nominee and multi-platinum Grammy nominee, Bob Singleton.

Songs included on God’s Kids Worship: Red

1. Celebrate Jesus
2. Leaning on the Everlasting Arms
3. Thy Loving Kindness
4. Amazing Grace
5. Ah, Lord God
6. Open the Eyes of My Heart
7. His Name is Wonderful
8. I Will Sing of the Mercies
9. Trust and Obey (When We Walk With the Lord)
10. He is Lord
11. Wade in the Water
12. Lord, I Lift Your Name on High
13. He is Exalted
14. Peace Like a River
15. Mighty is Our God
16. Praise Him, Praise Him
17. Alive, Alive
18. Great is The Lord
19. I Stand in Awe
20. Wonderful Words of Life

Book Description

Mutual affection grows between two flirty ducklings as they bill and coo around the farmyard in Rosemary Well's young and sassy interpretation of a beloved Frank Loesser song. This calls for hungs around the neck while reading, so be sure to share it with someone special. ... Read more

Reviews (2)

A fun, fantastic collection of songs and rhymes
This book is very enjoyable. The translations are top notch and it is fun for the whole family! My kids love it! We sing and clap and dance and sing some more!

Los pollitos dicen
This book gives me a chance to learn not only in spanish but in english also! Excellent book with nursery rhymes and chants during games! Would rate higher though if it came with a cassette tape or CD to play along. ... Read more

Book Description

The Cheetah Girls are starring in a movie of their own on the Disney Channel in 2003. They're spicier than hot sauce and as cool as iced cappuccino. They outshine any diamond with their supa-dupa inner sparkle! Now see how it all began in the first books of the series starring Galleria, Chanel, Dorinda, Anginette, and Aquanette. Each bind-up features four Cheetah-licious tales about girls having guts, brains, courage, and friends (while flashin' some style and always shining from the heart). ... Read more

Reviews (5)

cheetah!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
hey im jaimercedes and i reed and saw the cheetah girls i loved the movie so much that i even teped it my friends and me say that were the cheetah girls im galleria im buying the three books and the cheetah girls cd. i think that this movie showed me that if i want to be a star go for it but work for it.I sing their songs and know all the dance but i wish that in the future i be in the t.v. for i could show everyone.the first time they gave the movie in disney channel i was like oh my god i cant believe im seeing this i saw it twice planning to buy the dvd but i dont have a dvd player go for it and buy it come on is good!!!!!!!!!!!!!:-D

This is a good book
I bought this book a little after Christmas because I found myself loving the movie. Thinking the book would be better (because all books are better!) I read it. I was totally wrong. True, the book is good, but 1. Galleria (or Deborah Gregory, the author) CANNOT write good songs. I'm sorry, she can't. They are very poorly written and if I sat down and thought I could think of something better. 2. The lingo is also very immature and hard to understand. Otherwise, the plot is good and the characters are good.

The Cheetah Girls
This book is wonderful though sometimes it is hard to understand. Thankfully Ms. Gregory included a glossary so those of us who don't understand Galleria and her friend's language can keep up. Something that I especially like about this book is the fact that it is different from the movie thought there are some scenes that are the same. It's boring to read a book that is word for word the same as the movie I just watched last night. Go Cheetahs!

Best Book EVER!!
Hey i'm courtney(...).My big sister bought this book for me after i watched the movie and i loved all for stories.The book is about 5 girls who dream about being singing sensations.If you wanna be a singer you MUST read this book NOW!!

A book for girls with singing dreams
The Cheetah Girls is an amazingly written story about five girls with the common but amazing dream to become singers. Galleria, who is kind of the leader of the group, is a great singer. She is the leader Cheetah because she writes some of the songs.
Chanel, also known as Chuchie or Miss Chuchie Frita, is Galleria's best friend. She is a great singer too, and is sometimes jelous of Galleria because she is the leader.
Anginette and Aquanette are twin sisters. They are the best singers in the group and are trying to get used to New York City.
Dorinda is a foster child who is the best dancer in the entire group. She is a very caring girl and I think she just might have gone through the most in this story.
This book is a book for girls with singing dreams. It will inspire girls all around to never give up. ... Read more

Book Description

**Chosen as an American Booksellers Association autumn 2004 Book SenseChildren’s Pick!** A Musical Journey is a new children's book thattakes young readers on a musical tour that celebrates the diversityof China’s land and its people. This beautifully illustrated book isboth educational and entertaining. The CD of folk songs that comeswith the book includes 12 musical themes that correspond to the factfilled text. A Musical Journey is a trip the reader/listener willenjoy taking many times over. The musical selections are fun for all;the text is suggested for children age 6 and over. -- Nanci Carlson,President FCC-AZ Chapter & Newsletter Co-editor ... Read more

Reviews (2)

Rock Star Babies!
These books are so cute. There are several of them in the series. They use the lyrics from popular Motown songs with pictures of various happy babies.

The books are heavy cardboard so if you have a child that is just at the point of trying to turn the pages by themselves they won't rip the pages. They are also well sized for little hands.

The babies are a multicultural lot with both mommies and daddies represented so chances are you will find babies, and parents, that look just like you.

And since the words are really song lyrics they are easily sung or spoke in a rhythm that children should like.

Too cute! Gotta sing along!
Perfect book for both my girls! The baby is biracial and it's so hard to find anything that isn't all blonde hair and blue eyes! These books are cute, fun and we all know the words! Only complaint: HARD TO FIND! Even here, unless you know what you are looking for! But worth the search! ... Read more

Book Description

Bursting with color and spirit, this collection of Latin-American songs is a tribute to Latino culture. From traditional tunes to rhymes and hand games, De Colores has songs for all occasions and moods. Each song is accompanied by simple musical arrangements, with lyrics in both English and Spanish. Slightly abridged from the original edition, this is ideal for classroom use, multicultural studies, or just plain fun.

"Rich and resonant." --Booklist ... Read more

Reviews (4)

De Colores and Other Latin-American Folk Songs for Children
I teach conversational Spanish to elementary school children and was looking for a songbook to make class more interesting. I kept coming across this book so I ordered it. I received it yesterday and fell in love with it. I immediately sat at the piano and started playing every song. The book is beautifully illustrated and the songs are easy to learn. I also liked that the lyrics were in English also. I recommend this book highly. In fact, I'm ordering the audio today.

Great songs to pass on to our kids!
My daughter LOVES to sing and this book was music to her little ears! I was surprised to see so many familiar songs in spanish, it brought back lots of memories of growing up. I was amazed at the diversity of songs from various spanish-speaking countries. These songs and their origins are a MUST to pass on to our children and future generations. I wish there was music that could accompany this awesome book!

BE SURE TO GET THE CD WITH THE BOOK
Buy the music that goes with the book

A wonderful collection of Latin American songs & rhymes!
This is a fantastic collection of music for children in the elementary grades. Music and translations are also provided. The songs are traditional childhood songs and are a trememdous example of the oral tradition that continues in Latino culture today. This is an excellent resource for music and regular classroom teachers looking for authentic multicultural resources. ... Read more

Book Description

Singer-songwriter Jos&eacute-Luis Orozco has assembled a collection of finger rhymes and other action songs from Latin America. Including favorites such as "The Wheels on the Bus" as well as folk songs from a variety of Spanish-speaking countries,Diez Deditos is a treat for the eyes, ears, and fingers. Lyrics are presented in both English and Spanish, and easy-to-follow musical accompaniment and diagrams for the corresponding actions are also provided. As in the companion volume De Colores, bright collage illustrations by Elisa Kleven complete the appeal of this fun-filled book. ... Read more

Reviews (6)

Diez Deditos
The author, Jose Luis Orozco, is a bilingual educator/singer who keeps English-speaking and Spanish-speaking children interested throughout his books and accompanying music. As a substitute teacher, I have used his books and tapes extensively in elementary school classes over the years. I have had the privilege of attending his concerts at elementary schools several times and have thoroughly enjoyed his work.

I recommend the two books authored by Jose Luis Orozco, that I have purchased and read many times with students.

Fun Spanish starter
I bought this book & the accompanying CD. To be honest, I don't use the book to sing along with the CD as much as I thought I would. But...when I do, it is great. There are wonderful, colorful pictures, English & Spanish words to every song, and an explanation of the origin/tradition of the song. Lots of fun, I hope my 15 month old is absorbing some of it.

Great with the album, not so great by itself.
I got the book and the music album together and I absolutely love them. The book makes the music a lot more meaningful-- even if you know enough Spanish to understand the music, the book is still useful to show you finger-plays and dances to go along with it. However, I wouldn't have gotten much out of the book by itself. Unless you are really good at reading music, get the album too.

Great book from infants to preschoolers
This is a great book that both my kids love. I also got the CD that goes with it. The illustrations are very interesting and filled with details. If you can read music you can also play the songs along. I highly recommend it.

Fabulous!!!! Yes, buy the music too!!!!
My husband and I bought the book and CD to accompany it. Fabulous! The book's illustrations are rich and vibrant, with lyrics, with music, and hand signs too! Both of our daughters (3yo and 1 yo) LOVE the music and follow along with the book making the hand/body motions. It is the kind of children's music that is gentle and enjoyable to the adult ear. Great family fun! ... Read more

Reviews (3)

Based on a true story from J. S. Bach's childhood
Sallie Ketcham's wonderful "Bach's Big Adventure" is that rare breed of book which manages to tie together a true story from a major historical figure's childhood with terrific illustrations--and throw in a palatable moral as well.

J. S. Bach apparently was quite a confident young man, boasting by the age of ten to all who would listen that he and he alone was the greatest organist in all Germany. His confidence pierced by the sarcasm and truthfulness of his elder brother (who reared him once their parents had died), Bach decides that he will go to hear a concert by the man his brother says IS the greatest--an organist named Reincken.

Suffice it to say that Bach is humbled by the experience and almost hesitates to join Reincken at the organ--but the elder man is encouraging and soon the two are playing a rollicking tune, much to the delight of both. Reincken cheers the young Bach who does, in time, become the greatest organist in Germany and beyond.

Ketcham's tale is well told, with generous doses of humor. Timothy Bush's watercolor illustrations are cartoonlike and serve to further humanize this great musician. The book is a success and a treat to peruse.

Great Story For the Right Age Group
Probably best suited for 5-8 year-olds. It's the story of young Johann Sebastian Bach and his desire to be the greatest organist in all of Germany and the world. Through very good illustrations, and a compelling story, children and adults will be fascinated by this prodigy. The author passes on interesting tidbits of information of Bach's childhood that make for very good reading. However, children younger than 5 will probably tire easily of this story, since it runs a bit long.

Great Book that You Can't Put Down
This book is well written. Children will want to read it again and again. The author's humor adds sparkle to this historically based novel. ... Read more

Book Description

First published in 1985, this Reader's Digest best-selling classic hassold over 200,000 copies. Carryon or start your own tradition as adultsand children gather to sing from this collection of easy-to-playchildren's favorite songs-from movies, shows, nursery rhymes, holidaysongs, folksongs, nonsense songs, and more. This collection is greatfor all ages, familiar songs that children love to sing, and a musthave for parents, grandparents, and teachers-including musical gamesand activity ideas to add to the fun. The 252-page easy-to-read musicbook with more than 130 all-time favorite family songs is spiral-boundto lie flat, and includes a 40-page lyric book. And bring thesefavorite melodies to life by listening to the recordings on thecompanion CD. ... Read more

Book Description

This friendly book comes with an instructional cassette and a genuine Hohner harmonica.The entire package is a musical first-aid kit that picks up where your third-grade piano teacher quit. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

5-Stars from a formerly musical hopeless
I bought this kit (book comes with a harmonica and cassette tape) over 10 years ago. I always liked blues harp, but assumed it would be like all those other instruments I could never master. This book/tape combination makes it a snap.

Within a few months, I was sounding good enough to be asked to play in bands--and I still do not read music well. No need to, you just follow the guidelines and you will sound great!

Best part was...all my early practicing was done in the car on the way to and from work. (I couldn't cup the hands right while driving, but could work on hitting the right notes)

I am online now buying it for a friend who asked me where I learned to play if I could teach him.

There is no better teacher than John Gindick.

Start harpin' with this book
I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in learning to play the harmonica. I've tried several beginner harmonica books and this one is by far the most fun and easiest to learn from. The major emphasis is on learning to play "cross harp" blues and country riffs in accompaniment to guitar music, but it also contains one of the most extensive lists of "straight harp" tunes of any beginner book I've come across. While the other books I tried were pretty dull, this book's fun and easygoing approach kept things interesting and helped me stay motivated to practice. I also found the multimedia approach of using a book + tape far superior to using a book alone. If you're a complete beginner to the harminica, I think this is a great place to start learning how to play. If you've tried a few other books only to become frustrated because none of them helped you progress from playing a few simple tunes to playing blues and country riffs in accompaniment to other music, give this one a try. It will put you on the path to cross harp country and blues improvisation.

Music in your pocket
I don't know if I am musically hopeless, but I certainly have never gotten much out of a harmonica. In a few short lessons with this book and tape, I was able to play "Oh Susanna" in straight harp (accent on the blow notes) and was on my way to playing single notes, "cross harp" (blues, accent on the draw notes) and riffs.

The little harmonica that comes with the book is a 10 note key of C Hohner. It is surprisingly sweet-sounding and a very good little instrument. That impressed me; I imagine once I get better at this I will still be happily playing on it. The harmonica has a protective plastic case-- the whole thing is no bigger than a candy bar. The slim paperback book is well-illustrated with a back section of quite a few straight harp folk tunes that you can play even if you don't read music. The tape is pleasant--plenty of blues guitar to jam with, and many example riffs that are the backbone of learning basic blues. The tape is also invaluable for hearing what a single note, a "bent" note, and the wah-wah sound effects are like.

If you want to teach yourself or your kids a musical instrument with not a lot of money or musical knowledge, this little kit might just do it for you.

Don't Miss Out on the Best Harp Instructor for Beginners
Musically Hopeless No More. By studying Jon's books, Harmonica for the Musically Hopeless and Rock n Blues Harmonica, I have learned how to play with a band in 9 months. Gindick speaks the language of the people while carefully teaching you the basics in a way that is interesting and fun. Since Jon recommended that I learn from as many people as I could, I have scoured the blues "how to" literature. Gindick's books are my favorites.

Yeah! What a deal for hours of fun!
Yes, I am a piano-lessons-dropout. Never could play a musical instrument, but now I am jammin' with a blues guitar! I practice along with the included instruction tape in the car and my commute is just a blast. It did not take long at all to get addicted and there is plenty on this tape to keep you busy for a long time. I imagine that I will eventually outgrow this 'first-timer' tape and get the intermediate instruction, but it will last you a lot longer than you think. It's fun to play along with the tape over and over again -- each time hearing yourself get better! I used the book just once to get started, went to the tape, and stayed with the tape ever since. The first time I heard the cool riffs on the tape, I thought "That is SO cool. I would love to play like that!" Now I am doing it! and coming up with my own variations. My plan is to get a tape that is 100% guitar (no instruction) and show my friends my jam session! I'll hedge my bets and make sure they enjoy a few drinks beforehand.

Incredible, and what a deal for so much fun. By the way, when I bought this, [they] said it's a book and instruction tape. When it arrived it also had a harmonica (Honer Pocket Pal). This is my thrasher, throw-it-in-the-glove-compartment harp. Based on recommendations I found on the web, I bought a quality harmonica that's solid for beginners and can support you to intermediate levels (Lee Oskar Major Diatonic, Key of C). It plays very well. ... Read more

Reviews (15)

The Jazz Fly
This book includes an audio CD tucked into the front cover -- the story accompanied by music. My kids (ages 6 and 2) encountered the audio version before they saw the book, and loved it. It's got an excitement and rhythm that makes them both dance. The words are fun and easy to memorize, although the kids remain tickled that Dad can't get the scat lines straight. Za baza boo zaba . . . The book adds really fun visuals to the mix. Like the jazz-drumming fly in this book, the CD and book combo "put it all together and served it out hot."

The Jazz Fly is a real Za-ba do-da roni!
I am a teacher in a 3/4 combo class of English Language Learners (native Spanish speakers). I also have 5 year old triplet girls at home. I was fortunate enough to see Matthew Gollub speaking at a teacher's convention and was really enthralled with his animated way of getting the audience in. I ended up buying three of his books. The Jazz Fly was a big hit with my own children. They loved the version I read (although I can't do it justice) and the version on the CD by Mr. Gollub. I can't wait to use this book in my classroom for my music unit!

It's not just for older kids!
I thought my husband was crazy when he ordered this book. Our 2 boys are 3 and 2, and I thought they were just too young for it. As a band director, he's always introducing the kids to every aspect of music. There's a lot of books to introduce children's songs and classical music, but this is the first one we've found on Jazz. The boys have asked for this book every night since we got it (about 1 month ago). They take turns being the different characters and playing their respective instruments. It's so catchy, I find myself singing the words quite often throughout the day.

It's a great book
This book really is awesome. I first read it at school with the CD, and now I love jazz!

My 4 1/2 year old daughter loves this story!!
When my daughter's rhythm and drum teacher read this story aloud during class one morning, my daughter became enthralled with the plight of the jazz fly. She sang the scats all afternoon and event taught them to her older sister. "Za-baza-boo-zaba-zee-za-roni" is something I've come to adore. (Especially when "scatted" by a 4 year old!) Hilarious fun for anyone who loves music!! ... Read more

Book Description

Long out of print, the many adaptations that Russell has done of famous operas are finally collected again in 3 volumes, in the wake of his highly successful massive recent adaptation of Wagner¹s Ring of the Nibelung. This first volume presents his adaptation of one of Mozart¹s most famous works, a farcical tale mixed with fantasy. The story begins as the Queen of the Night sets Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue her daughter, Pamina from the evil Sarastro. On the way, he meets the bird-catcher Papageno, who is ³persuaded² to help Tamino in his quest. Tamino¹s spiritual quest is counterpoised with Papageno¹s own earthly search for his one true love, Papagena. Both couples¹ strivings are juxtaposed with the eternal conflict between Sarastro and the Queen of the Night. ... Read more

Reviews (20)

You've Tried The Rest, Now Try The Best
The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflute in German) was Mozart's final opera. It was his favorite and undoubtedly his greatest achievement. When he was in his deathbed, it was said that Mozart requested to hear the score to the Magic Flute one last time. Mozart was a Freemason, although he had been raised as a Catholic and enjoyed sponsorship by the Archbishop of Salzburg for some time. His conversion; into what was a religious and philosophical organization that praised the Englightenment and mystic Egyptian/Zoroastrian beliefs, effected and influenced his musical composition. He had already written music for a Masonic Funeral and Freemasonry deeply influenced the Requiem in D Minor.

This recording is out of print in cd form and was probably an LP in the 70's. In 1972, Walter Sawallisch, the Bavarian State Orchestra and the talents of Peter Schreir (Tamino), Annelise Rothenberger (Pamina), Walter Berry (Papageno), Kurt Moll (Sarastro) and Edda Moser (The Queen of the Night) put together what is the definitive, the greatest, the most perfect, the one and only Magic Flute. If you've heard the rest, now try the best. Contrary to the negative comments of the other reviewers, the Black Dog Opera Library has done an excellent job of making this opera accessible, a book full of great illustrations and liner notes on the singers, Mozart and his era. Yes, the Magic Flute has been unjustly considered and theatrically treated as a children's opera, a fairy tale with no real substance, a great work sugar coated into something like Broadway musical or cartoon. Singspiel was great opera (Mozart had tried the form previously with Abduction From The Seraglio) but unlike grand opera, it was more accessible to the ordinary people, to folks who loved catchy tunes they could whistle in the streets on organ grinders or for children to sing at play. It was a people's opera, not a stuffy, overly pompous piece of work. In a way, it was like Broadway or cartoons, simply because people could have fun at the opera. (For an example, take a look at the film Amadeus, in which Mozart is commissioned to write the Magic Flute for a more folk-oriented, Vienna lower class who drank beer and played games on stage while watching the opera, in a nearly circus like environment).

Discreetly embellished with Masonic symbolism (the three opening bombastic chords in the Overture, the Three Ladies, the Three Young Boys in the Balloon, the Egyptian rituals of purification, the choruses and the Zoroastrian figure of Sarastro) are all examples. Allegorically, it was the struggle between the ruling court of Empress Maria Teresa and the supression of Masonry in Austria. This book clearly states this fact. Thus, the powerfully evil Queen of the Night, whose arias are icy coloratura, represents Maria Teresa, Pamina represents the beautiful and faithful Austria, Tamino evidently Emperor Franz Joseph or simply any good person who is beckoned by a noble human cause and finally, Papageno is the earthy, common folk who is no less a great one. This recording is absolutely the best. Peter Schreir is a superlative tenor di grazie, highlights being his aria Dies Bildnis and his scenes with Pamina, Annelise Rothenberger a lyric soprano who reaches perfection in her aria "Ach Ich Fuhls" and her union with Tamino in the trial of fire. Kurt Moll's Sarastro is poignant, spiritual, a voice suited for God, whose low F's are contrasted by the sinister, neurotic, tempestuous raging scales of Edda Moser's Queen of the Night, who reaches high F's. The score to the opera is spiritual. Nothing Mozart ever wrote could be more spiritual, full of majesty, obscurity, joy, awe and power. Five stars for this excellent recording.

Excellent recording (out of print), but idiotic book.
The re-release of the legendary 1972 recording of Die Zauberflote, conducted by Wolfgang Sawallisch, is a great blessing to all who know and love this great work. Edda Moser's interpretation of the Queen of the Night is justly celebrated, achieving not only transcendently perfect delivery, but also a chilling portrait of pure evil. All of the other cast members are excellent. The spoken role of Papageno is particularly striking, sounding sufficiently pungent to remind us that the role was originally played by Emanuel Schickaneder himself. The tempi are, for the most part remarkably well-chosen. In addition, the Masonic gravity of the subject matter is constantly respected. The chorus of the armed men is properly alarming, the cantus firmus stridently insistent above the counterpoint of the strings. Even more uncommon is the treatment of the secondary scenes of Act II, especially the chorus Welche Wonne, in which the evocation of the candidate's future "new life" is infused with the trepidation inevitably attendant upon any trial of life and death. All too often, this work, which is gravely serious in its intent, is presented as a fairy tale. This recording successfully conveys the philosophical context, and does justice to Mozart's attachment to Masonry. [The only flaw which I could detect is the inclusion of a very questionable musical fragment, inserted into Act II, Scene 11 {"Pamina, wo bist du?"). I could locate no reference to this anywhere in my extensive library on the subject, and can only speculate that it might be some unacknowledged retention from one of the infamous "reworkings" of the opera which occurred after Mozart's death....At any rate, it requires an explanation....]

In view of this, it is sad to see this beautiful recording issued in association with a perfectly vile and disrespectful book about the opera. The author has the temerity to liken this work to "a Broadway musical", "a rollicking entertainment for the common man" simply because it was composed as a Singspiel, or German opera with spoken dialogue. This is equivalent to likening one of Shakespeare's comedies to a street farce. The book also suggests that Zauberflöte was composed for purposes of pure entertainment, unless it is, perchance, a "work of profound insight" dressed up in the trappings of a "cartoon". Obviously, the writer is ignorant of the significance of the Egyptian setting in the time of Mozart, when it was a clear symbol for rational ideas and liberal politics. The details of the setting delineate the struggle which was then taking place in Europe, over the true nature of Masonry, philosophy and music, and which soon came to a terrible end, for that time at least, with the banning of Freemasonry in Austria, and the loss of much of the learning about ancient philosophy which had been so laboriously gathered in circles such as that frequented by Mozart. It is largely on account of Zauberflöte, which alludes with precision to much of that learning, that it was not entirely annihilated in the chaos of the revolutionary and Napoleonic periods. Rather than misrepresenting this vitally important work, those who have the privilege of coming into contact with it should do all in their power to contribute to the very difficult, vital, and continuing attempt to understand it. While the availability of this recording is of great value, it is scandalous to see it associated with a contribution to the generally prevailing ignorance about this extremely important, and very difficult, work.

An irate Mozartian

A great way to learn about opera, suitable for young or old.
I received this as a gift from a mislead but well-meaning relative. Needless to say, I have never been a fan of opera. However, I was surprised that I was actually able to enjoy this book and accompanying CD. The book begins with a brief biography of Mozart, and then offers a prose overview of the story (extremely helpful for understanding!). The second half of the book contains the libretto, or text, of the opera. The original German forms one column on the left-hand side of each page, and the English translation is printed on the right. This way one can follow along with the story while listening to the music, even if you don't know a word of German. Throughout the entire book there are pictures from different stage performances of The Magic Flute. The musical recording is of high quality, contained on two disks that fit into pockets on the inside front and back cover of the book.

This would be a wonderful book for anyone interested in learning about opera, young or old. However, I must disagree with the reviewer who said this was geared toward children between three and seven. A 3-year-old would never be able to read the text, and a 7-year-old, unless very advanced, would no doubt struggle with it. The book is better suited for slightly older children all the way up through adults of any age. While I'm still not a fan of opera, I did gain some appreciation for it from this book and CD. I'm sure the only way to truly experience an opera is to see it performed live (just listening to a recording removes the entire visual element), but I would nevertheless recommend this product.

Wonderful story-telling
P. Craig Russell's drawing style seems especially apt for stories of enchanted lands and beings. His lines are light and airy, and he sets a mood nicely with color. In other words, he is ideally suited to illustrate this story.

He does a delightful job of it, too. He amplifies all of the characters theatrically beyond the believable, and has one small advantage over true opera - he is never at the mercy of the set designers, costumers, or other effects.

I am very glad to see this classic of western culture (and the others coming soon) made available in this format. I confess, I have not fully acquired the taste for opera, or the ability to derive the story from the way it is sung. I do, however, want to know at least a bit of the story, and this is a very digestible form. Russell's drawing makes it more than digestible, it's a real confection. I also appreciate the fact that Russell has adapted the story, and not created a new one from fragments of the classic.

Opera buffs - I hope you can accept this for what it is. One way to look at this is opera appreciation on training wheels, a painless entry into part of the operatic art. It's also a way to spread some knowledge of this classic across a generation that might not have been exposed to the story otherwise - certainly a good thing.

If nothing else, it's a well-drawn comic by a very capable artist. It's that "else" that makes this comic stand out. I'm looking forward to the next Russell operas.

(This reviews the book without the CD.)

A Good Introduction To Opera, Outstanding Recording
The Black Dog Opera Library Series had outdone themselves once again. In this 1972 recording of Mozart's last opera, we are treated to a fine performance by fine singers, a fully illustrated book with liner notes and commentary, as well as information useful in biographies on the composer and his time. Mozart was close to his death bed at the time he composed The Magid Flute. He made an opera that could be enjoyed at many levels. At one level, it is a comic, brilliant fairy tale for children, at another level, it is deeply symbolic and layed with Masonic ideals of universal brotherhood and love. Mozart and his librettist were both Freemasons, a religous "sect" that was under hot water in 18th century Vienna for its pagan origins and its advocation of ideas of the Enlightenment. The story is about Tamino, a prince who is lost in a strange land (originally, a mystic Egypt), who is rescued from a serpent by three mysterious women and promised the hand of the daughter of the Queen of the Night if he saves her from the wizard Sarastro. Together with the help of the comic bird-catcher, Papageno, he sets out on his adventure. But halfway through the opera, he discovers that he has been deceived. The Queen of the Night is the true villain and Sarastro is really a holy man. After many trials, the forces of evil are defeated and the opera ends blissfully with a victory.

Musically and dramatically, it is Mozart's greatest opera. From the striking Overture to the use of dark strings, trumpet and soaring flute passages, the individual arias which express intense emotions to the neverending theme that good triumphs over evil, the Magic Flute stands out as a great opera to begin with for newcomers and a favorite for old time opera fans.

In this recording, conductor Wolfgang Sawallisch leads the Bavarian State Orchestra in a highly effective, thoroughly dramatic and sentimental, full interpretation of Mozart's score. Tenor Peter Schreir as Tamino is exceptional, passionate in his aria "Dies Bildnis" (This portrait), and again as he plays his flute in "Wie Stark ist Nicht dein Zauberton" (How powerful is your music, magic flute), his individual lines in the ensembles and his duet with Pamina as they undergo the final trial of fire. Annelise Rothenberger, a sublime German lyric soprano, is moving in her portrayal of Pamina. She has her moments in this recording. Note how her high, melodic voice seems to come from nowhere as she confronts Sarastro and Tamino for the first time "Herr! Ich bin zwar Verbrecherin ! (Sir! I am the transgressor). Her aria "Ach Ich Fuhls" (O, I feel that happy days have passed) is the finest interpretation, full of pathos and a kind of melancholic madness, as well as her lines in her suicide attempt, finally, she is sublime as a strong woman ready to face trials with Tamino, especially striking when she sings the line "Tamino!".

Kurt Moll's Sarastro is without question the best. His voice is suited for God. So divine and sonorous and full of grace, his voice is especially noticeable in the aria "O Isis and Osiris " and "In deisen Heilen Hallen"( In these holy halls). Finally, and not to be missed, is Edda Moser's incredible interpretation of the Queen of the Night. You have not heard the true Queen of the Night, until you've heard Edda Moser. She has a Wagnerian intensity and neurosis in her lines, apt and effective for the role of a Queen bent on deception and the murder of her rival, Sarastro. Her aria "O Zittre Nicht, Mein Lieber Son" (O tremble not, beloved son" is full of lyric dramatic passages and coloratura at the end. The vengeance aria "Der Holle Rache Kocht Meine Herzen "(Hell's Anger Burns Within My Heart) is full of fire. The way she attacks the dramatic, powerful lines is out of this world and the high F's she escalates are unsurpassed. ... Read more

Reviews (4)

Great Book!
This is a great book for little ones. My son loves the lift the flap pages and learning about all the animals. Plus, as always, it is always nice that the Wiggles are always concerned about teaching kids the right things and are properly dressed throughout the book. i.e. they have short outfits on top of their traditional outfits. Really, really like that! Thanks Wiggles for being there to help!

4 Wiggles On Each Page See Diffrent Animals.
The Wiggles love to go on a Wiggly Safari Adventure, and they love to look at animals that live there. Greg has to be careful while seeing snakes, Anthony sees Asian Wolves called Dingos, Murray looks at crocodiles who get fed by Steve Irwin from the movie. Last but not least, Jeff holds a koala in his arms and they sleep about 18 hours a day, that's like Jeff who's always falling asleep.

What I love most about this book, is liffting up the flaps.

The Wiggles Love Their Wiggly Safari Adventure.
Wiggly Safari takes place at the Australia Zoo, only now in four different editions. 1.Video, 2.DVD, 3.Music,4.Lift-the-flap book. I once looked at the pictures inside, and that's how I see Greg, Murray, Anthony and Jeff on one page at a time, I think this book is really a pop-up book-in fact, that's what Lift the flap means in other words. The Wiggles and their friends hope that someday, you'll have your own Wiggly Safari, too.

Good book for very young Wiggles fans
Our son just turned 2 and received this as a gift. He loves the lift the flap format and realistic pictures of australian wildlife but the real attraction is the Wiggles characters. There is a different Wiggle and animal on each page and readers are encouraged to find and count the hidden animals. This is a good book for fans of the Wiggly Safari video or CD too. ... Read more

Book Description

Dan Zanes, the former lead singer of the rock-and-roll band The Del Fuegos, now makesaward-winning folk music with a positive message and a free-wheeling spirit that appeals to people of all ages. In his first book, fanciful frogs, singing sunflowers, walking fruits, and neighborhood kids greet each other with the catchy song ìhello hello,î and twelve fold out pages open to reveal surprising neighborhood scenes! ... Read more