Album Notes

Maestro Classics presents Tchaikovsky's famous ballet, Swan Lake, is the tale of a prince who falls in love with a beautiful princess. The prince, however, has been turned into a swan by an evil magician, and only the prince’s love can break the spell. The narrator tells the story as the London Philharmonic Orchestra plays some of Tchaikovsky's most beautiful music. Additional tracks about Tchaikovsky’s life, what to listen for in the music, a heavy metal version of the main theme called “Speed Metal Swan,”, and the “Tchaikovsky Wrote a great Ballet” sing-along, transform this CD into a modern classic. 24-page program book included.

This CD is part of the Stories in Music™ series of classical recordings for families produced by Maestro Classics and originally premiered at the Kennedy Center in Washington, DC. Maestro Stephen Simon and music educator/producer Bonnie Ward Simon have now recorded the series with the London Philharmonic Orchestra, adding additional educational and participatory tracks to each CD. Rave reviews nationwide and numerous awards have greeted this unique series with its signature format.

Other CDs in the series: Mike Mulligan and His Steam Shovel, Juanita the Spanish Lobster (also available in Spanish language edition Juanita la langosta española), Casey at the Bat, The Sorcerer’s Apprentice, Peter and the Wolf, and The Tortoise and the Hare.

Each CD is a combination of music and educational information designed to give the listener ideas on what to listen for and how to listen. It is the “backstage pass” into the minds of the author, composer, and conductor, namely the creators of the work. The CDs also include sing-along or play-along tracks for audience participation.

Excellent for family car trips, school carpool, music teachers’ music appreciation classes, and elementary school teachers who want to include music in their classrooms.

Three significant benefits:

1. Discover the magical sounds of the symphony orchestra.

2. Encourage adults and children to listen to music together.

3. Improve listening skills and accumulate musical memories.