Classical Music for Children of All Ages

Waltzes, Symphonies, Ballets and Their Composers

Aug 12, 2009

Without realizing it, children are regularly exposed to classical music through animation and other programming. Help them to truly listen just as well as they watch.

Most adults listen unaware to classical music. There are countless examples within movies; O Fortuna from the opera Carmina Burana by Carl Orff can be heard in The Hunt for Red October (1990) and in the trailer for Mel Gibson's Hamlet (1990). Wagner's Ride of the Valkyries is most recognized from Apocalypse Now (1979), but was also featured in Stanley Kubrick's Full Metal Jacket in 1987.

Introducing classical music to children, however, takes a much lighter approach.

Make Classical Music for Children Enjoyable

There are a few basic concepts to remember when introducing children to classical music. One, never force them to listen. Two, a child's attention span is fairly short and expecting them to remain interested after five minutes is asking a lot. Three, a separate activity while classical music is playing is a simple, less demanding form of exposure.

Last but not least, if you expect your children to have an open mind about your music, it helps to try and do the same with theirs.

Composed in 1824 and adapted from the poem Ode to Joy by Friedrich Schiller, Beethoven's ninth and final symphony was the first symphonic work to incorporate voices within the music. It has been recorded as a contemporary piece many times, most notably in 1970 by Spanish singer Miguel Rios who sold over three million copies worldwide.

The familiar melody is from the last movement of the symphony and it is this passage most people identify with. Besides setting a new precedent in symphonic arrangements, older children may be interested in knowing that Beethoven was already completely deaf when he began to compose it.

Walt Disney's Fantasia by various composers (1940)

Many composers, amongst them Bach, Tchaikovsky, Stravinsky, Beethoven and Schubert contributed some of their finest work to create the film Fantasia. This is where the visual stimuli is most apparent. Young children, even toddlers, can be mesmerized by the hypnotic animation and receive a full dose of classical music in the bargain.

The highlight of the film, The Sorcerer's Apprentice, is taken from a 14-stanza poem by Johann Goethe and put to music by Paul Dukas (1865-1935). The apprentice is portrayed by Mickey Mouse which will gather a child's interest in itself.

Children in primary grades will probably appreciate the story of the apprentice who, when left with chores to perform, tries to take a shortcut and apply the magic of his master before knowing how to control it.

The Second Waltz by Dmitry Shostakovich (1906-1975)

One of the few true composers of the twentieth century, Shostakovich (originally spelled Sjostacowicz) was beset with problems throughout his life ranging from polio in his right hand to being denounced twice and having his music banned by Stalin in his native Russia. Despite the hardships, he managed to compose some of the most infectious melodies ever written.

Repopularized as a signature piece for the Dutch-born musician Andre' Rieu and his Johann Strauss Orchestra, The Second Waltz has been given many variations by Rieu and is rarely performed the same way twice. The position of the lead violin is often taken by a french horn, clarinet or even a saxophone. Children can be taught the distinctly different sounds and appearances of the instruments as Rieu's orchestra often performs in public television specials.

The Nutcracker by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky (1840-1893)

This is one of the easiest music selections to interest a child in. Tchaikovsky's The Nutcracker is often performed in live theatre (as a ballet) or on television (as a ballet or stage play) during the Christmas season.

There are several familiar melodies within the composition such as The Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, The March of the Toys and The Waltz of the Flowers to name a few. Children can be told the story while listening to the music and learn about the different instruments within the piece.

The most unusual is the celesta (cha - less' - tah) which is easily described as a miniature piano or organ with a sound like tiny bells. It is normally identified with the sugar plum fairy character but is also used elsewhere in the composition.

"Morning" (from Peer Gynt Suite No. 1) by Edvard Grieg (1843-1907)

This is a composition easily recognized by children as it is often used, typically, in cartoon scenes when the sun is rising or some other such specific title reference. It is a very simple part of the Peer Gynt Suite but it doesn't diminish its impact with audiences.

The movement is often included in early piano lesson instruction books and has become very popular in recitals for young students. Its sweet melody has a very soothing quality to it and would make a lovely lullaby-like piece for young children.

Music takes on many roles from personal expression to comfort and relaxation. When children are exposed to classical music at a young age, they not only learn to respect an art form they aren't likely to seek out on their own, they are able to have a greater appreciation for music over the long term.

The copyright of the article Classical Music for Children of All Ages in Children's Instrumental Music is owned by Deborah Read. Permission to republish Classical Music for Children of All Ages in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.