Studies have shown for years that music enhances a child’s ability to learn and increases brain development. As a result, numerous music products – cds, videos, musical books and instruments – have come on the market. Obviously, some of these products are better than others and offer quality, thoughtfully selected music. Mommy and Me’s Piano for Playtime is one of these.
The Repertoire
The sixteen pieces included on Piano for Playtime are enjoyable works in an array of moods and dynamics that one tends to hear at piano recitals and on compilation CDs. They range from dances and movements from sonatas to lyric pieces and pieces that capture childhood memories. Written by seven different composers, all of the pieces are well performed by capable and well-concertized pianists Peter Schmalfuss, Alfred Brendel, Isabel Mourao and Gerhard Eckle.
Scenes from Childhood by Robert Schumann
Four of Schumann’s thirteen Kinderszenen (Scenes from Childhood) pieces are included on the disk. They include "Von fremden Landern und Menschen" (Of Foreign Lands and Peoples), "Kuriose Geschichte" (A Curious Story), "Glückes genug" (Happiness) and "Am Kamin" (At the Fireside). Peter Schmalfuss tenderly brings out Schumann’s melodies and controls the accompaniment. His performances make the pieces memorable and provide an auditory model for future pianists.
Pictures at an Exhibition by Modest Mussorgsky
Three pieces of the suite Pictures at an Exhibition that Mussorgsky wrote in memory of his late friend Russian artist and architect Viktor Hartmann are included on Piano for Playtime. Pianist Gerhard Eckle skilfully captures the pecking of "Unhatched Chickens" and the movement of "Market Place at Limoges." His interpretation of Paris’ "Tuilleries" is fine though a bit heavy at times in the bass.
Frederic Chopin
With four of his best well-known pieces being played by Peter Schmalfuss, Frederic Chopin is well represented on Piano for Playtime . Schmalfuss wonderfully performs "Waltz in D flat major, Op. 64, No. 1"; "Étude in G flat major, Op. 10, No. 5" and "Polonaise in A falt major, Op. 33," but his interpretation of the famous “Raindrop Prelude”, "Prelude in D flat major, Op. 28, No. 15" while good, is not the most emotional ever recorded.
Edvard Grieg and Franz Liszt
Both Grieg and Liszt are represented by one piece on this Mommy and Me cd – "Wedding Day at Troldhaugen" from Lyric Pieces, Op. 55 and "Canzonetta del Salvator Rosa" from Années de Pélerinage respectively. Isabel Mourao beautifully executes the first while Peter Schmalfuss once again takes listeners on a musical journey of memories in the second.
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Ludwig van Beethoven
No piano compilation of this nature would be complete without Mozart and Beethoven, and Mommy and Me does not disappoint. Peter Schmalfuss gives a crisp and lively performance of Mozart’s well-known "Rondo alla turca" from "Piano Sonata in A major, K. 331" as well as a touching performance of the "Andante" from his "Piano Sonata No. 16 in C major, K. 545." The quick figures of Beethoven’s “Scherzo” from "Piano Sonata No. 2 in A major, Op. 2, No. 2" are expertly played by Alfred Brendel who uses a wide pallet of dynamics.
Summary
Piano for Playtime will get children and parents humming, singing and moving. It can be played as background music as children play or do crafts or be used as get moving music or for music appreciation. It is a worthwhile addition to any music library.
Details
Released: 2000
Label: Madacy Kids!
ASIN : B00005Y8ZM
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