Beethoven's Wig, Vol. 2: More Sing-Along Symphonies Reviews

• Not as good as the original but better than many others

  
  By A12C0UER29529W on 2005-06-05
  I am a HUGE fan of the original Beethoven's Wig. I think the premise is brilliant: instead of following the tired formula of simply collecting "important" classical pieces into CDs aimed at children, take those pieces and give them clever lyrics for the kids (and their parents) to sing along with. Much of what I liked about the original Beethoven's Wig was the way the lyrics managed to be silly and yet at the same time convey some real information about either the song, the composer or both.
  
  If Beethoven's Wig 2 has a fault, it's simply that it isn't quite as clever or entertaining as the original. First, I think Richard Perlmutter did a better job of selecting the classical pieces for the first disc. More of the songs are upbeat and seem "made" for singing along to. Beethoven's Wig 2 starts out strong with the Light Cavalry March, La donne e mobile and In the Hall of the Mountain King, but the middle of the disc switches gears and seems to lag in comparison to the bright opening. Moreover, the lyrics just aren't as consistently clever in Beethoven's Wig 2. While I love "Stuck in the Saddle Again" and "It's the Same Every Verse," I think several of the other songs (such as "Dvorak The Czechoslovak") try too hard to impart "important" information about the composer at the expense of maintaining the sense of humor and fun that typifies the Beethoven's Wig series. Finally, while the first CD ended with a literal bang ("1812 Overture," aptly re-titled "Tchaikovsky's Cannonball"), the second ends with the Wedding March - a decent enough piece re-titled "Wow What a Wedding Cake," but not nearly the big finish of the first Beethoven's Wig.
  
  Despite all this, I still give Beethoven's Wig 2 four stars simply because I believe it's one of the very best ways to introduce children to classical music and make it an exceptionally enjoyable experience. Kids of all ages will definitely want to hear this disc over and over, and while it might not live up to the incredibly high standards of the first Beethoven's Wig, it's still much better than many of the other children's music CDs out there.
  
  

• Beethoven's Wig 2 Delivers!

  
  By ACOOJ92YWL98P on 2004-04-18
  Richard Perlmutter's "Beethoven's Wig 2" is a rare and special type of album. Ostensibly, it is a children's album full of Mr. Perlmutter's sometimes laugh-out-loud funny, often witty, but always-intelligent lyrics, sung over famous classical pieces. The strength of this album, however, lies in its broad appeal and lasting power. "Beethoven's Wig 2" is great for your 5 or 6-year old, who will love Permutter's kid-friendly delivery and engaging stories. However, a 8 or 9-year old child will also love this album, being able to catch many more of Perlmutter's witticisms and puns. As a parent you will love the fact that your children are being exposed to, and more importantly, being engaged by Classical music (the original instrumental performances are also included on this album). As Perlmutter embeds quite a bit of musical history and factoids into many of the songs (i.e. "Dvorak the Czechoslovak" is a fantastic 3-minute summary of the great Czech composers life in America and how it, in part, inspired his famous Humoresque No. 7) you may learn a thing or two about Classical music yourself. Where else can you find an album that is appealing both to you and your children, exposes you to great music, teaches you, and most importantly makes you laugh and smile?
  
  

• Only 5 Stars! Deserves 10!

  
  By on 2004-04-01
  Only 5 Stars!!! If I could, I'd give Beethoven's Wig 2 ten or more stars! Richard Perlmutter has done it again - this cd is brilliant and has quickly become a beloved cd for our entire family. There is nothing better than listening to my children hum classical music and sing the lyrics to these great masterpieces! Every family should own a copy of this great CD! We can't wait for Beethoven's Wig 3!
  
  

• Lacks the cleverness of the first Beethoven's Wig

  
  By on 2004-03-27
  I was so excited to see that another volume of Beethoven's Wig was finally available, only to be terribly disappointed by the lack of cleverness and wit. Other than In the Hall of the Mountain King ("It's the Same Every Verse"), none of the songs really stood out. They lyrics felt forced and half-baked, like a term-paper written in the wee hours of the morning and completed only moments before the deadline. The songs just aren't particularly clever or polished. (...)!

  I don't hate this album. I'm just disappointed. The first was much better, since the cleverness of the lyrics helped balance out the weakness of Mr. Perlmutter's performance. This second album is simply dull in comparison. Not terrible, but not half what I was hoping for.
  
  

• Listening Pleasure

  
  By A322NSG4W6NO on 2004-03-16
  Perhaps not quite as well known tunes as the first Beethoven's wig, but a treat to hear my 2 year old singing along in the backseat. The music of decent to good quality, a buffet sampler of a few great classical pieces. The pleasure may not be the same as the full rendition by an amazing performer BUT that is not the point of these CDs.

  For me it is pure listening pleasure to have my family ask for classical music because of these CDs rather than groans over dad's music.
  
  

• Classy entertainment, learning, and fun for kids AND parents
  By on 2004-03-16
  As if the first Beethoven's Wig hadn't already done enough by performing the miracle of getting my daughter interested in classical music, along comes Beethoven's Wig 2 with another wonderful surprise. Not only does its artistry and humor match the first Wig (an almost impossible act to follow), but it's like listening to a music history lesson from a lovable professor as enthusiastic and passionate as Beethoven himself. Richard Perlmutter's lyrics to these classical masterpieces are packed with factual historical references so cleverly embedded in the fun of listening that at first you don't even realize how much your kids (and you!) are learning. Even the CD booklet contains fun and interesting quiz questions and answers about these famous composers' lives and music. Whether it's learning about Dvorak's inspiring visit to America, or that Chopin's "Cat Waltz" was inspired by a cat walking across the keyboard, there's something for everyone in Beethoven's Wig 2. And, like last time, the CD also includes orchestral versions of all selections without the lyrics when you just want to hear these magnificent pieces in their original form -- so it really is like a double album. Vocal arrangements and production are world class, but the sheer inventiveness of it all trumps everything. I highly recommend it but, more importantly, so does my daughter.
  
  
• Another smash hit!
  By A22K42OA4AQ548 on 2005-05-19
  I received Beethoven's Wig and Beethoven's Wig 2 just a few days ago, and I think they are marvelous! I have listened to them over and over, and I find myself tearing up at the lyrics to the "Trout," "There's music in the river; there's music in the sea." I LOVE "WOW, What a Wedding Cake!"
  
  Pure genius. I want more!!!!
  
  
• One is better but this is still awesome!! Gotta have it!
  By A1ENZK86F1VE8P on 2006-01-10
  My children loved Beethovens Wig 1. I checked this one out at the library. Then, we decided we had to have this one too.
  Yes, one is the best but 2 is still wonderful.
  Save yourself the shipping and order both at the same time.
  We all thoroughly enjoy it. My 4 yr old can name these classicals when he hears them elsewhere and he can hum these beautiful songs. Much better than kiddie rhymes and Disney jingles. Culture your children the funniest way!!
  
  
• More Great Fun
  By AP20HERWB3A38 on 2006-03-13
  Like the first volume, this CD encourages young children to enjoy classical music. The silly lyrics sometimes impart factual information on the composer or the piece. There are 11 sing-along symphonies and then the 11 symphonies are replayed without the lyrics--total of 22 tracks. Booklet with lyrics and trivia is included. All our children (aged 2-12) enjoy this CD, as do we.
  
  
• Absolute joy, and endless fun!
  By A30T16HSZRW6D5 on 2005-11-15
  The tunes and word stay with you and before you know it, you are signing them along. My two kids (ages 9 and 7) ask me to put the CD on as soon as we get into the car. What a wonderful and fun way to get them to love classical music!
  
  
• Greatest baby gift ever
  By A3TMFEAT55QHRK on 2007-03-15
  Both of my grandchildren (and their parents and grandparents) are hooked on this CD and all of the silliness and beauty it brings into our lives. We sing to it, dance to it, and find ourselves thinking about it at odd times. Who can't love singing Verdi VERY LOUD? I've now started giving this as a simple baby gift, especially to those with older siblings. They are already equipped with clothing and nursery gear, and Beethoven's Wig invites the whole family to gather round...even if it is just on short car rides.
  
  
• Great for the whole family
  By A1F1HFJ9IBSHK3 on 2007-01-04
  My husband, 18 month old daughter and I all love this CD. It's a staple in the car. One caveat- these lyrics will get stuck in your head and I now find myself singing the "words" to these songs when I hear them in a store or commercial! I'm hoping this means my daughter will recognize these songs as she gets older.
  
  
• Almost as wonderful as the first
  By AGGL3VT37C7GD on 2007-08-02
  We bought Beethoven's Wig 1 and loved it. My kids (ages 5 and 9) really enjoy listening over and over. Number 2 is almost as good. All of the songs are amusing and a couple are very funny. The lyrics are clever and do help you become familiar with composers and their music. I like that the pieces are played again in the second half without the lyrics. I highly recommend it for kids who enjoy music.
  
  
• More Beethoven and Friends
  By A2GBEKQI887C4H on 2007-11-09
  One and two are so great. Hope there's a third coming out. What a great way to introduce children to wonderful music and entertain the parents and grandparents in the process. The words are ingenious. There's even a set of lyrics included in case you miss some nuance. .
  
  
• Love it!
  By A38EORVJQWCKGI on 2008-06-27
  As a music teacher, this album and the other two are incredibly useful and fun!!! I'm so glad this fellow has done what he's done!
  
  

• Beethoven's Wig: Sing Along Symphonies
• Beethoven's Wig 3: Many More Sing-Along Symphonies
• World's Very Best Opera for Kids... in English!
• Beethoven's Wig 4: Dance Along Symphonies
• Beethoven's Wig