Listen to the Birds: An Introduction to Classical Music

Listen to the Birds By Ana Gerhard highlights musical works by Mozart, Tchaikovsky, Vivaldi, and others to introduce children to classical music, by showing similarities between the songs of birds, and notes produced by instruments such as the flute, organ, and harpsichord. Along with its lovely illustrations by Cecilia Varela, the book features a glossary of musical terms, a short biography of each composer, and a brief description of each bird imitated or mentioned in the compositions.

The included CD features 20 excerpts from different recordings, performed by world-renowned ensembles such as the London Symphony Orchestra, The Moscow Radio Symphony Orchestra, and the Toronto Chamber Orchestra. Excerpts are short, ranging in length from 28 seconds to 2 minutes 33 seconds.

Track Listing:

The Goldfinch – Vivaldi

La Primavera – Vivaldi

The Song of the Birds – Janequin

Melancholy – Rautavaara

The Bird (Peter and the Wolf) – Prokofiev

Hens and Roosters (Carnival of the Animals) – Saint-Saens

Aviary (Carnival of the Animals) – Saint-Saens

The Swan (Carnival of the Animals) – Saint-Saens

Dance of the Swans (Swan Lake) – Tchaikovsky

Song for the Lark (The Seasons - Album for Children) – Tchaikovsky

The Lark Ascending – Vaughan Williams

Ballet of the Unhatched Chicks – Mussorgsky

Toccata Con Lo Scherzo Del Cucco – Pasquini

The Cuckoo and the Nightingale – Handel

The Robin – Messiaen

Papageno and Papagena (The Magic Flute) – W. A. Mozart

Piano Concerto No. 17 – W. A. Mozart

The Raven – Schubert

Dance of the Firebird – Stravinsky