Classical music has been a part of my life since I was a very young girl, age 5 to be exact and probably even before that. I can remember listening to certain cassettes and records growing up, and even today certain songs bring back a ton of memories for me. 
Since starting to homeschool Jacob, I’ve become more keen as to what’s available in the way of musical education for my boys. Maestro Classics provides not only beautifully classic albums by great composers but albums that also contain a story, rich in history but very real to the listener.
Their newest album, released August 24, is My Name is Handel. This album focuses on the music of George Frideric Handel, sharing certain parts of his life story so that the album comes alive, somewhat, for kids. Upon first listening to the CD, I was brought back to the music of the Royal Wedding. It just had that same royal feel to it; I expected to look up and see Prince Harry stealing peeks back at the lovely bride as she walked up the aisle. Of course, this album is played by no other than the London Philharmonic Orchestra, and I must say they really do play in a grand, majestic way. They most certainly do justice to the music of Handel.
Narrated by Yadu, the story is carried along by both his voice and the music. The story and music cover about 38 minutes of the album, while after the story, you’ll also be treated to a bit of history, explanations of the music of Handel, and a sing-along. 
The creators of the Maestro Classics Stories in Music series are Bonnie Ward Simon and Stephen Simon, both well studied experts in the field of classical music. Stephen was the music director of the Washington Chamber Symphony at the Kennedy Center for 25 years. Bonnie has much experience in writing/musical education, also serving on the board of directors at Carnegie Hall, not to mention the Guggenheim Museum and the NYC Opera.
What songs will you find on this album? You’ll find both classical and operatic styles. The album also comes with a small, beautifully illustrated booklet that gives explanation of Handel and different musical instruments. The story you’ll hear on the CD is somewhat comical, as Handel is basically trying to impress the King in a surprise performance on the River Thames. The performance is meant as a gift to the King. I honestly could listen to the classical pieces on this album over and over again. My kids are not quite as enthused as I am, but I love the educational nature of this series and how easy it is to just pop the CD in going down the road, while we’re working on chores around the house, or even while Jacob’s working on school. Classical music is, after all, quite conducive to a good educational setting, and much can be learned through simply just listening to the music even if working on something else at the same time.
You can purchase My Name is Handel for $16.98 in CD form or for $9.98 in MP3 form. It’s geared toward ages 5+, as well as families. I definitely recommend this series. Be sure to Like Maestro Classics CDs on Facebook and Follow @MaestroClassics on Twitter.
(Disclosure: I received a copy of this CD, free of charge, from Waldmania! PR, for the purposes of review. All views/opinions remain solely my own.)
