Classical Kids: Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Teacher's Notes (w/CD).(Children's Review)(Book Review)

Classical Kids: Beethoven Lives Upstairs, Teacher's Notes (w/CD), by Susan Hammond. The Children's Group (1400 Bayly St., Ste. 7, Pickering, ON L1W 3R2), 2004. 36 pp., $12.98. Ages 5-12.

This delightful CD and book set was first published in 1989 and revised in 1998, with this version released in August 2004. The goal of the series is to pull students into the music and lives of great composers by establishing all emotional connection via a child in the story. A young boy, Christoph, tells how his family rented an upstairs room to Beethoven during the final year of Beethoven's life. The story line evolves from letters written between Christoph and his uncle. While the facts and anecdotes are historically based, the characters of Christoph and his family are fictional.

I found the story to be very compelling. It has great comedic appeal to children, with true stories such as Beethoven pouring water over his head in his room or writing music on the walls. At the same time it is deeply inspiring. When Christoph goes to hear Beethoven's Ninth Symphony, he remarks, "To think that he heard all this in his head!"

The thirty-four musical selections/excerpts are rich and varied, encompassing symphonic, solo instrumental, vocal and chamber music literature. They effectively complement the story line. Some listeners may find it ...