The Muppets do Bizet's Habanera from the opera Carmen
I don't think that it is ever to early to start a child on classical music. Ever since my son saw this short, funny as can be video, he's been asking for 'banera' all the time. I was age 11 and part of a children's choir when I first heard the tune myself which means, that at 4 years of age, my kid is definitely getting an earlier start on his opera.
Why is it that there is such little worthwhile musical education in our schools nowadays? My father knew the choirs to Nabucco, Aida, and many other arias from Verdi operas before he was 10 years old. There is no such thing to be said of ten year olds in this day and age. Many years ago, rummaging in old boxes I'd found in my grandmother's house, there were graying, pencil annotated librettos which my father had used during his music lessons as a little boy. This was back in the 1940's when the public parks in Panama held Saturday concerts played by National Symphony members and amateur bands. There have not been public park concerts regularly held in my country for many decades now. Such a pity. Maybe someday, when R's hands can show reverence for old things, I shall show him the one libretto copy I've kept and tell him how his grandfather held it once, just like him. In the meantime, I'll let him enjoy his 'banera.'
Buddy Rich battles Animal on the drums
On a different end of the musical scale, here you have Buddy Rich in a battle to the drum death with Animal. I've always loved Animal. He is my favorite Muppet character. Growing up it was a tossup between him and the Cookie Monster but in the end, the Cookie Monster lost by a cookie's hair breadth. Not here though. Here it is Buddy who wins.
I hope you guys enjoy these. Sorry to have been rather absent these past few days, I've been visiting my family in DC. May you all be enjoying your family time as much as I, Milena.
13.12.08
Muppetganza (Just because)
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I agree with you so much that it's never too early for children to learn about classical music. I have been a lover of classical music most of my life and it's all because back in the 70s, our school district took us to the symphony twice a year. It was a program they had then, but I don't think they have it nowadays which is a shame. It opened my eyes to a whole new world. It made me want to study music in school and I did for several years. Beyond that, as an adult, it always soothes me when nothing else will do.
ReplyDeleteBy the way, Animal is my favorite too :-)
I like Animal. Actually, I like the whole band. Jim Henson said once that Dr. Teeth (the leader of the band) was his favorite muppet to perform.
ReplyDeleteBut if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Bert and Ernie. (They're kind of a too-fer.)
Aw, I used to love The Muppets and seeing this video makes me all nostalgic. I couldn't possibly pick a favorite Muppet! Thanks for posting these!
ReplyDeleteOh, and yes, we need to get music education back in our schools. It's essential for a developing mind and did you know that early music education actually makes kids smarter?
I am going to be humming that opera tune all day tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteI used to love doing Bert and Ernie's voices for our kids. Some of that humor was as good as anything done by comedians who directed their stuff at us old farts. I miss a good excuse to indulge in "children's" humor. No wonder people have grandchildren.
I've always thought of Animal as an ideal that I'd expect any drummer for my band to live up to in terms of sheer insane drummer attitude....Unfortunately, I've spent much more time thinking about this kind of thing than practicing my guitar to the point that I could seriously think about actually starting a band....Oh well....
ReplyDeleteWhen I was a very young child (4? 5?) my father used to drive around town listening to the local classical music station on the radio...and many years later, that is what I credit my appreciation for classical music. It's never too early to start the little darlings on good music...some day they will thank you for it!
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