Orchestra

Beethoven's Last Night
$18.98
The group fooled me "Orchestra" meant music but this group insists on having someone sing on each track. When the guy shuts up the music is quite good but they apparently want to do opera. I was personally hoping for something akin to "Switched on Bach" some modern rendition of Beethoven's work. Its probably fine for those that want to listen to someone sing but it was a disappointment.

Solti: Orchestra!
$29.98
What to say; this was brilliant when first aired on television in the mid-90's. I then bought it in video format for the school I was working at at that time. Three schools later and I had need of it again: lo and behold, now on DVD.

Still as insightful and informing as it ever was with the light comedic overtones of Dudley Moore. A well delivered documentary series; the interplay between Dudley Moore, Sir Georg Solti and the students who make up the orchestra is sublime and the playing, whilst not outrageously brilliant, is sufficient to inspire the most jaded of students to think again about taking up an orchestral instrument.

A wonderful insight into the mainstream repertoire for the younger generation as well as a guide to the playing techniques of most instruments.

Bandcoach

The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra (Book & CD)
$25.00
I LOVE the content in this book and CD. Unfortunately, this version with Ben Kingsley is almost impossible to listen to. His voice is very soft and low--difficult to understand unless you have the sound turned up very loud. Then the music comes in and blasts your eardrums out. When I listen to this with my kids I have to be near a volume control for constant adjusting. Very disappointing.

Trans-Siberian Orchestra - The Ghosts Of Christmas Eve
$14.98
Even if the rest of this program were not worth while, and it is, it would be worth it to buy this DVD just to see Michael Crawford's magnificent performance of "Oh Holy Night" with a childrens' chorus. The rest of the show was also a very enjoyable addition to my Christmas traditions as well and the TSO music is unique and beautiful.