The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra: [book-And-CD Set]

The book description very clearly states book AND cd. There was no cd included. I would NOT have purchased knowing the cd was not included.

Bought this for our daughter who just turned 4 and who loves classical music. We thought she would enjoy this. I have to say that the only positive was the pictures in the book where we can show her the various orchestra instruments. The audio is really targeted to older children yet still has good pieces. The text in the book is also geared towards older children(not even appropriate for us to read it word for word to her). It will be great for our daughter when she's a little bit older. So if you're hoping that this will work out for your pre 5-6-7 year old child, keep these elements in mind since we clearly were hoping for the best.

I know this product is meant for older children, but my four-year-old loves this book and especially the recording. He can't get enough of the description of the elements of the orchestra and the fugues by Benjamin Britten. He asks to play this over and over in the car. I recommend introducing this to young children - they just might like it, and possibly learn something in the process.

This piece of music by Britten has always been, for me at least,the finest teaching tool in the world of classical music. Even for teaching oneself about the instruments of the orchestra (and especially using the CD alongside) it is just unbeatable. A superb and very easy piece of music to listen to, it is also ingenious, easy to follow and quite memorable to boot. The main theme is great and all the little solos show off the seperate instruments beautifully. You simply cannot get better than this anywhere.

Money well spent! Good quality music on the enclosed CD, nice explanations and illustrations in the book. This book will introduce you / your children to the instruments and history of orchestra music in an entertaining fashion. The book was recommended in Susan Bauer's Well-Trained Mind (Classical Homeschool Education). A nice read-and-listen activity for the whole family even if you are not into homeschooling. Try it on a car trip ...