Extract from ClassicFM
Proposals to cut funding for arts and creative subjects in higher education have been confirmed by the universities regulator, in a move described as “catastrophic” for the nation’s creative sector.
Here’s our selection of the greatest pieces of classical music for children.
1. Saint-Saëns – Carnival of the Animals
Saint-Saëns’ ‘grand zoological fantasy’ is beautiful, funny, and clever all at once. ‘The Swan’, one of the most iconic movements, is scored for two pianos and a cello solo, with the calming cello tune representing the bird’s effortless gliding, while the rolling piano chords paint a musical picture of the swan’s hidden feet, paddling furiously under the water.
Each of the piece’s 14 movements represents a different animal, including a lion, donkey, and elephant, as well as fossils, an aquarium, an aviary and – Saint-Saëns’ little joke – pianists, possibly the most dangerous animal of them all…
2. Tchaikovsky – Swan Lake
From the graceful Waltz in Act I to the playful ‘Dance of the Cygnets’, this music is just magical. Tchaikovsky’s ballet tells the story of the doomed love of Prince Siegfried and Princess Odette, who was turned into a swan by the evil Baron Von Rothbart.
The spell can only be broken if someone who has never loved before swears an oath of undying love and promises to marry her. The Prince declares his love to Odette and promises to be loyal forever… but their ending isn’t so sweet.