Classical music for kids?

My two nieces (aged three and five) adore classical music from Purcell to Prokofiev and I have got to the point where I'm occasionally struggling to keep up with their constant demands for something new. They tend to have two 'modes'. 'Dance' is where they dress up and fling themselves about to Delibes and Tchaikovsky. 'Bedtime' is when they want something to usher in a night of peaceful dreams. Also, they enjoy watching opera on DVD. Please can you make some recommendations. Their tastes are very broad and they love music around which they can build a 'story' (the final movement to Dvorak's seventh symphony, for example). Feel free to make your list as long as you want, and try to be as specific as you can, citing a specific aria, for example, rather than an entire opera, and if possible, a suitable recording. Do not hesitate to include the obscure along with the popular, and music that is funny/bizarre/unique. I promise I will read all posts thoroughly. Thank you.

Thor - They both love Sor! I was going to mention it but didn't have enough room. After reading your post, I will definitely give the other composers mentioned a go. I know what you mean about the guitar. I used to play myself (I was never very good), and I've always maintained a love of that utterly unique sound. Sor's guitar pieces, although simple (and hard to find), can be listened to time and again. I can still remember Kate going through a stage where, when she was on her rocking horse, she would only listen to Sor. I guess something about his music just says 'horse'...

there is a four CD compilation put out by Naxos label. The first three CDs are all music of various eras, and the 4th is a CD ROM that teaches the kids how to read music, learn about instrumentation, musicianship, etc. I bought it for my niece last Christmas (she's turning 9 this year), and my sister said it was a major hit. My niece now wants lessons for just about everything, reads music thoroughly, and has started putting together her own lists of favorites.
Here's one for your girls Dance list: the Russian composer Schedrin ( ok, I'm not up on the transliteration) arranged a Carmen suite for percussion, including the melodic instruments like marimba etc. It's all the famous Carmen melodies with a twist.
My girls always enjoyed the Danse Macabre by Saint-Saens for Halloween. It's still good for wet wintry days.
For the bedtime list: what a bout Mozart or Haydn string quartets? they aren't too loud, there's no major excitement to be expected, and it's glorious music, after all.
Or, just to be kitchy, the Evening Prayer and Angels Watch from the opera H盲nsel und Gretel (2nd Act finale)There's a very good DVD of this opera available, and it's considered one of the best "Christmastime" operas.
Keep up the good work! Wish I had an uncle like you!

"Night On Bald Mountain" by Mussorgsky, Ravel's "Prelude To The Afternoon Of A Faun", and since you mentioned "funny", you might introduce them to "PDQ Bach", with the "Concerto For Horn & Hardardt"

most anything by mozart is popular amongst adult and kids, there is a recording called "mozart at midnight" which is a compliation of all his slower, more mellow compositions which is good for relazing. the Wagner operas are a bit strong but enjoyable, perhaps when they're a little older. Anything by faure is good, very smooth and impressionistic.

Do they already have Peter and the Wolf?

Since they enjoy opera, Pavarotti had an album out called "My Favorite Opera for Children" or something like that. You might be able to get it on amazon.com.

Oh, your nieces sound fantastic. They have such great tastes!
-How about a Beethoven CD with all his greatest music. I love Fur Elise.
-Haley Westenra, she has a beautiful voice. Her first album Pure is a faster mode (I think) and her second Odyssey is more Classical (I think).
-Look out for some Chinese classical music which are usually played on Pi Pa (Chinese instrument). That鈥檚 something new I鈥檓 sure.
-Look out for music for other countries. Spanish dance music is a particular favorite along with Indian music.
-You could take them to the Royal Opera House or some sort of Orchestra.
-Catherine Jenkins maybe.
-Get them a mini Radio each? So they can play the Classical FM channel.
- Fast high pitched music that are played in Mime performaces.
- Disney music CD with all the classics on it.

Those are just some ideas since there is so much to choose from, those are some of my highlights. I hope my answers is an inspiration to you.

You might try having them listen to classical guitar. Classical guitar often will give you a wide range of styles and taste. Look for a CD of the Works of Fernando Sor, or Isaac Albeniz, or perhaps even Paganini (yes he composed for the guitar also!)
All of these are wonderful, Often most of the music written by these guitarists take you on a sort of journey. For example, the grand sonata by Paganini has three movements and gives you a feeling of continuity from movement. Albeniz's Cordoba, and Granada are wonderful to put on for a bit of light relaxation. Also, Sevilla is a wonderful Spanish dance to move to!

If you are looking for more traditional orchestral suites, perhaps you might consider looking into the waltz king Johann Strauss Jr., probably most famous for his Blue Danube waltz, as well as his overture to Die Fleudermaus (the bat - in german) which is also a wonderful soundtrack to own as well.

Luigi Boccherini has some wonderfully quaint string quintets and quartets. His work was featured in Master Commander Far Side of the World...

I suggest looking into classical guitar, as a classical guitarist, I can tell you, that the classical guitar provides something entire symphonies cannot... A true connection with the meaning of the music...

ava maria, the magic flute,der holle rache,the flower duet,

Get them a copy of Walt Disney's Fantasia!

I used to love that film when I was little, especially The Sorcerer's Apprentice with Mickey Mouse and the broomsticks!