Ears Wide Open

Cellist Sarah Fiene hosts this music program, recorded live at Stanford University, intended to interest children in classical music. Fiene and her collaborators perform and discuss an eclectic repertoire of seven pieces, ranging from Saint Saens' "The Swan" to Beethoven's "Variations on Handel's Judas Maccabaeus WoO 45" and Villa-Lobos' "Bachianas Brasileiras No. 5." The material is performed with a good deal of polish and style, and the accompanying ideas about the music are presented in a straightforward manner. Fiene's narration is clearly aimed at elementary school children; most kids younger than 6 won't be able to maintain focus, while middle-schoolers will probably find Fiene's tone patronizing. Recommended for the target audience. Aud: E, I, P. (P. Van Vleck)