The Velveteen Rabbit

Editorial Reviews
Amazon.com
An excellent metaphor for both spring and Easter, this lovely tale of transformation and rebirth is told in a gentle, poetic language. Based on Margery Williams's award-winning storybook of the same name, this collaborative recording is pleasantly soothing. George Winston's tinkly, twinkly piano conjures up enchanted seasons, beginning with the opening Christmas scene. Here, the Boy receives the Velveteen Rabbit as a gift. The Rabbit, narrated by Meryl Streep in a thick, cottony, cozy British accent, is just as he should be: "fat and bunchy" with a velveteen spotted coat and ears "lined with pink satin." As the story unfolds, the Rabbit is educated in the nursery by the Skin Horse on how a plaything "becomes real" through being thoroughly loved by a child. Seasons go by, and inevitably the Boy abandons the Rabbit, though not before the Rabbit "becomes real," at which point the nursery magic Fairy ushers him into a new world. --Paige La Grone

Tracks:

The Velveteen Rabbit (Piano Solo)
Christmas
The Toys
The Skin Horse
Nana
Lullaby
Spring
Summer
Summer Evening/The Rabbit Dance
Alone (Piano Solo)
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter
Anxious Moments
Loneliness/The Fairy
Flying
Returning
The Velveteen Rabbit (Piano Solo)
The Velveteen Rabbit
Christmas
The Toys
The Skin Horse
This Magic Called Real
Lullaby (Sandman)
Spring (The Velveteen Rabbit)
Summer
Summer Evening
The Rabbit Dance
Alone
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter
Anxious Moments - Part 1
Loneliness
Anxious Moments - Part 2/The Fairy
Flying
Returning/The Velveteen Rabbit
Night Thoughts

Album Description

The anniversary edition includes the complete version with Meryl Streep narration, solo piano music without narration, a new originaly solo piano bonus track "Night Thoughts", downloadable sheet music & updated liner notes.

Customer Reviews:

Soothing.......2006-02-26

Not just for kids, this soothing, gentle CD is heartwarming and relaxing. George Winston's style is captivating and sure to please those of all ages. I'm sorry this is no longer published.

an improvement on the original release.......2005-01-21

i used to listen to this vinyl wishing that i could hear winston's piano solos without the narration. don't get me wrong, meryl streep does a great job, but having the option of listening to only the piano would have been great. and now that wish has been granted, making this an essential for any fan of george winston or great piano in general.

Bedtime with Meryl and George.......2003-05-05

I have loved the story, The Velveteen Rabbit, since my group at daycamp did a play of the story in 1975(or 1976). Shortly after, I got the book which I read and re-read. While in college, I was reminicising with a friend about this story. A few weeks later (in 1990), she gave me the Meryl Streep/George Winston tape. From the first time I listened to it that night, I was hooked. What could be more appealing than Meryl Streep reading me a bedtime story with George Winston's soothing piano music in the background. At some point, I got the CD of it and would often listen to it at bedtime as I often go through bouts of insomnia. When my son (now 17 mos) was about 6 weeks old, I started playing it for him every night at bedtime. It worked like a charm. Flash forward to his being 15 months old. He learns to climb on his table where I kept the CD player and he opens the CD player and removes (and scratchs) the CD. I was in tears. I just ordered the new enhanced CD and can't wait to receive it in the mail. I've bought the CD for numerous friends when they've had babies. I enthusiatically recommend this CD for kids and adults of all ages.

A Pleasure to Listen to.......2003-04-08

I love the story of the Velveteen Rabbit, it's been a favorite since I saw a Showtime presentation of this very recording. This is an enhanced CD with the voice of Meryl Streep and the piano of George Winston. Although much of the music is available on his more popular December album, there are other bits and pieces that are fresh and welcome. Additionally, following the presentation of the story narration, all the songs are repeated without narration. Pop the CD into your computer and you can see visual extras, including sheet music.

This is worth the price of purchase.

Great Bedtime CD.......2003-04-02

I had the tape of this when it first came out in the 80's. I have since worn the cassette out. It blends Meryl Streep's calming voice with the soothing music of George Winston. Of course lets not forget the great story of the Velveteen Rabbit. Every family should have a copy of this album.

Average customer rating:

Great for all ages!
George Winston's Piano Magic World
The truly real thing
THe Velvetten Rabbit
A truly touching story, Meryl Streep is captivating.

The Velveteen Rabbit
George Winston
Manufacturer: Windham Hill Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Stories | Children's Music | Styles | Music

1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

General Christmas | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Blues | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music

General Christmas | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music

Pop Vocal | Holiday Music | Special Features | Music
ASIN: B0000030LJ
Release Date: 1991-07-01

Tracks:

The Velveteen Rabbit (Piano Solo)
Christmas
The Toys
The Skin Horse
Nana
Lullaby
Spring
Summer
The Rabbit Dance
Alone (Piano Solo)
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter
Anxious Moments
The Fairy
Flying
Returning
The Velveteen Rabbit (Piano Solo)

Amazon.com

An excellent metaphor for both spring and Easter, this lovely tale of transformation and rebirth is told in a gentle, poetic language. Based on Margery Williams's award-winning storybook of the same name, this collaborative recording is pleasantly soothing. George Winston's tinkly, twinkly piano conjures up enchanted seasons, beginning with the opening Christmas scene. Here, the Boy receives the Velveteen Rabbit as a gift. The Rabbit, narrated by Meryl Streep in a thick, cottony, cozy British accent, is just as he should be: "fat and bunchy" with a velveteen spotted coat and ears "lined with pink satin." As the story unfolds, the Rabbit is educated in the nursery by the Skin Horse on how a plaything "becomes real" through being thoroughly loved by a child. Seasons go by, and inevitably the Boy abandons the Rabbit, though not before the Rabbit "becomes real," at which point the nursery magic Fairy ushers him into a new world. --Paige La Grone

Customer Reviews:

Great for all ages!.......2002-02-24

I was introduced to this recording by one of my piano teachers. The marriage of music and story on this recording works perfectly!! This recording is not just for kids, it's for grownups too! Highly recommended!!

George Winston's Piano Magic World.......2001-02-08

"Once there was a velveteen rabbit, and in the beginning he was really splendid," says Meryl Streep with George Winston playing piano in the background. This recording delicately combines George Winston's incredible talent with the lovely tale of a toy rabbit who "longs to become real." This story is simple enough for children to understand but refined enough for adults to enjoy. I recommend it to anyone who wants to prolong the magic of imagination long enough to raise their children, grandchildren, or others' children. It's a great gift for any child or child-at-heart who is ill, going through a rough time, or having troubles calming down to rest at night. It's also ideal for the parent with a rush-hour life who needs a moment in George Winston's piano-magic world while their children get entertained by a story. My grandparents bought the cassette for me when I was just 6 years old, and I can still quote most of the first side from memory. Now, in adulthood, I continue to enjoy the comfort of a soothing piano and a good story. I love this recording, and I know it will warm its way into your heart too.

The truly real thing.......2000-11-16

The Velveteen Rabbit was introduced to me at a wedding -- the emphasis being on love that makes you "real" in a way that can never be changed despite the twists and turns of life. I read it to my grandchildren -- one who wanted it every single night of his week or two-week visit -- and I looked up on more than one occasion to find my husband sitting quietly in a chair, his ears, and obviously, his heart, tuned in to the increasingly familiar words. I began giving the book as shower gifts, wedding presents, anniversaries and the like. And then the CD came out. I grabbed it.

The grandchildren are grown now and off making their way in the world. But, I reclaim the closeness and joy of their presence all the more by sitting down with a cup of tea and being "lullaby-ed" by Meryl Streep and George Winston. It is a reminder of how I became "real" to them in a way that never dulls. This CD causes my heart to "spill over" anew every time I listen to it.

THe Velvetten Rabbit.......2000-11-15

This is one of the best, if not the best, children books out there. I grew up listening and reading this book, and everytime I re-read it I feel like a child again. I highly recommend this book to all those parents who wish to give their children a book that they will truely charish. The music, narration, and drawings are perfect and bring the story to life. This is a perfect gift for Christmas

A truly touching story, Meryl Streep is captivating........1999-12-02

No other person in this world could tell the story of the Velveteen Rabbit better than Meryl Streep. When I was little, I'd listen to this every night at bedtime, I did for years. One day, the cassette tape it was on broke. That was in about 1989, it wasn't until now that I found it again. Listening to it on here made me feel so relaxed, subdued, and just made me feel good. And this was on 30 second clips that Realplayer provided! The piano is beautiful. I highly recommend this story for everyone. Look at me, I'm a 17 year old high school male.

Average customer rating:

Exquistite

The Velveteen Rabbit
George Winston
Manufacturer: Bmg
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Stories | Children's Music | Styles | Music

1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes
Remembrance-A Memorial Benefit
The Velveteen Rabbit
Gulf Coast Blues & Impressions: A Hurricane Relief Benefit
The Velveteen Rabbit Gift Set: Hardcover book and plush package

ASIN: B00008OJTD
Release Date: 2003-05-05

Tracks:

Velveteen Rabbit
Christmas (Narration)
Toys (Narration)
Skin Horse (Narration)
Nana (Narration)
Lullaby (Narration)
Spring (Narration)
Summer (Narration)
Summer Evening/The Rabbit Dance (Narration)
Alone (Narration)
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter (Narration)
Anxious Moments (Narration)
Loneliness/The Fairy (Narration)
Flying (Narration)
Returning (Narration)
Velveteen Rabbit (Narration)
Velveteen Rabbit [Without Narration]
Christmas [Without Narration]
Toys [Without Narration]
Skin Horse [Without Narration]
This Magic Called Real [Without Narration]
Lullaby (Sandman) [Without Narration]
Spring (The Velveteen Rabit) [Without Narration]
Summer [Without Narration]
Summer Evening [Without Narration]
Rabbit Dance [Without Narration]
Alone [Without Narration]
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter [Without Narration]
Anxious Moments, Pt. 1 [Without Narration]
Loneliness [Without Narration]
Anxious Moments, Pt.2/The Fairy [Without Narration]
Flying [Without Narration]
Returning/The Velveteen Rabbit
Night Thoughts [Without Narration][*]

Album Details

The 20th Annivesary Edition Release. Includes a Bonus Track for Japan.

Customer Reviews:

Exquistite.......2005-09-28

This album is absolutely beautiful. When I was a small child, I listened to this cassette over and over, and I couldn't fall asleep without it. The story is a classic, of course, but there is more to the album than that. Meryl Streep narrates the story wonderfully. Her voice is enchanting. The music throughout the album is beautiful, and very haunting.

I think every child should have a copy of this. It inspires a love of storytelling, music, and reading.

Average customer rating:

Lose Yourself in George Winston's Piano-Magic World
Lose Yourself in George Winston's Piano-Magic World
Velveteen Rabbit [IMPORT]
Velveteen Rabbit narrated by Meryl Streep

The Velveteen Rabbit
George Winston , and Meryl Streep
Manufacturer: Windh
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Solo Instrumental | New Age | Styles | Music

General | Children's Music | Styles | Music

Stories | Children's Music | Styles | Music

1980s | By Decade | Pop | Styles | Music

Tracks:

Velveteen Rabbit (Piano S
Christmas
Toys
Skin Horse
Nana
Lullaby
Spring
Summer
Summer Evening & The Rabb
Alone (Piano Solo)
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter
Anxious Moments
Loneliness & The Fairy
Flying
Returning
Velveteen Rabbit (Piano S
Velveteen Rabbit (Solo Pi
Christmas (Short Version)
Toys
Skin Horse
Magic Called Real
Lullaby (Sandman)
Spring (Velveteen Rabbit)
Summer
Summer Evening
Rabbit Dance (Short Versi
Alone
Shabbiness Doesn't Matter
Anxious Moments
Loneliness
Fairy
Flying
Returning The Velveteen R

Album Details

Japanese Version Including a Japanese Version of 'piano and Talk'.

Customer Reviews:

Lose Yourself in George Winston's Piano-Magic World.......2001-01-23

Lose Yourself in George Winston's Piano-Magic World.......2001-01-22

Velveteen Rabbit [IMPORT].......2000-11-15

This is one of the best, if not the best, children books out there today. I grew up listening and reading this book, and everytime I re-read it again I feel like a child once more. This book is for all those parents who wish to give their children a book that they will truely treasure! The music, narration, and illustrations are perfect and bring the story to life. This is a great gift for children of all ages!!!

Velveteen Rabbit narrated by Meryl Streep.......1999-12-09

This recording is a wonderfully sweet rendition of the Velveteen Rabbit, set to beautiful piano music from George Winston.

Average customer rating:

from Solo Piano Publications
Michael Allen Harrison Composer/Pianist
An Amazing Collection of Piano Music
An Amazing CD

Composer/Pianist

Manufacturer: Mah Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

General | Classical | Styles | Music

Jazz Fusion | Jazz | Styles | Music

Smooth Jazz | Jazz | Styles | Music

General | New Age | Styles | Music

Musical Theater | Vocal Non-Opera | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Movie Soundtracks | Soundtracks | Styles | Music

General | Miscellaneous | Styles | Music

General | Adult Contemporary | Pop | Styles | Music

General | Easy Listening | Pop | Styles | Music

Easy Listening | Pop | Indie Music | Stores | Music
Similar Items:

Passion & Grace: Solo Piano

ASIN: B000068GAR
Release Date: 2002-07-02

Tracks:

Will You Take Me There
I Breathe - Concerto No. 1 In E Flat Major, First Movement
Remembrance
Journey Home
Eclipse
Best Of Every Moment
Thanksgiving
February's Child
Tahlia's Lullaby
Transitions
Fly Away
Dance On The Roof

Tracks:

Tomorrow's
3rd Ave
Starry Night
Moments In Passion
Circle Of Influence
Standing Alone
Passion And Grace
Nocturne In D Flat Major
Masada
Little Bit Naughty
On The Run
Motherhood
Ema Sh'li (Mother Of Mine)
Renewal
Be Real

Customer Reviews:

from Solo Piano Publications.......2004-07-03

My one-word summary of Michael Allen Harrison's double CD set, "Pianist/Composer," is "WOW!" I have seen and heard Harrison's name for a long time, but none of his CDs came my way for review until I reviewed one of his students' CDs (the very impressive Alexx Carnathan) earlier this year. I was not prepared to be so dazzled and charmed at the same time. This set is made up of Harrison's favorite compositions from the past twenty years or so, and includes his new "Concerto #1 in Eb Major," which is a tour de force all by itself. Both discs are very eclectic in their musical range, but Disc 1 is more classical overall, and Disc 2 has a jazzier flavor. The majority of the pieces are orchestrated or have accompanying instruments in addition to the piano, but Harrison's piano is the star of the show. We're only halfway through the year, but I'm certain that this will be on my list of favorites for 2004.

The three-movement concerto opens the first CD. The first movement ("I Breathe") started out as a love ballad in Harrison's musical, and evolved into a gorgeous 12 1/2 minute piece influenced by some of the Romantic composers. The first half of the piece is gentle and sweet, but begins building in the middle to a fiery climax. Primarily piano and strings, this piece really sets the stage for what's to come. It highlights Harrison's gentle touch as well as his magnificent bravado and virtuosity. The second movement ("Will You Take Me There") is a bit more orchestrated, and the lovely melody is haunting and passionate. The third movement is full of flash and dynamic pianistics. A piano solo, Harrison must be sitting in a puddle by the time he gets done playing it live! Great stuff! "Remembrance" is a tribute to the 50th anniversary of Israel's independence and to the lives lost during the Holocaust. Performed with Aaron Meyer on violin and The Metropolitan Youth Orchestra, the piece has a deeply emotional and tragic feeling, but also suggests triumph and moving forward. I love "Transitions," a piece inspired by a wild rainstorm. Full of passion, power, and a subtle touch of mystery, the playing on this piece can take your breath away - effortless control and amazing chops. Stunning! "Fly Away" is another favorite. It started as a cool groove for a vocal tune, and is a piece Harrison and his band play differently every time. This version is piano, light percussion, and a wonderful oboe part performed by Fred Korman of the Oregon Symphony. A great CD, but, wait -there's more!

As I mentioned, the second CD is a bit jazzier overall, but there are several different styles present. "Tomorrow's" was composed as a gift for Harrison's daughter on her graduation from junior high. Lightly orchestrated and featuring oboe, guitar, and piano, this piece is sunny and radiant. "Moments in Passion" is a dark, sultry piece with piano, guitar, and percussion that would be a wonderful slow dance - a favorite. "Standing Alone" is a slow bluesy piece that could have stepped out of the 1930's - I really like this one, too! "Nocturne in Db Major" is a gorgeous improvisation that was recorded as it was being created late at night in the studio while imagining the time of the great Romantic composers. "Little Bit Naughty" is a great blues piano solo - slinky and fun! "Ema Sh'li (Mother of Mine)" is a haunting ballad composed for Harrison's mother's 50th birthday. A warm, bittersweet, and very loving piano solo, it is both classical and contemporary, and thanks "Mom" for making him practice the piano when he was a kid.

"Composer/Pianist" is truly an outstanding collection on so many levels. I get to feeling kind of jaded from listening to so much piano music, but this set really blows me out of my seat! I give it my highest recommendation.

Michael Allen Harrison Composer/Pianist.......2003-11-25

My favorite track is Piano Concerto #1. It consists of 3 movements. All three movements are brilliant but the the 2nd movement will make your heart flutter. I appreciate the way this man plays a piano.

An Amazing Collection of Piano Music.......2003-04-19

If you have never heard of Michael Allen Harrison before, don't be deterred. I discovered this CD quite by accident, and how pleased I am that I did.

Michael is a very talented composer who showcases here some 27 tracks spanning two discs and lasting well over two hours. Piano is the dominant instrument, and he plays with such compassion and style.

This collection highlights his finest compositions since 1980. His piano music is highly melodic and a pleasure to listen to. Some pieces are quiet and reflective, others have sheer energy and vivaciousness about them.

There are so many strong and memorable tracks. Particular favourites are "Will You Take Me There", "Remembrance", "Best of Every Moment", "February's Child" and "Passion and Grace".

This double CD is not cheap; but you are paying for piano music of the highest quality. The CD insert contains comprehensive notes about each track, charting its history and the thinking behind the music.

If you are a fan of piano music, and want to discover an exceptionally talented pianist (Steinway Signature Artist), then try out this CD.

A quite wonderful CD, I give it my highest recommendation.

An Amazing CD.......2003-01-26

This is the most expensive CD I have ever purchased, but it's been worth every penny.
This is a collection of Michael Allen Harrison's (MAH) best work, spanning some 22 years. Put simply, it is absolutely outstanding. The man's technique and ear for melody are second to none.
There are twenty seven tracks in total over two discs, and the notes inside the CD track the thinking behind the magic of the music.
Personal favourites are in abundance in this album, and include "Will You Take Me There?" (a new composition), "Rememberance", "Best of Every Moment", the well known "February's Child" and "Passion and Grace".
Generally, the music is highly accessible and deservingly commands more attention than simply being background music.
Don't be deterred by the lack of Audio Samples. As for the price, well I imagine [$$] per disc of such quality is not unreasonable. Take a chance!!!
MAH is a talent indeed. The quality of sound is stunning.
The only surprise is that I am the only one to have reviewed this, and I'm from England, UK!
Highly recommended.