The Alphabet Operetta

Editorial Reviews
Booklist
Composer and performer Mindy Manley Little has produced a little gem that will entertain children and delight their parents and teachers as well. With lively, varied instrumental backgrounds and her own clear and engaging vocals, Little performs an original song for every letter of the alphabet, highlighting each letter's sounds and eccentricities. The melodies invite sing-alongs, the words teach as they entertain, and each song is short and peppy for young listeners. For such letter as e, Little covers the varying sounds, including silent e; for others, like d and q, there are musical tips on where to put the "tails." Her lyrics are fresh and imaginative and very ably performed. A good choice for class reinforcement and individual home use.

Entertainment Weekly
Encompassing every letter from A to Z and every musical style from basic blues to smoky '40s jazz, this dense collection of ditties will teach your child something new every time he hears it.

Album Description
CHILDREN'S MUSIC.

The Alphabet Operetta was the first children's recording to star each letter of the alphabet. In its debut, 10 years ago, The Alphabet Operetta received numerous awards including Booklist Editor's Choice and was selected by Entertainment Weekly as one of the year's best children's recordings. It is featured in the ALA's recommended Best of the Best for Children. Out of print for nearly 5 years, MVO records is pleased to re-release this title on CD with fresh graphics and all lyrics included.

The Alphabet Operetta

The Alphabet Operetta, Music, Mindy Little Manley, Children's, Childrens
Anne Sofie von Otter Sings Offenbach
Average customer rating: 4 out of 5 stars
  • Good singing *if you like this repertoire*
  • Rare Offenbach Muisc is a Real Gem
  • Yet another frustrating CD booklet
  • A Bright Voice, Delightful Music, and Hilarious Delivery
 Anne Sofie von Otter Sings Offenbach
Jacques Offenbach , Anne Sofie von Otter , Marc Minkowski , and Gilles Ragon
Manufacturer: Deutsche Grammophon
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
RomancesRomances | Classical (c.1770-1830) | Historical Periods | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
FrenchFrench | Languages | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
Deutsche Grammophon: MusicDeutsche Grammophon: Music | Specialty Stores | Music
Similar Items:
  1. Anne Sofie von Otter - Love's Twilight (Late Romantic Songs by Berg, Korngold, Strauss)
  2. Mots D'Amour: Songs By Cecile Chaminade
  3. Cecilia Bartoli ~ Opera Proibita (Handel · Scarlatti · Caldara) / Les Musiciens du Louvre · Minkowski
  4. HOMAGE: The Age of the Diva
  5. Cecilia Bartoli - Rossini Arias / Patanè

ASIN: B00006AKUW
Release Date: 2002-09-10

Tracks:

  1. No 3a Choeur, Recit Et Rondeau
  2. No 10 Duo Et Declaration
  3. No 4 Chanson Militaire
  4. No 2 Ballade
  5. No 4 Duo
  6. Symphonie De L'avenir - Marches Des Fiances
  7. No 11 Sextuor De L'Alphabet
  8. Acte III - Entr'acte Et Barcarolle
  9. No 1 Bis Choeur De Jeunes Filles
  10. No 2 Couplets
  11. Ouverature A Grand Orchestre
  12. No 3 Duo
  13. No 11 Final Du Deuxieme Acte
  14. No 15B Chanson
  15. No 8B Griserie-Ariette

Customer Reviews:

3 out of 5 stars Good singing *if you like this repertoire*.......2004-08-03

I have always enjoyed Frederica von Stade's Offenbach recital, and was looking forward to von Otter, as she'd proved such a charmer in Kurt Weill and other popular music theatre works. Her liedersinging experience gives her the edge over many in this repertoire. Simply put, I can not imagine many singers doing a better job than von Otter in this repertoire. Perhaps the aria from "La Belle Helene" has a touch more pathos sung by Jessye Norman.

My problem is with the repertoire. If you know the music of Offenbach, then you know what you are getting. If you are unfamiliar with the French version of the Viennese Operetta, then it would be wise to listen to this disc first. I simply do not care much for it. Therefore the three stars. Advertising has claimed this to be "a revelation of Offenbach in all his many guises" but to me it was more of the same old Offenbach.

However, if you enjoy this music, this is an excellent choice. Also do not miss Susan Graham's disc of lighter French music.

5 out of 5 stars Rare Offenbach Muisc is a Real Gem.......2004-03-29

Jacques Offenbach was a composer who was popular in his day, but his music was not taken all that seriously by more serious composers. After his death, much of his music went into obscurity. Some of the overtures to his operettas survived, as did LA BELLE HELENE and his opera THE TALES OF HOFFMAN, but to this day he is under performed to say the least. While some of his music was adapted for the ballet Gaite Parisienne, if we look at his musical output, all that is remembered of this composer is all relatively small. This is perhaps why this recording by Anne Sophie Von Otter and Les Musiciens du Louvre is such a goldmine.

The disc contains scenes from some Offenbach operettas such as LA BELLE HELENE, LA GRANDE DUCHESSE DE GEROLSTEIN, and LE PERICOLE as well as some of his lesser known works. While most of the music showcases Ms. Von Otter's talent, she is also accompanied by other soloists and a chorus, all of whom perform exceptionally well. Listeners are not only exposed to lesser known works of this composer, but also to the composer's many talents. When we listen to this music, it is not too much of a stretch to see how he could create the masterpiece of TALES OF HOFFMAN (yes, the barcarolle is included).

Certainly people who enjoy this recording will hope that there are revivals of other Offenbach operettas on stage and maybe studio recordings so this great composer can finally have his due.

3 out of 5 stars Yet another frustrating CD booklet.......2004-02-24

Why do companies like DG always give us booklets in which
the order of works in the commentary in no way match the
order of the tracks on the CD??? It drives you crazy
trying to follow the CD -- when a new aria or whatever starts,
you spend ages trying to find comments on it in the booklet.

Other than that, good recording and has interesting bits of
lesser known Offenbach.

5 out of 5 stars A Bright Voice, Delightful Music, and Hilarious Delivery.......2003-06-17

I'm a relative newcomer and amateur in opera. Right now, I particulary enjoy buying CDs of sopranos, and I decided to "try" Ms. Von Otter. Was I blown away. My favorite on this CD is the "Sextuor de l'Alphabet" (the Alphabet Sextet). I had to laugh the first time I heard this. I have a cursory grasp of French, and so caught a word hear or there. It was funny without the context. But after reading the English translation of the lyrics, my funny bone was tickled even more. This whole CD makes clear the reason that Offenbach was such a popular composer, a composer for the masses.

Anne Sofie von Otter has also found her way into my classical heart, and I intend to get to know her voice better. Her dramatic interpretation is wonderful, and could even be compared to Maria Callas' flair for drama.

I highly recommend this CD.
The Alphabet Operetta
Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
  • Fun for kids and parents
 The Alphabet Operetta

Manufacturer: Mvo Records
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
ASIN: B00004TDMA
Release Date: 2000-04-24

Tracks:

  1. INTRODUCTION
  2. A
  3. B
  4. C
  5. D
  6. E
  7. F
  8. G
  9. H
  10. I
  11. J
  12. K
  13. L
  14. M
  15. N
  16. O
  17. P
  18. Q
  19. R
  20. S
  21. T
  22. U
  23. V
  24. W
  25. X
  26. Y
  27. Z
  28. FINALE

Album Description

CHILDREN'S MUSIC.

The Alphabet Operetta was the first children's recording to star each letter of the alphabet. In its debut, 10 years ago, The Alphabet Operetta received numerous awards including Booklist Editor's Choice and was selected by Entertainment Weekly as one of the year's best children's recordings. It is featured in the ALA's recommended Best of the Best for Children. Out of print for nearly 5 years, MVO records is pleased to re-release this title on CD with fresh graphics and all lyrics included.

Customer Reviews:

5 out of 5 stars Fun for kids and parents.......2000-08-05

The Alphabet Operetta is a masterpiece of whit and fun. The songs are relatively short (1 to 2 minutes each) so they're easy for children of 4 or 5 years to learn. When possible they provide valuable and lyrical rules of phonics. (e.g.: C, coconut on a cable car -- C, celery, cycle, cigar).

My three children have all loved the Alphabet Operetta from age 4 and up. Now they're 9, 13 and 15 and still love to bring it on long drives in the car.

The stories are fun for kids and parents. As a result they create memories and common experiences that we can share as a family!

Thanks Mindy.
Frederica von Stade - Offenbach Arias and Overtures / de Almeida
Average customer rating: Not rated
    		Frederica von Stade - Offenbach Arias and Overtures / de Almeida
    Jacques Offenbach , Scottish Chamber Orchestra , Antonio de Almeida , and Frederica von Stade
    Manufacturer: Bmg Int'l
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    All Works by OffenbachAll Works by Offenbach | Offenbach, Jacques | ( O ) | Featured Composers, A-Z | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Classical | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Arias | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    OperettasOperettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    Von Stade, FredericaVon Stade, Frederica | Divas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music
    ClassicalClassical | Imports | Stores | Music
    Classical MusicClassical Music | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Opera & VocalOpera & Vocal | The Sony BMG Masterworks Store | Amazon.com Label Stores | Stores | Music
    Similar Items:
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    ASIN: B000003FVL
    Release Date: 1995-10-10

    Tracks:

    1. La Perichole: Overture
    2. La Perichole: Lettre de la Perichole
    3. La Perichole: Ah! que les hommes sont bete!
    4. La Perichole: Ariette de la griserie
    5. La Perichole: Entr'acte
    6. La fille du tambour-major: Chanson de la fille du tambour-major
    7. La Belle Helene: Amours divins
    8. Pomme d'api: Overture
    9. Pomme d'api: Couplets de pomme
    10. Pomme d'api: J'en prendrai un, deux, trois
    11. Madame l'Archidac: Couplets de l'alphabet
    12. La Romance de la rose: Overture
    13. La Vie parisienne: Rondeau et valse
    14. Orphee aux enfers: Couplets du berger joli
    15. Barbe Bleu: Overture
    16. Barbe Bleu: Couplets de Boulette
    17. Barbe Bleu: Couplets de la rosiere
    18. La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein: Overture
    19. La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein: Dites-lui
    20. La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein: Ah! j'aime les militaires
    The Alphabet Operetta
    Average customer rating: 5 out of 5 stars
    • Fun for all ages
    		 The Alphabet Operetta
    Mindy Manley Little
    Manufacturer: The Orchard
    ProductGroup: Music
    Binding: Audio CD

    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Styles | Music
    GeneralGeneral | Children's Music | Indie Music | Stores | Music
    ASIN: B0000516UC
    Release Date: 2000-07-25

    Tracks:

    1. Introduction
    2. A
    3. B
    4. C
    5. D
    6. E
    7. F
    8. G
    9. H
    10. I
    11. J
    12. K
    13. L
    14. M
    15. N
    16. O
    17. P
    18. Q
    19. R
    20. S
    21. T
    22. U
    23. V
    24. W
    25. X
    26. Y
    27. Z
    28. Finale

    Customer Reviews:

    5 out of 5 stars Fun for all ages.......2000-10-24

    This is a wonderful CD. I have listened to it since I was about two-years old and still like it, I'm 14. It is a very fun operetta that kids can sing along with and at the same time learn rules about the pronunciation of letters in our alphabet. I would definitley reccomend this to any family with young kids!!!

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