Whatever I Want to Be

PreS—Gr 3—Los Angeles-based Illana Melmed sets her own spin to 11 pieces of classical and contemporary music by adding lyrics filled with contemporary themes. Works such as Gioachino Antonio Rossini's William Tell Overture are transformed; "William Tell Is Oh So Swell" becomes an upbeat encouragement to get kids up and moving. Other standouts include: Johann Straus's Jubelfest Marsch which teaches a lesson on metamorphosis in "The Gorgeous Butterfly"; Edvard Grieg's Norwegian Dance, No. 2 in A Major is transformed into "Clean Up Time"; Julius Fucik's Entrance of the Gladiators, Triumph March transports listeners to "The Circus." Two songs are by contemporary composer William Goldstein, who accompanies the singers on the recording. Other musical accompaniments are usually orchestral recordings. Melmed's soprano voice is crisp, clean, and a joy to listen to. Her talented grandchildren are featured on many of the songs, switching singing lead and harmonies easily. The second half of the recording features the grandchildren reading or reciting comments about each composer and the orchestral selection from each (this time with no lyrics). An intriguing way of introducing youngsters to classical music.—Stephanie Bange, Wright State University, Dayton, OH