It is never too early to begin exposing your little one to music. A child begins to react to music while still in the womb, and is able to distinguish between different tones - so why not start with classical masterpieces? The consistency of the music box in the forefront of every song provides a strong rhythmic structure and melody for your little one to begin to hear and recognize. Most of the songs begin very simply, with just the music box keeping a perfect beat, and the other instruments coming in one at a time. Schubert's Cradle Song has the music box and xylophone trading off each note to hold the beat, creating a tick-tock sound that is sure to lull your little one to sleep, while the cello holds the melody. You will likely recognize many, if not all, of the selected pieces and your pleasure or excitement about the music will be felt by your little one. Brahms' Lullaby is probably the most recognized lullaby in the Western world, and you will certainly recognize it as soon as the music box and flute begin. In the second verse, the strings join in to transform the simple lullaby melody to a very rich performance. Waltz in E and Fur Elise are other melodies you with surely recognize, as they are often the melodies of many newborn's toys.

Feel free to encourage your little one to feel and understand the beat by helping them clap their hands, dancing with them in your arms, rocking them, or bouncing them gently to the tempo. The combinations of instruments may spark your baby's curiosity, causing them to look around to see what is making the different noises, especially when a new instrument is first introduced. A number of the songs feature a unique juxtaposition of sounds, like in Ave Marie when the sorrowful sounding violins are heard against the upbeat chimes of the music box. These are complex musical aspects that children can begin understanding far earlier than speech and reading.

I put this CD on while playing with my one year old friend, Dano, right after a nap. Dano was still a bit tired and wanted to just sit in my lap while and be rocked while he woke up. When Mozart's To You, My Mother, I'd Say began, Dano sat forwarded and turned around to smile at me - he recognized it! Your little one probably will too, as it's the melody for the famous children's song Twinkle, Twinkle Little Star. Knowing he recognized it, I started singing the children's song with the melody and clapping hands with Dano to the beat. He was fully awake from his nap at this point and keeping the beat beautifully.

--Audra