Music to Little Ears
A Review of Peter and the Wolf
Tamara Miller
One of my earliest memories of classical music was a first grade field trip to see the
local symphony production of Peter and the Wolf. I remember the bus ride and arriving
at what seemed like the most
beautiful, luxurious theater in the world. The seats were
plush and so was the narrator's voice. I sat in rapt attention as the story of naughty little
Peter and his animal friends came to life through music. I still have a soft spot in my
heart for French horns all because of the hapless wolf. I have been a fan of classical
music ever since this first magical, musical experience.
When I received this software for review, I was a little wary. How in the world could a
computer program compare with that first symphony experience? If children were
introduced to a cyber Peter, would they be able to enjoy the Peter I was so enchanted
with many 30 years ago? The answer is yes, and more. IBM's Peter and the Wolf will
only serve to whet a child's appetite for more. He or she will begging for that first trip to
the symphony.
I don't know how the folks at 7th Level do it, but they keep topping themselves. Peter
and the Wolf is a magnificent romp "inside" the story. The child enters a symphony hall,
(that looks remarkably like the one I visited, complete with velvet curtains) and the show
begins. The child may start and stop the action and watch and rewatch any part or
character of the program he prefers. The many clickpoints provide everything from sight
gags to learning opportunities. For instance, click on the orchestra pit and the child may
listen to each instrument individually. Peter guides his young guest around the theater
and backstage making navigation extremely easy for even the youngest 3 year old.
The Hudson Philharmonic provides the music. None of the usual hokey synthesized
stuff, the music is rich, full and beautiful. Children will be immediately drawn to the
sights and sounds of Peter and his friends. Tony Randall's narration completes the sound
package. His voice is as velvet and warm as my childhood memories.
The animation is absolutely flawless. The characters are friendly and funny, without
being condescending to children. It is obvious that the designers appreciate a child's
intelligence and sense of humor. The art is reminiscent of an old cartoon, carefully
crafted with skill and joy. No choppy movements, the characters are smooth, even on my
little home computer.
Peter and the Wolf is incredibly interactive. Wherever the child clicks something funny
or interesting happens. Music appreciation games and interactive overviews keep the
program interesting, even for a three year old. Older children will love to watch the story
all the way through and focus on specific instruments. A child could play with this
program 100 times in a 100 different ways without losing interest.
I loved Peter and the Wolf. My children did too. I can't recommend it highly enough. It is the perfect introduction to the grown-up world of classical music, in an intelligent and fun context. IBM and 7th Level have hit upon a remarkable idea. I would love to see what they could do with Beethoven. Keep it coming guys.
School House Scorecard
| Product: |
Peter and the Wolf |
| Company: |
IBM Multimedia
|
| Cost: |
Not Available |
System Requirements:
MPC2 configured PC
Windows 3.1
486 25 MHz (minimum)
4 MB ram (8 recomended)
2 MB of hard disk space
SVGA 640X480X256 graphics
Windows 3.1 compatible audio board and mouse
Breakdown:
Ease of Use 4
Learning Value 5
Entertainment Value 5
Graphics 5
Sound 5
Overall Score:
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