Music for the letter A

As I mentioned in the past, we are doing a letter of the week format for preschool this year. I also hinted at finding good classical music to listen to that incorporates the letter of the week.  If you didn't know, I am a bit of a music nerd and hence snob.  Both my husband and I studied music theory in college (it is how we met).  I truly believe in filling my children's minds (and ears) with incredible, beautiful, complex music.  Sometimes I talk a little bit about the music, point out things to listen to, maybe share what the composer was trying show with the music. Mostly I just leave it on in the back ground as we dance or draw.  Some songs are favorites and so will come up a few times in the year.  Even more than a favorite book, I LOVE coming back to favorites pieces of music again, hearing something new, feeling a familiar thrill as my favorite parts approach.

   On the outside chance that someone out there would like to have this information, but mostly for me when I do this all over again in a few years; I present music listening options to coordinate with a "Letter of the Week" format. I hope you find something new, or rediscover old forgotten favorites. If you have a favorite piece please share it in the comments.  There is so much beautiful music out there. As I progress through the year I will do my best to keep sharing music.  I will use the tag "letter music" to keep them all in one place. I'm sure I'm forgetting a great many pieces, and so I will keep updating as I think of them.  Enjoy.

Letter A
"Carnival of Animals" by Saint-Saens is one of my favorite pieces for introducing children to music.  It is very playful and fun, and easy to hear the different animals.  Eventually we will get to all the movements, but for this week, we will start with "The Aquarium".  A beautiful tranquil, lilting piece.  Can you just feel the breath of the ocean as you listen?  Can't you hear the sunlight filtering through the water?

  And the Aivery (which is an enclosure for birds) Can you hear them flitting about?

Adagio for Strings by Samuel Barber.  Okay, this one might be a little too slow to keep little ones attention, but mom, make sure you find a few moments, maybe at the end of a long day and listen to it as you unwind. It is breathtakingly beautiful.  I find that I hold my breath at where you think the piece will climax, and keep holding as you move through a few more suspensions until you find the resolution.  Beautiful.  Always makes me cry. Always.

Appalachian Spring by Aaron Copeland.  A beautiful American composition.  Originally for a ballet.  It also includes a little motif from the "Shaker Melody"  (which we Catholics will recognize as "Lord of the Dance")

Air on a G String by J.S. Bach. Ethereal, flowing, breathtaking.


Ave Maria by Schubert.  Everyone should know this song.

Ave Maria (the prayer) by Anton Bruckner.  Okay, this is my list, so that is how this song ends up on here.  It was a piece I sang in choir back in college, and so will always hold a special place in my heart.  It is gorgeous and I personally think Anton Bruckner was a master composer of choral motets.  Such beautiful suspension, dissonance, resolutions...gives me chills.  Please let me know if I've introduced you to a new favorite.  :)

Okay, I know I am missing many beautiful pieces, but this is a good list to get you started.