A Very Special Playlist for Your Baby: Part 3
It’s a new year and I am excited to bring you more of Dr. Suzuki’s special playlist for your baby! This Vol. II-A playlist has a variety of musical selections. Just like the previous posts, I have included brief notes about each composer and the music.
So, you will also want to check out the post of the first seven selections of this playlist labeled Vol. I-A. Then, here is the playlist of the second seven selections. Dr. Suzuki labeled those Vo. I-B.
Back in the 1980’s, Dr. Suzuki chose 28 pieces of music that he believed were essential listening for families with babies. He then asked Japanese Suzuki teachers to encourage the families to listen to them everyday.
Sony did release a two-disc recording of Dr. Suzuki’s special playlist. But, I still have not found any reference to the recording online.
Therefore, I have decided to continue to find audio/video files and share them with you. The following are the seven selections labeled Vol. II-A.
Music for Your Entire Family to Enjoy
Because Dr. Suzuki did all the time-consuming work of choosing this music, all we have to do is listen and enjoy!
He chose composers and their music from different time periods. He also chose music written for various instruments to include in this special playlist for your baby.
With this third set of seven pieces, you will have twenty-one different pieces of music from which to choose. So you can make your own playlist for you and your baby.
The Next Seven Selections on the Playlist
A Violinist and Two Pianists on the Playlist
Vivaldi
The first piece in the third set of this playlist for your baby is the The Four Seasons, “Spring”, 1st movement composed by Antonio Vivaldi (1678-1741). He was an Italian violinist as well as a composer. So, he wrote many solo works for violin and string orchestra.
“Spring” is one of those pieces for solo violin and string orchestra. The music is very descriptive. While listening, try to hear the birds chirping, the stream running by, and even a thunderstorm!
Don’t worry though. The beautiful spring weather returns at the end of the piece. This will be pleasant listening if it is snowy and cold where you live right now!
The Four Seasons, “Spring”, Mvt. 1
Beethoven
The second piece is Minuet in G by Ludwig van Beethoven (1770-1827). Beethoven was a German pianist and composer. He wrote music for large orchestras, small groups of instruments, and solo works for different instruments. Beethoven also wrote much of the solo piano music that is still played today.
He originally wrote the piece for piano. However, it has been arranged for all sorts of solo instruments and combinations of instruments.
Of all Beethoven’s music, Minuet in G is probably the one of the easier for your baby to listen to. While you’re listening, how about picking up your baby and dancing a little? A minuet is a dance, after all!
Chopin (check out Vol. I-A playlist for more Chopin)
The third piece on your baby’s playlist is Nocturne, Opus 9, No. 2 by Frederic Chopin (1810-1849) who was a Polish composer and virtuoso pianist.
Chopin mainly composed solo piano works. In fact, his compositions also make up a fair amount of the solo music available to pianists today.
The New Oxford American Dictionary gives one definition a nocturne as: a short composition of a romantic or dreamy character suggestive of night, typically for piano.
So, it’s no surprise that it made it onto Dr. Suzuki’s special playlist for babies. I can practically guarantee that your baby (and probably you, too) will find yourselves nodding off to sleep listening to this piece of music. Sweet dreams…
Unusual Choice for the Special Playlist
Gruber/Mohr
You may not know this composer and poet, but you probably would recognize the song. Franz Gruber wrote the music and Joseph Mohr wrote the words for Silent Night in 1818.
It so happened that their church organ had been damaged by flood waters. Mohr came to Gruber and asked him to compose the tune with a guitar accompaniment.
I am only guessing right now. But, I believe that Dr. Suzuki chose this piece because he spent several years in Germany studying violin. It is most likely he heard this piece more than once and grew to like it.
So, I chose a solo guitar version for you. It is very peaceful and would make another good nap or bed time listening piece of music.
Ballet Music, Keyboard Sonatas, and a Chorus on the Special Playlist
Schubert
The fifth piece on baby’s special playlist is Ballettmusik No.2 from “Rosamunde” by Franz Schubert (1797-1828). Schubert was a German composer probably most famous for the over 600 songs he wrote.
However, he also wrote music for symphony orchestras, small groups of instruments, choirs, ballets, and piano.
Of all the possibilities, Dr. Suzuki chose the music that Schubert wrote for a play called “Rosamunde”. He specifically one of the ballet numbers. The music is happy sounding and engaging for baby ears.
Scarlatti
Sonata in D minor L. 413 “Pastorale” by Italian composer, Domenico Scarlatti (1685-1757) is the sixth selection on our special playlist. He composed music for opera, masses, and music for various instruments.
But, his real claim to fame is the 555+ sonatas he wrote for keyboard instruments which include harpsichord, organ, and piano. Enjoy the pleasing harmonies in this “Pastorale” movement from his Sonata for piano.
Sonata in D minor L. 413 “Pastorale”
Handel
Finally, the Hallelujah Chorus from Messiah by Georg Fredric Handel (1685-1759) finishes this part of Dr. Suzuki’s special playlist for your baby. Handel was a German composer, but spent much of his career in England.
He wrote operas, oratorios (an opera without acting), music for small groups of instruments, and many solo works for different instruments. However, his most recognizable work is the “Hallelujah Chorus” from his Messiah.
WARNING! This is NOT a lullaby! So, don’t play this for your baby before nap or bed time. Save it for play time. Be joyful and smiling with the music. Lots of hugs fit with this piece as well!
Enjoy! Hallelujah Chorus
Dr. Suzuki’s Gift to Parents and Babies
Dr. Suzuki’s very special playlist is a gift to you and your baby. He knew that music can help you both grow into people with fine character, high abilities, and beautiful hearts.
Dr. Suzuki also left you another gift. Suzuki Early Childhood Education (SECE) Baby Class began with this playlist and has been spreading worldwide since then. He asked Suzuki teachers to “not forget the babies”.
FREE Guide!
Baby Class available to parents of babies and toddlers.
Download Your “Seven Steps to a Deeper Relationship With Your Baby”
Are you curious about what Baby Class is like? Learn more about “Your Musical Baby” Class activities and philosophy in this FREE Guide just for you. Sign up for your your free guide and “Your Musical Baby”newsletter. Read all about Baby Class, then try out the Bonus Activities.
I think you and your baby/toddler will really enjoy them. If so, go to the “Your Musical Baby” Class link below to join the class and begin your “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey”!
On the “Beautiful Heart Musical Journey” with you,
Susan
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2 thoughts on “More of Dr. Suzuki’s Special Playlist for Your Baby”
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Thank you for putting together these playlists. What a wonderful resource to have available.
Hi Cheryl, glad you enjoyed the playlist!