Peter and the Wolf / Babar the Elephant / The Young Person's Guide to the Orchestra. Featuring Dame Edna Everage. Naxos 8.554170.
- Composer(s): Benjamin Britten, Francis Poulenc, Sergey Prokofiev
- Conductor(s): John Lanchbery
- Orchestra(s): Melbourne Symphony Orchestra
- Artist(s): Dame Edna Everage, Barry Humphries
Reviews
“Using her own enthusiastically expanded version of the original commentary, Dame Edna Everage is sure to draw any young possum into the world of the orchestra. Her exuberance offsets any twee moments, and the Melbourne orchestra illustrate vivid instrumental descriptions with splendidly alive and colourful playing. The Naxos recording is excellent and, with its highly enjoyable couplings, this inexpensive triptych is warmly recommendable.” Penguin Guide
“There are two very good reasons to get this recording, even if you already have another version of Prokofiev's "Peter and the Wolf.” Most importantly, this disc includes Francis Poulenc's enchanting “Story of Babar,” a musical tale based on the famous series of picture books by Laurent de Brunhoff and narrated here by Barry Humphries. The other reason to get this disc is television star Dame Edna Everage, Mr. Humphries' matronly, but oh-so-glamorous female alter ego. While such high-spirited and high-camp hijinks may go right over most children's heads, it should make the listening experience more fun for their jaded parents. And the silliness is quite infectious, especially in these buoyant performances led by veteran ballet conductor John Lanchberry. At budget price, this disc should prove irresistible to all but those kids who hate to see their parents have a good time, too." B&N