Award-winning videos bring classical music to life

Become entranced by the lives and genius of great composers with DVDs that feature the relationship between a maestro and a young person. Each is a blend of traditional storytelling, classical music, history, fiction, solid acting and writing.

Bizet's Dream
A 12-year-old Parisian girl grudgingly takes piano lessons from composer Georges Bizet. Although he is anguishing over his life and his work, Michelle soon becomes captivated by his story of the gypsy Carmen as told through his new opera.

Liszt's Rhapsody
The dashing Franz Liszt appears to have it all - talent, success, wealth and adoring fans. Yet when the great pianist takes on a young street musician as a violin student, he finds his own work transformed by the experience. A simple wager turns into a mighty struggle of wills: a conflict of freedom vs. discipline, heart vs. brain, passion vs. technique.

Bach's Fight for Freedom
An independent young boy is worried about working as the assistant to composer Johann Sebastian Bach. Tensions are relieved when the temperamental composer finds a kindred soul in the young Frederick. Set in 1717, Bach's Fight for Freedom passionately argues that the only master you can serve faithfully is your own heart.

Handel's Last Chance
A Dublin street kid is selected as a choirboy for Handel's first performance of The Messiah. In the process, Jamie becomes friends with the renowned composer, who is suffering from a temporary lack of self-esteem. When Jamie is falsely accused of wrongdoing, Handel comes to his aid. The Messiah's premiere brings Handel glory and restores him to his rightful place in the musical world.

Strauss: The King of Three-Quarter Time
Johann Strauss Jr. is the darling of waltzing Vienna, but he is haunted by constant pressure to outdo himself with each new composition. When Strauss meets Nicholas, a humble young stableboy, they realize they have much in common. The composer and the boy share the healing bond of trust and embark on a collaboration that will be music to the world's ears.

Rossini's Ghost
Nine-year-old Reliana witnesses Rossini's efforts to salvage his seemingly cursed new opera. Set in 1816, the year The Barber of Seville had its disastrous premiere, Rossini's Ghost is the story of three women who learn that friendship, like opera, requires nurturing, patience, and time.

Awards:
12 Emmy nominations
5 Emmys
Parents' Choice Gold
American Library Association's Editor's Choice.

Ages 7 to 13.
Grades 2 to 8.

3071 - Composers' Specials DVD Set - $89.98