Folk Music of South Korea
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome back to Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we journey to the eastern side of Asia to explore the rich folk music traditions of South Korea. From heartfelt folk songs to energetic drumming ensembles, Korean traditional music—known as gugak—is a vibrant part of the country’s culture and history. Join me as we explore: 🎶 Minyo – Traditional Korean folk songs passed down through generations 🎤 Arirang – One of Korea’s most beloved and historic songs 🎭 Pansori – Dramatic musical storytelling with a single singer and drummer 🥁 Samulnori...
info_outline
Folk Music of Ukraine
Busy Kids Love Music
In this episode of our Around the World summer series, we’re traveling to Ukraine, a country with a deep love of singing, a powerful history, and some truly fascinating folk instruments! Join me as we: Discover the meaning of folk music and why it matters. Learn about Ukraine’s journey to independence and how music has helped preserve its culture. Explore the beautiful three-part harmonies often sung a cappella by Ukrainian choirs. Hear traditional instruments like: Bandura – a harp-like instrument with up to 60 strings. Trembita – one of the world’s longest...
info_outline
Folk Music of Ethiopia
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to a brand new season of our summer series, Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music! Every 2 weeks this summer, we’re visiting a different country to explore its folk music traditions—and today, we’re heading to the Horn of Africa to discover the rich and unique sounds of Ethiopia! In this episode, you’ll learn: What makes Ethiopian music sound so different from Western music The special musical scales called qignit (including the Tizita scale) The fascinating traditional instruments of Ethiopia: the krar, masenqo, and washint How music is woven into...
info_outline
Taps
Busy Kids Love Music
As we approach Memorial Day in the United States, this episode honors one of the most poignant and powerful pieces of American music — Taps. Although this bugle call is only 24 notes long, it carries deep meaning and emotion, used to honor those who have served and sacrificed in the military. In this episode, you and your young listeners will: Discover the origins of Taps during the Civil War. Learn about the bugle and how it was used to signal soldiers throughout the day. Hear different performances of Taps, including from Arlington National Cemetery. Reflect on how a simple melody...
info_outline
May Flowers
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome back to Busy Kids Love Music! In today’s episode, we’re celebrating the blossoming beauty of spring with classical music inspired by flowers! This episode is the perfect follow-up to our April Showers adventure, and it’s all about music that captures the feeling of blooming gardens, delicate petals, and peaceful springtime scenes. 🌸 Here’s what we’re listening to today: Waltz of the Flowers by Pyotr Ilyich Tchaikovsky – A graceful dance from The Nutcracker ballet that brings a garden of twirling flowers to life. Voices of Spring (Frühlingsstimmen) by Johann Strauss...
info_outline
Music for Our Planet
Busy Kids Love Music
Happy Earth Day! Today, we’re celebrating our beautiful planet the best way we know how—through music! 🎶 For centuries, composers have found inspiration in nature, and in this episode, we’re exploring three stunning pieces that bring the sounds of the Earth to life. 🎼 Featured Music: Beethoven’s "Pastoral Symphony" – A joyful musical journey through the countryside, filled with singing birds, flowing streams, and even a thunderstorm! Smetana’s "The Moldau" – A breathtaking piece that follows the journey of a mighty river as it winds through forests, villages, and castles....
info_outline
April Showers
Busy Kids Love Music
"April showers bring May flowers!" This common saying reminds us that rainy days lead to beautiful spring blooms. In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re exploring three classical pieces that capture the sound and feeling of rain. From gentle drizzles to powerful storms, these composers found incredible ways to bring rain to life through music. 🎵 Music Featured in This Episode: 1️⃣ "Raindrop" Prelude – Frédéric Chopin Listen for the repeating note that sounds like steady raindrops. Did you know Chopin may have been inspired by a real rainstorm while staying at an old...
info_outline
Sonata Form
Busy Kids Love Music
Hi friends! Have you ever wondered what makes a sonata different from other pieces of music? In today’s episode, we’re diving into the world of sonatas—one of the most important forms in classical music! You’ll learn: ✅ What the word "sonata" means and where it comes from ✅ How composers like Mozart, Beethoven, and Haydn used a special structure called sonata form ✅ How to listen for the exposition, development, and recapitulation in famous sonatas 🎧 We’ll explore examples from Mozart’s “Easy Sonata,” Beethoven’s “Moonlight Sonata,” and more! Listen closely and...
info_outline
Turlough O’Carolan
Busy Kids Love Music
Happy (almost) St. Patrick’s Day! 🍀 In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re traveling back in time to explore the life and music of one of Ireland’s most beloved composers—Turlough O’Carolan. Known for blending traditional Irish melodies with European Baroque influences, O’Carolan created music that is still performed and loved today. 🎵 What You’ll Learn in This Episode: ✅ Who was Turlough O’Carolan, and how did he become a traveling harpist? ✅ What are planxties, and why did O’Carolan compose them? ✅ How did he blend Irish folk music with Baroque elements...
info_outline
Thomas "Blind Tom" Wiggins
Busy Kids Love Music
In this special Black History Month episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we explore the life and legacy of the extraordinary musician and composer, Blind Tom Wiggins. Born into slavery in 1849, Blind Tom overcame immense challenges, including blindness and exploitation, to become one of the most celebrated musical prodigies of the 19th century. Join me as we delve into his remarkable story, his unique musical talent, and his enduring contributions to American music. Learn about his compositions, including his dramatic retelling of a Civil War battle in "The Battle of Manassas," and discover how...
info_outlineWelcome to the latest episode of Busy Kids Love Music, where we embark on a musical journey into the captivating world of Sergei Prokofiev's ballet masterpiece, "Cinderella." Today we'll dive into the enchanting melodies and unforgettable moments that make this composition a timeless treasure.
**Discovering Prokofiev's Ballet Legacy:**
Sergei Prokofiev, renowned for his innovative compositions and mastery of musical storytelling, left an indelible mark on the world of ballet. Throughout his illustrious career, Prokofiev completed eight ballets, each a testament to his unparalleled creativity and ability to transport audiences to new worlds.
**Unveiling the Magic of Cinderella:**
"Cinderella" is a ballet in three acts, composed by Prokofiev between 1940 and 1944. Inspired by the classic fairy tale, the ballet follows the story of Cinderella, a kind-hearted young woman longing for escape from her life of hardship. With evocative music and enchanting choreography, Prokofiev brings this beloved tale to life in a way that captivates audiences of all ages.
**Exploring Key Musical Pieces:**
In our podcast episode, we spotlight some of the most iconic pieces from "Cinderella," including the grand finale "Waltz-Coda," the suspenseful "Midnight" music, and the romantic melody known as "Amoroso." Through these excerpts, listeners are transported into the heart of Prokofiev's enchanting world, where magic and emotion intertwine.
**Historical Significance:**
Despite the challenging circumstances of World War II, "Cinderella" made its debut on November 21, 1945, at the Bolshoi Theatre in Moscow. The premiere was a resounding success, enchanting audiences with its rich music, dazzling costumes, and breathtaking choreography, solidifying its place as a beloved classic of the ballet repertoire.
Join me on this enchanting journey through the magical world of Sergei Prokofiev's "Cinderella." Let the captivating melodies and timeless tale of love, hope, and transformation transport you to a world of beauty and wonder.
Be sure to subscribe to our podcast for more musical explorations and episodes!
Links Mentioned in this Episode:
Episode 121: The Life of Sergei Prokofiev
Episode 122: Peter and the Wolf
Musical Samples You'll Hear in this Episode:
Prokofiev - Cinderella Suite (Introduction)
Cinderella - Ballet in Three Acts, Op. 87, Act II: No. 37 Waltz - Coda
Prokofiev - Cinderella Suite - Midnight
Prokofiev - Cinderella "Amoroso"
Playlist for Episode 123
Check out this episode's curated playlist on YouTube, where I've shared live performances to some of Prokofiev's music from Cinderella.
Subscribe & Review in Apple Podcasts
Are you subscribed to my podcast? If you’re not, head on over to do that today so you don’t miss an episode. Click here to subscribe in Apple Podcasts!
If you’re feeling extra magnanimous, I would be really grateful if you left a review over on Apple Podcasts, too. Those reviews help other families find my podcast learn more about music. Just click here to review, select “Ratings and Reviews” and “Write a Review” and let me know what you love about Busy Kids Love Music. Thanks!