Danse Macabre
Busy Kids Love Music
It’s time for a spooky (but silly!) musical adventure as we wrap up our 3-part series on the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns. In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re exploring one of Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and well-known pieces: Danse Macabre — or “Dance of Death.” But don’t worry — while the title sounds a bit eerie, this piece is more like a playful Halloween dance party than a fright fest. With dancing skeletons, chiming midnight bells, and a dramatic story told entirely through music, Danse Macabre is the perfect mix of spooky and fun....
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Carnival of the Animals
Busy Kids Love Music
Get ready to explore a musical zoo like no other! In this episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we’re diving into one of Camille Saint-Saëns’ most imaginative and beloved works—Carnival of the Animals. This whimsical suite features 14 short movements, each representing a different animal or creature, from regal lions and squawking roosters to gliding swans and even... piano students! You’ll hear musical excerpts that bring each animal to life and learn: Why Saint-Saëns wrote Carnival of the Animals in secret What instrument represents the elephant Why The Swan was the only...
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The Life of Camille Saint-Saëns
Busy Kids Love Music
We’re kicking off a brand-new composer series—and this one’s all about the brilliant French composer Camille Saint-Saëns! 🎼 In this first episode of our 3-part series, your child will discover: What made Saint-Saëns a child prodigy His early musical education and incredible memory How travel and science inspired his compositions The tragedies and triumphs that shaped his life Why his music stood apart from others in his time Plus! This episode includes a to make listening extra interactive and fun. Can your child catch how old Saint-Saëns was at his first...
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Folk Music of Tahiti
Busy Kids Love Music
Welcome to the final stop on our Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music summer series! In this episode, we journey to the breathtaking island of Tahiti, the largest island in French Polynesia, where folk music and dance are central to cultural life. From the energetic rhythms of the ʻoteʻa dance to the booming beats of the toʻere and pahu drums, Tahitian music is filled with movement and joy. We’ll explore the traditional instruments, musical styles, and even group choral chants like himene tarava, which blend Polynesian harmonies with European influences. You’ll also: Hear...
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Folk Music of Colombia
Busy Kids Love Music
In today’s episode of Busy Kids Love Music, we head to the vibrant country of Colombia—a place full of colorful landscapes, rich traditions, and joyful rhythms! Part of our special summer series Around the World with Busy Kids Love Music, this musical journey introduces your child to the diverse folk styles that make Colombian music so special. From the African-influenced drums of the coastal regions to the haunting melodies of Indigenous flutes and the lively accordion tunes of vallenato, we’ll explore how Colombia’s music reflects its unique blend of cultures: Indigenous, African,...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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...
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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_outlineWelcome back to *Busy Kids Love Music*! In Episode 133, we’re taking a musical journey to one of the world’s most famous festivals – Oktoberfest! This traditional German celebration, which began over 200 years ago in Munich, Germany, has spread across the world, bringing with it lively music, dancing, and festive fun.
What You'll Learn in This Episode:
In this episode, we explore the vibrant music that fills the air at Oktoberfest, including:
- Oom-pah Music: Learn about the traditional "oom-pah" bands, featuring the tuba, accordion, clarinet, and more, creating a festive rhythm perfect for dancing.
- Dances of Oktoberfest: Discover the fast-paced, hopping polka and the elegant waltz, both staples of Oktoberfest dancing.
- Sing-Alongs: Join in the fun of traditional German songs, like the famous “Ein Prosit,” a song sung throughout Oktoberfest to toast to good health and happiness.
The music at Oktoberfest brings people together, creating a joyful atmosphere that’s all about celebration. Whether it’s the lively sounds of the oom-pah band or the crowd joining in for a sing-along, the tunes help make Oktoberfest the energetic festival it’s known for.
MUSICAL SAMPLES HEARD IN THIS EPISODE
OKTOBERFEST Music 🍻 Super 1 Hour Playlist
"Beer Barrel Polka" (Roll Out the Barrel) [also Rosamunda and Škoda lásky] by West Coast Prost!
"Blue Skirt Waltz" by West Coast Prost! Happy Oktoberfest!
Ein Prosit - [LYRICS] - The Polka Brothers
PLAYLIST FOR EPISODE 133
I’ve created a special playlist of fun Oktoberfest music, perfect for dancing or just enjoying the festive atmosphere! You can find it here
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