Great Composers

Available as download only.

Happy Birthday, Mr. Beethoven

The Life of Beethoven set to his own music.

Did you know that Beethoven's favourite food was macaroni cheese? Or that he took a shower standing in a bowl, throwing water all over himself - and the floor?

Meticulously researched, Ann tells the true story of Beethoven's astounding achievements in spite of his deafness, introducing children to a lifetime friendship with the great composer. The music is performed by the world's finest orchestras, including the Philharmonia Orchestra, and the New Philharmonic Orchestra, with conductors that include Sir Adrian Boult and Kurt Sanderling

Available as download only.

Mozart, The Miracle Maestro

The Life of Mozart set to his own music.

A small boy who hated sloppy kisses!...A miracle in a cathedral in Rome!...The mystery of the Dark Stranger...Wolfgang's journey through Europe with his sister.

Ann Rachlin weaves the colourful story of Mozart into an exciting and intriguing mystery - and it's all true! Mozart's masterpieces provide the background to this amazing tale.

The music is performed by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra and conductors include Sir Colin Davis and Carlo Maria Giulini.

Available as download only.

Once Upon The Thames

The Life of Handel set to his own music.

A boy swallows a knife!...A barber-surgeon...A purse of gold... A German who became England's No.1 musician...And why dozens of candles?

From his early childhood in Germany to his fame in London, Ann Rachlin tells the Life of Handel. Join her as she floats down the Thames with the King for the first performance of the Water Music in 1717 and stand to the majesty of the Hallelujah Chorus.

The music is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra, The King's College Choir, etc. Conductors include Yehudi Menuhin, Sir Charles Mackerras.

Available as download only.

Papa Haydn's Surprise

The Life of Haydn set to his own music.

Expelled for cutting off a choirboy's pigtail!.. Climbing up the scaffolding of a royal palace!...Being punished for breaking the rules!

Franz Josef Haydn's mischievous childhood strikes a chord with every child. Ann reveals the truth behind the "Surprise" Symphony and tells how a naughty boy became the much-loved Papa Haydn - Father of the Symphony.

The music is performed by the London Symphony Orchestra and conducted by André Previn, Kurt Sanderling and others.

Available as download only.

Mr. Handel's Fireworks Party

The True Story of Handel's Music for the Royal Fireworks.

Fireworks that backfire...Traffic jams in 1749...Sword fights on London Bridge...Road rage in horse-drawn carriages.

Travel back in time with Ann Rachlin as she journeys to the London of two hundred and fifty years ago. Thrill to the sparkle of the Royal Fireworks in your ears!

The music is performed by The London Symphony Orchestra, The King's College Choir and conductors include Sir Charles Mackerras, with George Malcolm (harpsichord).