Beethoven Lives Upstairs: A Tale of Genius & Childhood

Written by Classical Kids

Narrated by Stephen Ouimette and Nathaniel Moreau

An eccentric new boarder turns a young boy’s life upside-down. Ludwig van Beethoven has moved in upstairs! Young Christoph exchanges letters about the chaotic arrival of Mr. Beethoven and learns to appreciate and understand the great composer and his music. Over two dozen excerpts including Moonlight Sonata, Symphonies #5-9, Für Elise, Pathetique Sonata, Flute Serenade, Violin Spring Sonata and Minuet in G Major.  

Beethoven Lives Upstairs is a Classical Kids production, produced by Susan Hammond and Patrick Godfrey. Teacher’s Notes are available at childrensgroup.com

• Language: English
• Publisher: Classical Kids
• Release date: Aug 3, 2020
• ISBN: 9781662296857

[Anna Sarro · Rating: 3 out of 5 stars]

Good story told thru letters between a boy and his Uncle. The boy's father has died and his mother rents their upstairs room to the famous composer Beethoven. Beethoven's compositions plays in background. Great way to introduce children to classical music. I just wish it played continuously without chapter breaks. Each "chapter" is about 3 to 5 minutes long and it's jarring to have the story interrupted by a monotonous voice announcing the chapter number. I would rate the story and music four stars but deducted one for the annoying chapter breaks.

[Suzanne Pienaar · Rating: 5 out of 5 stars]

Thoroughly enjoyed it. Superb reading combined with some of Beethoven's most beloved music.