Customer Rating: 
Summary: Inspire the baby-within
Comment: Beyond sheer musical appreciation and enjoyment, Mozart's music in general is ideal for gently stimulating the "creative centers" as well as instilling a sense well-being. While there is much academic disagreement about the extent or reality of the so-called "Mozart Effect," it doesn't take a genius to observe how Mozart's music puts most people (and probably babies-to-be) in a happy mood ready to take on the day's challenges. There is a simplicity - yet elegance and musical brilliance - in his music that is also well-suited for the youngest of children.
The selections on this CD are all excellent and represent a nice range of Mozart's compostions, emphasising those that are ideal for creating a pleasant backdrop for leisure, dining and social occasions ("divertimentos"). The recordings are from the creme of musicians famous for their Mozart. Few works are as elegant and soaring as the Serenade #10 for winds - an astonishingly beautiful tune made famous from the early scenes of the movie, "Amadeus." Mozart supreme gifts of music are even seen in such humble "background music" as these pieces. And such continuity of warm, leisurely tones as these over 70 minutes is ideal for inspiring the baby to-be if that is why you are considering this CD. Better to expose a baby to the gentile, lyrical music of Mozart than to the dissonant, loud and disturbing tones of some classical music written well after Mozart.
As the reviewer below rightfully notes, compilation CD's of various unrelated works like this one is not quite how classical music is best meant to be heard. But in a way it is better for many to start with such collections like this - especially for those who just want the more quiet selections that are unintrusive. In that respect, this collection can be satisfying for most anyone (not just moms or babies). I have a huge classical music collection, but still really enjoy listening to one full CD of similar-temperament music like this one that flows easily and smoothly that doesn't demand my attention but only seeks to delight. And, in the end, that was the simple and primary goal of many of Mozart's compositions - to be purely enjoyed and delighted.
Customer Rating:
Summary: why?
Comment: Why do they keep making these "Mozart (and other composers) for..." CDs? I know I know. For idiots to buy them of course so the record company can make tons of money. But I feel it's an insult to classical music. No offense but Mozart didn't write this music for your unborn child. He couldn't care less to tell you the truth. I think he'd be pretty mad seeing how his music is being exploited these days. Why can't people just buy and listen to classical music as it was intended. Buy a set of Mozart's violin concertos or maybe Don Giovanni if you're so inclined. But not this "potpourri excerpts from his work" trash. Another option is to listen to the local classical radio station. Gosh, these kinds of CDs have gone too far. What's next - "Tchaikovsky for Taking a Dump"? Sheeesh....Don't suport this if you care about preserving an art...
Customer Rating:
Summary: Calms your soul.....
Comment: Just had to take a moment to write this review. I bought this CD 9 months ago right before the due date of my first baby. Being a new mom and nervous and trying to do everything right, I played this CD the first week home from the hospital. It would totally calm both me and baby and we would rock and rock until he was asleep. I've always loved all kinds of music but having such a peaceful CD to listen to helped me gain my perspective and take a deep breath and just enjoy this new little one I had in my arms. Music does that to me but this CD has something extra special.
Customer Rating:
Summary: Highly Rated Recordings. Excellent Song Selection
Comment: Too often classical music CD's for families or kids are poor in quality. But that is not the case with this excellent CD. The recordings on this CD were selected from the very best, previously released recordings. The songs were carefully chosen for the theme of "mothers-to-be and young children," and then outstanding recordings by legendary artists were used. The quality and performances are outstanding.
You can find these recording on the legendary "Complete Mozart Collection" by Phillips. It's a who's who of classical music superstars. That's how regarded this music is.
Some people would not notice the difference between this quality CD and, say, new-age influenced synthesizer classical music, but the quality difference is important. This is just wonderful music!
What everyone will appreciate is the pleasant selection of music. This is pleasant music for parents and young children, or anyone. Mozart is like that anyway. Everyone likes this Mozart CD, and it's great for kids.
Customer Rating:
Summary: ABSOLUTELY WONDERFUL
Comment: I love this CD! I play it all the time when I am at home because it helps me to relax, and being 8 months pg...it definitely eases the stress. I also bring the CD to work with me sometimes and it's very relaxing. I highly recommend this for anyone who is pregnant or expecting
