Disklavier

One of my most favourite features of the demo tracks on the Piano are under the Pianosoft + Graphics list. At the end of the list there are three tracks that are simply wonderful (the others in here are mainly SmartKey and are also quite good):

Alphabet Song - this plays the alphabet song with a child's voice singoing along. To make it more interactive, you need to play middle C for each letter sung. This is simply wonderful for toddlers and my 20 month old daughter loves it.

Old MacDonald has a farm - the is a spectacular rendition of the piece and plays using the entire keyboard and instrumental accompanyment. The child needs to introduce each verse by hitting middle-C to play the animal sound. Again, my daughter loves this.

The Three Little Pigs - this is probably my favourite of the three. Although it isn't interactive, it is wondefully produced, using a combination of narration, piano, and accompanying sound effects. If that isn't enough, the piano itself plays a part in the story - for example, the keyboard simulates the wind by running the keys up and down the piano as in the Total Control demo, or when the door thumps. This is a truly amazing demo.

I've added each of these to the new Shortcut list feature so I can call on them quickly when the kids are bored. I haven't attached a monitor to the piano to see what the accompanying graphics look like - I will do this one day - but if anyone has seen this, let me know if it is worth it.

These three pieces are masterfully produced and show off the Disklavier at its best. I also have a collection of nursery rhyme midi files that pale in comparison to the quality and entertainment value (and hence get little play time). Is anyone aware of any other pieces for kids (or adults!) that are similarly impressive?

Mark