Classical Music & Funny Lyrics!
Some years ago, Richard Perlmutter toyed with the idea of writing lyrics to masterpieces of classical music. While humming Beethoven’s 5th Symphony, the words “Beethoven’s Wig is very big” popped into his head. With that spark of inspiration, Beethoven’s Wig was born.
The first Beethoven's Wig album, Sing Along Symphonies, was released on Rounder Records in 2002 to overwhelming fanfare. Perlmutter was invited to appear on NPR’s All Things Considered, and then on NBC’s Today Show. National press and critics loved the fresh approach to classical music that anyone, especially youngsters, can enjoy. The album accelerated to the top of Amazon’s Bestseller List, where it held the #1 position on both the Amazon Classical and Children's Music Sales Charts for four months. Over the next year, Beethoven's Wig received 15 national awards, including a Grammy Nomination for Best Musical Album for Children and the designation of ‘Notable Recording’ by the American Library Association.
Since its exciting beginning, Beethoven’s Wig has consistently released quality family-friendly music, with a total of 5 albums that have cumulatively earned 4 GRAMMY nominations, 5 Parent’s Choice Awards, and dozens of additional honors.
In 2011, Richard Perlmutter partnered with Smiley Guy Studios, an award-winning Toronto-based animation studio, to bring his songs to life in a series of cartoon shorts. Their collaboration has led to the development of a feature-length multimedia stage show in which Perlmutter performs alongside a colorful cast of cartoon characters. The unique, interactive concert experience debuted at the Institute of Contemporary Art in Boston, MA on August 31, 2013. Once again, Beethoven’s Wig has found a way to make classical music even more engaging for young audiences!
Music educators have adopted Beethoven’s Wig’s music as a highly effective teaching tool, and Alfred Music Publishing has released two illustrated piano/vocal songbooks in 2011 and 2012 with collections of Beethoven’s Wig lyrics and music. Alfred Music also publishes choral editions of select Beethoven’s Wig songs.
To date, the Beethoven's Wig series has received a record 50+ National Awards. Perlmutter continues to perform with his group of four Beethoven's Wig singers. Hailed as opening the door to "serious music" in a way that's fun, Beethoven's Wig is a popular attraction not only with symphony orchestras, but also with college and university ensembles. Perlmutter also presents solo shows, singing Beethoven’s Wig songs, while accompanying himself on piano, classical guitar and mandolin. Hailed as opening the door to "serious music" in a way that's fun, Beethoven's Wig is now the most honored musical group in family entertainment.