This cleverly titled compilation of mostly peaceful, calm music has the merit of fine performances by several of RCA Victor's distinguished performing artists. Whether or not one believes the premise that classical music offers positive benefits to the fetus, few will quarrel with the quality of the performances here or their ability to cumulatively soothe even the most nervous, anxious listener of any age.
Some of the selections here are obvious choices--Brahms' 'Lullaby,' for example-but others stray from the beaten path. Works for solo harp by Hovhaness and Tournier, performed by Emily Mitchell, add to the variety of timbre and musical style of the program. Chopin's 'Berceuse' and a 'Cradle Song' by Grieg complement Brahms with different perspectives on the lullaby genre. From Bach to Massenet, Gluck to Puccini, some of the most relaxing music from across the ages is included here.
Other standout performances include Alicia de Larrocha and Andr‚ Previn's crystal-clear rendition of the Andante from Mozart's Sonata for Two Pianos, and Leontyne Price, heard all too briefly in an arrangement of Schubert's 'Ave Maria' with chorus and organ. As sleepy-time music for the young, the old, and maybe even the not-yet-born, ULTRASOUND delivers what it promises.
