Beautiful Dreamer

1	Beautiful Dreamer 2:40
2	Lullaby and Goodnight 2:43
3	The Inchworm 2:23
4	Lavender Blue 3:25
5	Sing 2:52
6	The Water Is Wide 3:05
7	Puff (The Magic Dragon) 3:42
8	Valerie 3:45
9	Children's Medley: I'm a Little Teapot/Twinkle Twinkle Little Star 3:49
10	On Top of Old Smokey 3:11
11	Edelweiss 2:14
12	You Are So Beautiful 2:46
13	Still, Still, Still 2:11
14	Goodnight Irene 1:52

Barnes & Noble

This lovely solo piano album was inspired by the birth of Robin Spielberg's first child, Valerie, the lone survivor of a premature set of twins. The 17-ounce baby endured heart surgery, 13 transfusions, and spent many months in the neonatal intensive care unit. By the album's release date in January, 2000, Valerie had grown into bright, active, and healthy child who now accompanies her mom on tour. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER is a collection of the pianist's favorite lullabies and the songs of her childhood. The gentler tunes include the title track (Stephen Foster's famous tune), the eternally enchanting "Lullaby" by Brahms, "Inch Worm" from the film "Hans Christian Andersen," "Lavender Blue," Rodgers & Hammerstein's "Edelweiss," and "Good Night, Irene." Some songs, like "Sing," "Puff the Magic Dragon," and a medley of children's songs, are more playful. Spielberg includes one original composition, a tender love song written especially for Valerie that already sounds like a standard. The traditional folk song, "The Water is Wide" is the heartstopper of the set, reflecting the courage of Spielberg and her husband. As always, Spielberg has a lyrical touch, and her phrasing is radiant. BEAUTIFUL DREAMER is the perfect gift for new or expectant parents. Carol Wright

All Music Guide

This album grew out of pianist Robin Spielberg's experience giving birth to her daughter Valerie. The baby was born prematurely andSpielberg was convinced that playing the piano during her pregnancy and by her incubator were major factors in contributing to the eventual well-being of her baby. The other event emanating from this birth experience was a heightened interest in music therapy. The songs on the play list were clearly selected to lull a baby, and parent, off to blissful sleep. Certainly Spielberg's tender playing is a major factor in achieving this objective. Some of these "lullabies" were at one-time well-known pop tunes, such as "On Top of Old Smokey," "Good Night Irene," and "Lavender Blue." Spielberg's arrangements and renditions have restored them to their original stations as folk lullabies. Other selections are the products of the pens of some of America's more famous composers, such as Frank Loesser, Richard Rodgers, and Oscar Hammerstein II. The pianist has made an emotional contribution to the play list with "Valerie," in honor of her daughter. This is very pretty music, warmly and tranquilly played with a special personal touch. This album should grace the nursery of many a newborn and is highly recommended for that purpose. Dave Nathan