Classicalite's Five Best: Musicians on 'Sesame Street'

I was musing the other day about what being on Sesame Street means for classical musicians.

In many ways, it's a signpost--a signal that said musician has entered the realm of popular culture. It is also, of course, a laudable attempt to bring classical music, itself, back into popular culture.

Get 'em, while they're young, that's what I say!

Itzhak Perlman Helps Out Telly

A lovely musical collaboration, but some muppets are just never satisfied.

Seiji Ozawa and the Animal Orchestra

Absolute treat.

Gustavo Dudamel feat. Elmo

He conducts penguins. As long as they'll sing, he'll conduct. And who can blame him?

Renée Fleming (a.k.a. "the famous opera star Miss Renée Fleming")

Who proceeded rather adorably to count to five. With lots of dancing numbers. To the tune of Gilda's "Caro nome" from Rigoletto.

Alan Gilbert is...

the maestro in your neighborhood!