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Technology and the Choral Artt
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accessible but without a read-aloud One of the real gems of Music- Stradivari also made cellos? This

function, flip-book story book, or Box is the Audiobook section. Front section reads more like a textbook
video explanation utilized in many and center of the substantial con- than an introduction; that is not to
elementary learning apps, a child’s tribution of MusicBox, the audio- say the information is dull, just that
exploration would certainly need to books provide a stimulating over- the format and delivery of the in-
be supported by an adult. view of musical genres broken down formation could be re-designed to
Returning to the home page icon into bite-size pieces. Do you want lend itself to unfacilitated explora-
menu, the general format explored to hear the story of classical music? tion. Combined with the seemingly
in music from around the world is Just click on a link, sit back, and al- haphazard approach toward quiz-
repeated for discovery into the in- low the flood of classical sounds de- zes within the activity portal, por-

struments, composers, history, stage livered by a gripping narrative to fi ll tions of MusicBox graciously lend
& screen, and more. History time- the room. The service delivered by itself toward updates and re-for-
lines are modeled after traditional this page is that of a young people’s matting in the future.
music history textbooks while the concert at a local symphony orches- Overall, MusicBox is the perfect
scrolling function allows for stu- tra—brief enough for intrigue and solution for parent-child co-learn-
dent-like perspective on the breath rich enough for deepening. Want ing the richness and expansiveness
of music developed primarily with- to learn more about classical com- of classical music together. While
in Western music spheres. The posers? There is a book for that. the format at times may not align
Composers icon opens to a basic Want to know more about ballet with their targeted demographic or
encyclopedia of composers from stories? There is a book for that smoothly entreat the end-user expe-
William Byrd (1543-1623) to John as well. There are hours of audio- rience, MusicBox delivers an abun-
Adams (b. 1947-present) but glosses books that delight the ears, open dance of classical studies in bite size,
over many notables covered within the mind, and offer just enough to delectable pieces. With a seven-day

the wider Naxos library. Each com- plant the seeds of learning. Even free trial, MusicBox is worth explor-
poser page highlights a brief but though the Audiobook page does ing and losing sleep-over (in a good

accessible biography supported by not offer link-sharing, support-vid- way!). Education subscriptions are
music examples, quick-quizzes, key- eos, or pop-out images, this portal available, and one can even gift this
facts sheet, and deepening listening is a one-stop shop for delivering a music experience to friends, family,
activities. substantial introduction into classi- and loved ones. For $4 a month or
While the formatting could be cal music. $99 for lifetime access, Naxos has
further tailored for the audience, the It goes without saying that Mu- made a brilliant step toward break-
content is rich, unassuming, and an sicBox’s entry into supporting clas- ing down the stodgy barriers long
over-all delight to peruse. Admitted- sical music education via a robust fortifying classical education within
ly, some explanation requires more online platform is certainly a step the walls of the elite institutions and
explanation not off ered—such as in the right direction. However, like delivers this beloved music accessi-
“There was a split at the time be- the roll out of all things, MusicBox bly to a computer near you.
tween the ‘galant’ style, which was does not always seamlessly deliver
very artificial and polite, and the the brand experience to the end-us-

‘sensitive’ style, which was dramat- er. For example, the considerable
ic and powerful (regarding C.P.E breath of the Instrument section
Bach (1714-1788)”—but there is is enough to support the broadest
a wonderful ease of approach for of education, but perhaps does so
how each article describes the life, without considering the age of the
style, and impact of the composer’s audience. Did you know the clari-
work. net has a cylindrical bore? Or that

72 CHORAL JOURNAL June/July 2021 Volume 61 Number 11