Review of Music: The Art of Togetherness

[Clauson Justin]

[Following is an official OnlineBookClub.org review of "Music: The Art of Togetherness" by BJ Gonzalvo.]

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5 out of 5 stars

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"Music: The Art of Togetherness" by B. J. Gonzalvo is an inspirational book that offers the author's perspective on the appreciation of music. This author shares their pandemic experiences, describing how they learned to perceive the chirping of birds and the wind as music, which they initially considered distractions. The book covers the origin of music and its characteristics, such as universality and communal aspects. The author also emphasizes the importance and benefits of music, including its physical, emotional, and spiritual impacts, particularly when people create and enjoy music together.

I appreciate Gonzalvo’s inclusion of inspirational biblical quotes, such as Romans 12:16, which provide guidance and encouragement. The prayers at the end of some chapters were also a beneficial addition for personal reflection. The references to various books, like “Introduction to the Devout Life," are educational, inspiring me to add them to my library to enhance my spiritual growth. Also, the author successfully captures the emotions I experienced while singing in a choir, prompting me to consider rejoining one. Through a clear focus on music appreciation, the book remains engaging without straying into unrelated or dull narratives. The storytelling is compelling, and the use of backup questions at the end of sentences or paragraphs retained my interest. One exceptional aspect of this book is Gonzalvo's ability to interpret the story of Moses and Pharaoh from a musical perspective. The explanation for Moses' initial refusal to meet Pharaoh is insightful and thought-provoking, shedding new light on the biblical account. There was absolutely nothing to dislike about this book.

I rate this book 5 out of 5 stars because the author skillfully blended various elements, such as religion and culture, making it an engaging read. The author's use of real-life examples and experiences involving people and activities lends credibility and relatability to the narrative. The exploration of the significance of music, particularly within Filipino culture, is informative. He avoided making the book voluminous.

This book can serve as a source of inspiration and encourage a focus on communal harmony rather than individual singing talent. It is an excellent read for those who have lost confidence in their singing abilities, offering encouragement and guidance. It would also be ideal for people who are new to music, as it provides valuable insights and promotes a deeper appreciation for the art form.

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Music: The Art of Togetherness
View: on Bookshelves | on Amazon

[Yin Jiang]

This sounds like an interesting read as music can so often serve to connect individuals. Your review did raise a question for me though. I wonder if the reference to bible verses and biblical stories might be a turn-off to those who do not identify with it, or if people would be able to connect to the message of the book regardless of religious beliefs?