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GIVEAWAY & REVIEW: How Music Works by John Powell

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Description

What makes a musical note different from any other sound? How can you tell if you have perfect pitch? Why do 10 violins sound only twice as loud as one? Do your Bob Dylan albums sound better on CD or vinyl? John Powell, a scientist and musician, answers these questions and many more in HOW MUSIC WORKS, an intriguing and original guide to acoustics. In a clear, accessible, and engaging voice, Powell fascinates the reader with his delightful descriptions of the science and psychology lurking beneath the surface of music. With lively discussions of the secrets behind harmony, timbre, keys, chords, loudness, musical composition, and more, HOW MUSIC WORKS will be treasured by music lovers everywhere. The book also includes a CD of examples and exercises from the book.

About the Author

John Powell holds a PhD in physics from Imperial College at London University. He has taught physics at the University of Nottingham and the University of Lulea in Sweden. In 2003, he earned a master’s degree in music composition from the University of Sheffield in Great Britain.

 Details

  • Hardcover: 272 pages
  • Publisher: Little, Brown and Company (November 3, 2010)
  • Language: English
  • ISBN-10: 0316098302
  • ISBN-13: 978-0316098304

SOURCE:  PUBLISHER

 MY THOUGHTS
LOVED IT

This book is so appealing on so many different levels.  A lot of times, any book that deals with technical subjects become dry and boring.  How Music Works is easy to read and very enjoyable.  There is so much wonderful snarky, English humor that you don’t even realize you are learning something.  Even if you are a casual fan of music, you will find some eye opening facts in here, such as why you hear those discordant sounds at the beginning of an orchestral concert.  They are tuning all of the instruments to the same key!  

I have spent most of my life around musicians and I don’t think even they could explain some of the things in this book.  There are wonderful illustration as well as a lot of interesting facts.  I mean, how else could you learn the true meaning of decibels or how loud is too loud?  This would make an excellent gift for anyone who love music or thrives on trivia.

WANT TO WIN A COPY OF THIS BOOK?

Contest is open to anyone with a US or Canadian mailing address (no PO Boxes)
Contest ends on 11.20.10 Winner will be chosen by Random.org on 11.21.10
Winner will have 48 hours to respond to email or a new winner will be chosen.
This giveaway is sponsored by Hatchette Book Group and 3 books will be available.
Only one winner per household address!

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Comments

  2. If it’s the same John Powell I’m a fan of, then his PS I Love You soundtrack was used during my wedding for the processional for bridesmaids, flower girl, mothers of the bride and groom, and my own processional. Absolutely gorgeous, gorgeous music!! I just entered my information for the giveaway — what a great offer!

  4. This looks like an amazing book. I’m a music fanatic, growing up listening to everything from Mozart to Marvin Gaye, and having spent years in choir, the power of music has always intrigued me.

  19. My husband is a music educator and he would love this book. Thanks for the review, now I can add it to our to read list.

    megankyser at gmail dot com

  24. I’m a new email subscriber. This book sounds great and I know that my husband, a teacher, would enjoy it also.
    Thanks,
    Jen
    jryder416 at yahoo dot com

  29. Jennifer — jryder416@
    Megan — Megankyser@
    Coffee and a Book Chick — coffeeandabookchick@

    An email has been sent to the lucky people named above (first part of their email address in case my note ends up in spam). They have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.

    Thanks to all who entered.