THE STORY OF MUSIC From Babylon to the Beatles: How Music Has Shaped Civilization

It's a big story that lives up to its subtitle as it spans centuries. Listeners won't retain every detail even though narrator Simon Vance presents the facts and occasional opinions with all the author's diligence. Like a lecture from a favorite professor, though, the book always entertains and engages. Even if the musical technicalities—such as the discussion of the "dotted rhythm" of swing—don’t quite sink in, the cultural impact of each element will. Goodall's writing is thoughtful, considering such topics as the European influence on the blues and the stresses on composers who worked under Nazi or Soviet regimes. There's much for the music scholar, and casual listeners will also find something to ponder. J.A.S. © AudioFile 2014, Portland, Maine [Published: MAY 2014]