Common Sense Media Review
By Juan Rodriguez Aguilar
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Informative kids intro to classical music in Spanish.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 7+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Listen
Parent and Kid Reviews
What’s It About?
ALLEGRO MÁGICO is an engaging music podcast that introduces kids to classical music and the impactful composers who created some of the most notable pieces of music. Each episode varies depending on the show's theme, but takeaways always include the background of the artists, listening to what their music sounds like, and discovering how they impacted music as we know it now. The biographical aspect of the show is always secondary to the music itself, which allows younger kids to absorb and react to what they're listening to. Host Claudia Ortiz has a gentle voice that creates a cozy and inviting environment, enlightening young listeners as she talks about each classical composer and the pieces they're known for. The storytelling episodes are expertly crafted and immersive, creating the feeling of listening to a bedtime story while music plays in the background. The podcast is produced entirely in Spanish, requiring at least an intermediate proficiency.
Is It Any Good?
This podcast does an incredible job of immersing children in classical music, a genre of music they might otherwise see as old-fashioned or even "boring" compared to contemporary music. The host of Allegro Mágico, Claudia Ortiz, covers the lives of impactful composers briefly and succinctly, with a soothing voice both kids and adults will be drawn to. She always keeps episodes fun by playing songs from each composer, blending the art of audio storytelling and the beauty of music. What she succeeds at, above all else, is putting the focus on arranging an expertly curated selection of songs that often feel like they're narrating the composers' stories. Claudia also includes timestamps of each episode's songs in the episode descriptions.
The 2020 episode series "Viajando Por el Mundo" (Traveling the World) is a must-listen, as it exposes listeners to different musical cultures around the world. Every episode feels new and unpredictable, and Ortiz' kindhearted personality and deep knowledge of the subject matter make it an easy and informative listen for kids, tweens, teens, and even adults.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the importance of classical music and composers highlighted in Allegro Mágico. Did you recognize many of the songs from the composers featured? Where have you heard them (e.g., in film, television, popular music today, someplace else)?
This podcast combines two important audio formats: music and audio storytelling (podcasting). How does learning about music differ when there's no visual element?
How does the music make you feel? How do you think music helps express emotion? What are some songs you heard that represent some of the emotions you have throughout the day?
How did women's representation in classical music back then compare to their representation in music today? What were some obstacles women had to face then that they no longer face now? Are there still gender barriers in music today?
How did many of the composers featured represent perseverance and courage? Why are these important character strengths?
Podcast Details
- Release date: September 27, 2017
- Genre: Music
- Average Run Time: 20 minutes
- Website: https://www.allegromagico.com/
- Host: Claudia Ortiz
- Pricing structure: Free
- Topics: Arts and Dance , History , Music and Sing-Along
- Character Strengths: Courage , Perseverance
- Award: Common Sense Selection
- Last updated: June 14, 2023
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