Live at the Greene Space

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Tonight on Evening Music, Terrance McKnight will host a live concert event in WNYC's Jerome L. Greene performance space, featuring members of Ensemble ACJW and the Orpheus Chamber Orchestra. The Ensemble ACJW is made up of fellows and alumni of The Academy – a program of Carnegie Hall, the Juilliard School and the Weill Music Institute in partnership with the New York City Department of Education, and 5 members of this group will perform a movement of the Brahms Clarinet Quintet. We'll also hear music of Igor Stravinsky performed by Orpheus, as well as an except of a new work by Aaron Jay Kernis called “Concerto with Echoes”, which is part of Orpheus’s New Brandenburg Commissions project. The whole piece will be played by Orpheus on October 8th in a live broadcast from Carnegie Hall, as we celebrate the launch of the new WQXR. Also tonight, music of Paul Moravec and Anton Arensky.

Music Playlists

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Hear the complete live show below.

Dark Waters

Monday, September 28, 2009

Composer Ingram Marshall had a special interest in dark, oceanic deep sounds while writing his album Dark Waters, and decided to use the oboe d'amore (a Baroque version of the oboe with a low register) in his piece Holy Ghosts. Marshall found inspiration in an excerpt from Bach's Mass in B Minor, where two oboe d'amores superimpose melodies. However, since Marshall only wanted one oboe d'amore, he used a live digital delay to create a kind of spiraling and weaving effect. The resultant echoes are “ghosting” the live playing of oboist Libby Van Cleve. Also tonight, music of Alexandre Desplat and Judd Greenstein.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Mountain Man

Sunday, September 27, 2009

When composer John Luther Adams began working on environmental protection upon graduation from Cal Arts, he ended up in Alaska in 1975 where his deep love of its wilderness led to his permanent residence there. The influence of Alaska's vast landscape has been a source of inspiration and emotion in Adams's music ever since, and from his small cabin-studio outside Fairbanks he has composed for everything from television and children's theater to orchestra and electronics. Tonight, we hear selections from his piece For Lou Harrison, Harrison being another major influence in Adams’s composing career. Also, music of Nobukazu Takemura and Kyle Gann.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Balloon Ballad

Saturday, September 26, 2009

When Icelandic composer Johann Johannsson premiered his piece Virthulegu forsetar in a large towering church in 2003, the country's biggest newspaper raved that it was the most memorable musical event of the year. The musicians (playing brass, percussion, organs, piano and electronic instruments) were positioned all throughout the church for stereo effect. While a simple melody transformed throughout the piece, blue helium balloons were timed to fall slowly from the ceiling as the light transformed during that late summer evening. Tonight we hear this transporting piece, along with music of Toumani Diabate and Bill Whelan.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Sweet Song

Friday, September 25, 2009

There aren’t many instruments that have had more names, varieties or as world-wide a reach as the hammered dulcimer. Literally meaning "sweet song" from the Roman translation, this stringed instrument (typically played with mallets), originated in Persia nearly 2000 years ago. Variations of the dulcimer can be seen and heard in Asian and European traditional music and extend all the way to American folk music and even the Blue Man Group. One type of dulcimer called the cimbalom, has been featured in music of Zoltan Kodaly and Igor Stravinsky. Tonight, we hear the dulcimer used in music ranging from Robert Een to Christof Dienz and Lou Harrison.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

All the Rage

Thursday, September 24, 2009

Bob Ostertag became an early success in New York City's collaborative improvisation scene, leading him in the late 70s to use sampling, tape manipulation and electric custom-made instruments. By the 80's, a politically-minded Ostertag moved to El Salvador to participate in the turbulent revolutions and counter-revolutions of South America but returned to the musical world with Sooner or Later, a piece summarizing his time abroad. By the 90's, groups like the Kronos Quartet took notice of Ostertag, and they commissioned All the Rage, a piece addressing gay rights issues. We hear this piece tonight along with music by Kosaku Yamada and Bobby McFerrin.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Bossa of Brazil

Wednesday, September 23, 2009

Antonio Carlos Jobim (a.k.a. Tom) was the primary forced behind the Bossa Nova style, bringing it from Brazil to the rest of the world. Born in 1927, Jobim was a beach boy with a faint desire to be an architect, until he followed his instincts and took up music instead. Jobim was able to combine delicate harmonies of French impressionists with American jazz and fiery Afro-Brazilian sambas, making a new sound that would become his lifelong legacy. His most well known collaboration was with Stan Getz, Joao Gilberto and Astrud Gilberto, performing Jobim's classic The Girl From Ipanema. Tonight we hear his Meu Amigo. Also, music of Jason Treuting and Daniel Schnyder.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Cosmic Connection

Tuesday, September 22, 2009

Detuned instruments, machines and warped 78 records: all among the fascinations of composer Annie Gosfield. She believes in the inherent beauty and musicality of unusual sources, and the instrumentation of her works can range from solo violin and satellite transmission to machines found in a German factory. Gosfield's journey down the unbeaten path has included collaborations with cellist Joan Jeanrenaud and the Bang on a Can All-Stars. Tonight, we hear Four Roses, including Gosfield playing a sampling keyboard. Also, music of Keith Jarrett and Timo Alakotila.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Counting Sheep

Monday, September 21, 2009

Imagine playing a melody with one note and then, with each consecutive repetition, adding an additional note until you reach the melody’s 65-note culmination. Then imagine doing that in unison, in a large ensemble and at breakneck speed. This is what you have in Frederick Rzewski’s Les Moutons de Panurge, the title based on the cautionary tale of Panurge's sheep who follow each other blindly off the side of a ship thanks to the con-artistry of one of the shipmates. In performance, it’s inevitable that some of the musicians “fall off” the theme of this tricky piece by a composer known for embedding political messages in his works. Also tonight, music of Marcelo Zarvos and Paul Hindemith .

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Sounding Out

Sunday, September 20, 2009

Listening to sound is pretty essential for any musician. But some musicians go even farther by developing their own unique philosophies about it, and Slow Six is such a group. They describe themselves as life-long musicians sounding out a room together, and use amplified instruments coupled with computer software to create ambient atmospheres, and much more. Tonight we hear a piece of Slow Six's Christopher Tignor, from their evocatively titled album Private Times in Public Places. Also, music of Fred Lerdahl and Samuel Barber.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Spiderman's Songs

Saturday, September 19, 2009

If there was a prize given out for the Professional Musician With the Most Unusual Hobby, Payton MacDonald would certainly take home the title. He's an arachnoculturist (fancy term for spider keeper) and proud owner of over 70 tarantulas, also giving a presentation at the 10th Annual American Tarantula Society Conference last year. MacDoanld also happens to be a sought after percussionist and composer, with his pieces performed by stand-out ensembles like Alarm Will Sound and So Percussion. Tonight we hear him performing his Ascending Sunshine Shaman (homage to Terry Riley). Also, music of Bill Whelan and Morton Gould.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Sparking the New Year

Friday, September 18, 2009

Tonight marks the Jewish high holiday of Rosh Hashanah, and we celebrate by playing music of traditional Yiddish, Sephardic and Oriental sources, arranged by guitarist Tim Sparks. A major inspiration for Sparks' album, Tanz, was the legendary Klezmer clarinetist Naftule Brandwein, whose authentic playing style and quirky personality made him a star recording artist in the 1920's and 30's, proclaiming himself the King of Jewish Music. Sparks takes original themes of Brandwein and others, and makes them his own. Also, music of Erik Friedlander and Ernst Bloch.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Fascinating Rhythm

Thursday, September 17, 2009

American composer Michael Gordon's music is an outgrowth of his underground New York rock band experience combined with formal music training from Yale, so it's no surprise that he's obsessed with the nature of rhythm. Co-founder of the rousing ensemble Bang on a Can, Gordan has built his career on exploring rhythm and what happens when different rhythms are piled on top of each other, to mesmerizing effect. Tonight we hear Alarm Will Sound perform a selection from his opera Van Gogh. Also, music of Daniel Schnyder and Jacques Loussier.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Perfect Passages

Wednesday, September 16, 2009

Fresh out of college in the mid-60's but still studying privately in Paris, Philip Glass lamented he didn't have enough exposure to world music- until he met Ravi Shankar, that is. The two immediately hit it off, resulting in a lasting friendship that led to their album together called Passages, in 1990. Although they have very distinctive and unique styles, we can hear the friends practically completing each other's sentences- musically speaking- in perfect tandem. Tonight we hear Ragas in a Minor Scale. Also, music of Phil Kline and Leos Janacek

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Miniature Masterpiece

Tuesday, September 15, 2009

Georgian composer Sulkhan Tsintsadze produced an enormous amount of pieces throughout his career, but what immediately catapulted him to fame in his country was his very first work, Minatures for string quartet. Tonight, we hear an arrangement of this piece for violin and chamber orchestra, enhancing what is already a passionate, high-octane homage to Georgian folklore. Always fond of integrating folk music in his compositions, a variety of love songs to peasant mountain dances can be found in much of his work. Also tonight, music of Astor Piazzolla and Meredith Monk.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Signature Songs

Monday, September 14, 2009

Composer Arturo Marquez became fascinated with music at an early age while listening to his father play mariachi and folk music in northern Mexico. Studying at the Mexican Music Conservatory and then awarded a scholarship to Paris, it wasn't long before Marquez developed a signature style rooted in his heritage. His series of Danzones written in the 90's brought him international popularity, and his Danzon No. 2- nicknamed the second Mexican national anthem- is a signature piece of Gustavo Dudamel's gutsy Simon Bolivar Youth Orchestra. Also, music of Dmitri Shostakovich and Claude Bolling.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Lutes in Translation

Sunday, September 13, 2009

Toyohiko Satoh studied cello and guitar at the Rikkyo University in Tokyo in the early 1960's, but his love affair with the lute began soon thereafter, traveling all the way to Basel, Switzerland to study with his teacher of choice. Satoh went on to form an all-Japanese, Baroque-styled ensemble in the Netherlands called the Alba Musica Kyo, and it's translation could mean any one of the following: The Dawn of Today's Music, The Beginning of Crazy Music, or The Start of Noble Japanese Music. Tonight we hear Alba Musica Kyo performing Satoh's own hauntingly beautiful composition, Pelerinage au Rollant. Also, music of Arvo Part and Nino Rota.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Enlightenment

Saturday, September 12, 2009

Violinist and composer David Balakrishnan, founding member of the Turtle Island String Quartet, has the ability to integrate classical string tradition with American folk, jazz, and Indian classical music in his compositions, breaking the boundaries of the traditional string quartet- and chamber music in general. While collaborating with the Ying Quartet on a mixed-genre album titled 4 + four, Balakrishnan wrote Mara's Garden of False Delights- a refreshing and vivid depiction of Hindu philosophy and different states of being- which we hear tonight. Also, music of Tyondai Braxton and Min Xiao-Fen.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Souls of September

Friday, September 11, 2009

Many artists, moved by the tragedy of 9/11, were called on to create and dedicate work to honor the victims of the attacks. Composer John Adams was one of many who accepted such a call, and answered with his choral piece, On the Transmigration of Souls, which we hear tonight. Commissioned to write this large scale work by the New York Philharmonic, Adams used pre-recorded street sounds and the reading of victims names by friends and family members, combined with live choruses and full orchestra, to create a powerful and spiritual memorial captured in music. Also tonight, music of Carl and Gertrud Orff, and Kayhan Kalhor.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Notable North

Thursday, September 10, 2009

Known for his modesty, composer Alex North was never the pushy, show-business type. But he still managed to accumulate 15 Oscar nominations and a Lifetime Achievement Oscar for his work in the film industry. A gifted child musician, he developed a fascination with Russian music, and became the first American to study at the Moscow Conservatory in 1932. After returning to America, director Elia Kazan noticed his passion for writing film music- and the rest is history. North wrote more than 50 films scores during his career, and even composed the hit single Unchained Melody, which has been recorded by over 500 different artists. Tonight, we hear Nine Piano Sequences from A Streetcar Named Desire. Also, music of Elliott Smith and Dafnis Prieto.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Mr. Big

Wednesday, September 09, 2009

Douglas J. Cuomo settled on composing when he moved to New York, after some years of touring with jazz groups (playing guitar) and studying world music. Taking on small projects in the beginning, he ended up taking the Big Apple by storm with his compositions for Broadway, television and the concert stage. Always keeping up a variety of work, Cuomo shows off his eclectic musical taste by composing for bold groups like the string quartet Ethel while writing hits such as the theme music for HBO's Sex and the City. Tonight, we hear another side of Cuomo with a selection from his Arjuna's Dilemma, an opera-oratorio based on sacred Hindu texts of the Bhagavad Gita. Also, music of John Tavener and Bobby McFerrin.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

School of Schoenfield

Tuesday, September 08, 2009

Paul Schoenfield wrote his first composition while he still had his baby teeth, and now at age sixty-two, he's considered an original American composer who mixes classical, jazz and popular music forms- and adds his own twist. A staple in the orchestral and chamber music repertoire, the versatile Schoenfeld also happens to be a math and Hebrew scholar, having lived on a kibbutz in Israel teaching math for some time. One of his best known works is the piano trio Cafe Music, which is full of verve and showmanship, while tonight's selection, Ufaratsta, is derived from his own improvisations based on Jewish folk music. Also tonight, music of Paul Lansky, Nino Rota and John Corigliano.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Diggin' Higdon

Monday, September 07, 2009

American composer Jennifer Higdon has quite a few admirers, considering that her works are performed 200+ times each year, including even at the White House. Champions of her music stretch from conductor Robert Spano to violinist Hilary Hahn to ensembles such as the Atlanta and Philadelphia orchestras. It seems that Higdon has been played at every major American hotspot, with her popularity now extending to Europe and beyond. Tonight, we hear Short Stories, a sassy piece for saxophone quartet. Also tonight, music of Leos Janacek and Michael Torke.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Write Road

Sunday, September 06, 2009

It seems like young violinist Colin Jacobsen is open to just about anything in the world of music. He’s an accomplished composer and has played with ensembles ranging from Yo-Yo-Ma's Silk Road Ensemble, the adventurous ensembles Brooklyn Rider and The Knights, and dance companies including New York City Ballet and the Mark Morris Dance Group. His piece Brooklesca for string quartet plus bass and percussion comes from an appropriately named album, Passport, where Jacobsen shows off his eclectic and energetic style. Also tonight, music of Mikis Theodorakis and Nils Frahm.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Cage Uncaged

Saturday, September 05, 2009

On this day, 97 years ago, composer and class clown John Cage was born. In that year 1912, the Titanic also sank into the Atlantic Ocean, the Republic of China was created, and the 8-hour work day was established in the US. Clearly a lot has happened since that time. Back in 2007, WNYC-2 launched 24:33, A John Cage Festival, a 24+ hour celebration of his legacy, featuring a cross-section of his ground-breaking and playful works, audio and video tributes from his friends and colleagues, and an immersive web environment. Tonight, we hear his Bacchanale and The Seasons as well as tributes from Merce Cunningham and Meredith Monk.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Age of Arnalds

Friday, September 04, 2009

Born in 1987, Icelandic composer Olafur Arnalds has embraced the twittering age wholeheartedly. He recently recorded seven songs in seven days (one song per day), and released this series titled Found Songs immediately to the public via Twitter in April. A believer in mixing the classical, contemporary and pop genres, Arnald’s mission is simply to bring his love of music to all walks of the musical world. With sold-out performances at London's noted Barbican Hall and invitations to tour with the progressive Icelandic band Sigur Ros, it seems like he's doing just that. Also tonight, music of Abbey Lincoln and Terry Riley.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

Sample Wizard

Thursday, September 03, 2009

Computers and software and memory, oh my! Composer Christopher Tignor loves to experiment with sound, and not just simply in the written score- he samples and transforms live performances with the signature computer software he designed himself. Core Memory Unwound, his new album, refers to memory- both the computer and human kind- as he takes apart live performances to create a sort of memory portrait. Violinist Colin Jacobsen and pianist Margaret Kampmeier perform stirring melodies by Tignor, and the added computer effects are reminiscent of, well, memories of a past, earlier computer age. Also tonight, music of John Luther Adams and Joanna Newsom.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Alternate Twining

Wednesday, September 02, 2009

With autumn now just around the corner, what better way to celebrate the approaching season than with a musical homage to our favorite macabre holiday? One of composer Toby Twining's best known piano pieces is his Nightmare Rag, where he uses a toy piano in a most sinister sounding way, with haunting melodies and even those familiar snaps - a shout out to the Adams Family. Twining is also known for his broad spectrum of vocal techniques - including African yodeling and Mongolian throat-singing - and has written many vocal compositions for his own voice ensemble, Toby Twining Music. Also tonight, music of Jonny Greenwood and Einojuhani Rautavaara.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.

Superman Symphony

Tuesday, September 01, 2009

There aren’t many who can lay claim to writing a symphony inspired by Superman, but Michael Daugherty has done just that with his Metropolis Symphony. Daugherty is known for writing evocatively titled concert pieces, such as Ghost Ranch, Shaken Not Stirred, and Dead Elvis. In tonight's selection, try to make sense of his title, MXYZPTLK, a piece for two flutes and chamber orchestra, if you can. (A vague hint: it's from that Superman piece!). Also tonight, music of Derek Bermel and Philip Glass.

Music Playlists

View WNYC's music playlists dating back to 2001 (full playlists are generally posted the day after broadcast). For playlist inquiries, please contact Listener Services via email or at 646-829-4000.

The first hour of Evening Music is available for streaming soon after 8pm.