Communist regimes are responsible for some of the world’s worst civil rights abuses. They also produced Shostakovich symphonies, Milos Forman films, and Chinese ballet. Today on Soundcheck: we look at whether Communism is good -- or bad -- for arts. Also: Jazz pianist Kenny Werner performs in our studio. This is a repeat broadcast.
Revolution and the Arts
Ninety years after the Russian Revolution, our panel of guests reflects on communism's impact on the arts. Solomon Volkov, a musicologist and author of several books about Shostakovich, talks about how Soviet Russia fueled the struggle faced by Shostakovich and his contemporaries. Bright Sheng, a Chinese-born, American-based composer, recalls the ...
Kenny Werner
Jazz pianist and composer Kenny Werner joins us to talk about putting together a heavy-weight quintet for his new record, Lawn Chair Society. He performs solo in our studio.