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Soundcheck

Thursday, November 10, 2005
  • Bill Viola, Night Journey, 2005, video installation - photo by Kira Perov
    Bill Viola, Night Journey, 2005, video installation. (Kira Perov. Image courtesy of James Cohan Gallery, New York)

    Ring Bearers

    Composer Howard Shore was influenced by ancient mythology when writing the film score to "The Lord of the Rings," Peter Jackson's film adaptation of J.R.R. Tolkien's trilogy -- just as Richard Wagner was when he wrote his "Ring" Cycle 150 years ago. This weekend the Collegiate Chorale performs excerpts from Wagner's "Ring" and Shore's "Lord of the Rings Symphony," a six-movement work created from the movie scores. Joining us to discuss Rings past and present are Shore, Collegiate Chorale director Robert Bass, and soprano Christine Goerke, who performs live in the WNYC studio. Also on the show: a conversation with video artist Bill Viola, who has collaborated on a new production of Wagner's "Tristan and Isolde" with director Peter Sellars.

Bill Viola

The video artist Bill Viola discusses creating a Tristan und Isolde for the 21st century.
» Bill Viola Web site

» James Cohan Gallery Web site

Ring Cycles

Composer Howard Shore, conductor Robert Bass and soprano Christine Goerke discuss the parallels between Wagner's Ring and Tolkien's.
» Collegiate Chorale Web site
» OneRing.net

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.