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Soundcheck

Friday, December 05, 2003
  • Composer John Adams
    John Adams

    Adams Family

    John Adams’s controversial opera “The Death of Klinghoffer” recounted the 1985 hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro by Palestinian terrorists and the subsequent murder of Leon Klinghoffer, a Jewish American passenger. The Brooklyn Academy of Music, which presented the American premiere of the work in 1991, has brought it back this week for a series of concert performances. Today on Soundcheck, Adams joins John Schaefer to respond to some of the criticisms of the work – which was seen by many as insensitive in its treatment of religious issues. Also on the show, vocal quartet Anonymous Four takes a break from its farewell tour for a live performance in the studio with harpist Andrew Lawrence King.

Additional Resources:
  • More about John Adams
  • More about Anonymous Four
  • Noteworthy New York

    Soundcheck

    We have invited musicians and artists to help us select their favorite cultural destination in the neighborhood where they live. From parks and coffee shops to bowling alleys and museums, the options are as diverse as our group of contributors.

    The Journey of Quincy Jones

    Soundcheck

    During his 50-year career, Quincy Jones has worked with everyone from Frank Sinatra to Puff Daddy, founded Vibe magazine, collected countless awards, and earned a reputation as a jazz giant. (Somewhere in there, he found time to make possible an album called "Thriller.") Jones joins us on the occasion of his new book, "The Complete Quincy Jones: My Journey & Passions."

    Soundcheck blog: John Schaefer on Quincy Jones, Henry Rollins and the term "Renaissance man"

    Pop's Love Affair With Death

    Soundcheck

    Death may be an unpleasant topic for conversation, but it ranks up there with sex and love as a basic ingredient in song lyrics. Today, we look at how pop music copes (and even thrives) with death. We're joined by Graeme Thomson, author of the self-explanatory book, "I Shot a Man in Reno: A History of Death By Murder, Suicide, Fire, Flood, Drugs, Disease and General Misadventure, as Related in Popular Song."

    Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?

    Behind the public face of John Lennon

    Soundcheck

    Writing a book about the Beatles is to enter a crowded market. But Philip Norman’s new 851-page biography, “John Lennon: The Life” is getting much buzz this fall for the unprecedented access provided by Lennon’s friends and relatives, including Yoko Ono. We talk with Norman about why Lennon remains such a fascinating and troubled figure.

    The Soul of British Soul

    Soundcheck

    British soul divas like Amy Winehouse and Duffy owe a big debt to a '60s icon with a breathy voice and a beehive wig. Today: the story of singer Dusty Springfield. Later: folk-rock artist Ani DiFranco performs songs from her new album "Red Letter Year" live in our studio.