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Soundcheck / December 24, 2004

Soundcheck

Friday, December 24, 2004
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  • Heidi Grant Murphy - photo by Jennifer Gasparian
    Heidi Grant Murphy (Jennifer Gasparian)

    Joy Story

    Millions of people know the tune, if not the words, of at least one traditional Christmas carol. But how many are totally aware of what they’re singing about? What does “I saw Three Ships” really refer to? Who was “Good King Wenceslas?” In fact, many of these carols are embedded with all sorts of references to archaic words and ancient customs. Today, host John Schaefer parse them with British journalist Andrew Stewart, who recently wrote about this in the BBC Music Magazine. Also: a visit with the soprano Heidi Grant Murphy. She’s been a regular presence in New York ever since she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in the late 80s, and recently she has applied her shimmering voice to an album of Christmas favorites.

Additional Resources:
» Heidi Grant Murphy’s Web site
Arcade Fire

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

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

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

Ahmad Jamal

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.

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