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Soundcheck / March 10, 2003

Soundcheck

Monday, March 10, 2003
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  • stradivarius

    History Across the Hudson

    Where can you find one of the finest collections of rare Italian string instruments in the world? You might be surprised that the answer is New Jersey. Thanks to the help of philanthropist and amateur violinist Herbert Axelrod, the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra has recently acquired 30 violins, violas and cellos that where produced in 17th and 18th century Italy. NJSO cellists Jonathan Spitz and Jason Lippmann will be in the WNYC studio to give a live performance on these historic instruments. Also, New York Times writer Robin Pogrebin joins us to discuss the musicians walkout that has shut down almost every Broadway musical.

The New Jersey Symphony Orchestra acquired the rare instruments from Dr. Axelrod for $18 million (nearly half of their $25 million dollar value). Most of the instruments were produced in and around Cremona, Italy, during the "Golden Age" of violin making, which ranged from the middle of the 16th century until the end of the 18th century.

More about the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra

cab

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.

Quincy Jones

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"

death

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?

John Lennon

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.

Dusty Springfield book jacket

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.