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Soundcheck / December 23, 2003

Soundcheck

Tuesday, December 23, 2003
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  • Composer Seeking Patron

    Beethoven had the Archduke of Austria underwrite his music. Mozart was hired by an Austrian count. But who supports new music today? We set out for some answers in a conversation with Heather Hitchens, president of the national service organization Meet the Composer, and David Thomas, a New York-based patron who has commissioned several major works. Host John Schaefer explores the current state of funding for contemporary music and looks at what drives individuals to finance new music. Also, we get a historical perspective on patronage with Dr. Sylvia Kahan, author of “Music’s Modern Muse: A life of Winnaretta Singer, Princesse de Polignac.” The American-born Singer (1865-1943) used her wealth to make a significant contribution by subsidizing performers like Rubinstein and Horowitz and by commissioning new musical works by Stravinsky, Satie, Falla and Poulenc.

Additional Resources:
More about Meet the Composer
More about "Music's Modern Muse"
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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