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Soundcheck

Friday, January 23, 2004
  • Daniel Barenboim Photo
    Daniel Barenboim (Photo by Thomas Müller)

    Statesman on the Podium

    Daniel Barenboim is one of the world's busiest conductors and pianists -- a musical dervish who holds directorships at the Berlin State Opera and Chicago Symphony Orchestra. He's also been involved in Middle East peace efforts, performing concerts in the occupied West Bank and forming a symbiotic friendship with the late Palestinian scholar Edward Said. In town for a series of performances at Carnegie Hall this week, he discusses the art of music and politics with host John Schaefer. Also, we're joined by Bruce Adolph of the Chamber Music Society of Lincoln Center, which is marking its 35th anniversary this season with "Sound Investment," a four-concert series featuring composers that the festival has commissioned throughout its history. These run the gamut from A to Z—literally, from Bruce Adolphe to Ellen Taaffe Zwilich.

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.