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Mariss JansonsOnly the Strong Survive
Mariss Jansons is a survivor. In 1995 he was tapped as the Pittsburgh Symphony's music director, only to suffer a severe heart attack onstage while conducting his other orchestra, the Oslo Philharmonic. A second attack struck five weeks later. After a dramatic personal rebound, he went on to raise the artistic profile of Pittsburgh to new heights. Then, last fall, as the orchestra was facing a $3 million deficit and talks of bankruptcy, Jansons donated $100,000 as a challenge grant to attract new donors. Now, as he is preparing to leave Pittsburgh and become music director of Amsterdam’s Royal Concertgebouw Orchestra, the orchestra appears to be on solid footing. He joins us today for a conversation about his dynamic career. Also on the show, the pianist Jenny Lin, who has earned a growing reputation for her adventurous programming and charismatic stage presence. She gives a live performance in the WNYC studio.
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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Noteworthy New York
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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
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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"
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Pop's Love Affair With Death
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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?
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Behind the public face of John Lennon
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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.
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The Soul of British Soul
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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.
