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Soundcheck / March 24, 2004

Soundcheck

Wednesday, March 24, 2004
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  • Costume worn by Birgit Nilsson in the 1960-1961 production of Turandot, design by Cecil beaton. The Metropolitan Opera Archives, New York Photography by Karin L. Willis
    Costume worn by Birgit Nilsson in the 1960-1961 production of Turandot, design by Cecil Beaton. The Metropolitan Opera Archives (Karin L. Willis)

    Orient Express

    More than two decades have passed since the late scholar Edward Said published "Orientalism," his pivotal study of how colonial biases colored the Western view of Asians and Arabs as mysterious and dangerous "others." Lately, Said's text seems more relevant than ever, as author and critic Fred Plotkin tells us today. Plotkin discusses a new exhibition at the Dahesh Museum of Art featuring Asian-influenced scenery and costumes from La Scala, and he looks at Orientalism's influence in recent stagings of "Samson et Dalila" and "Salome." Also on the show: Every year the ancient city of Fes, Morocco, plays host to one of the world's great musical events, a sacred music extravaganza featuring Jewish, Christian, and Muslim musicians. The festival recently launched a U.S. touring edition, and today, Billboard magazine columnist Anastasia Tsoulcis, joins us with a review of a recent Los Angeles performance.

Additional Resources:
» Dahesh Museum of Art: Staging the Orient:
  Visions of the East at La Scala and The Metropolitan Opera
» Fes Festival of Sacred Music US Tour 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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