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Soundcheck

Thursday, July 01, 2004
  • Fireworks
    July 4th Fireworks (Shausha Cameron)

    Cue the Cannons

    Frequently derided as a patchwork of bombastic clichés, Tchaikovsky’s “1812 Overture” is nonetheless a well-crafted, brilliantly orchestrated work—and staple of July Fourth fireworks celebrations everywhere. But while it may seem as American as apple pie, it was composed to commemorate the victory of Russia in the Napoleonic Wars of 1812. Today on Soundcheck, Pittsburgh-based music critic Andrew Druckenbrod talks with John Schaefer about how the work caught on during the height of the Cold War.

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.