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Soundcheck

Thursday, October 21, 2004
  • Leon Fleisher CD Two Hands - Vanguard Classics
    Leon Fleisher CD Two Hands (Vanguard Classics)

    Fiddler on the Make

    During his successful career, Gil Shaham has won over audiences with his likable stage presence and his versatility in standard repertory—concertos by Brahms, Beethoven, Tchaikovsky, Mendelssohn, etc. But he’s hardly immune to the challenges facing the classical music industry, and when his contract with a major record company fizzled, he set out to create his own label. So far two discs have resulted, including a new recording of Prokofiev works, with his sister, pianist Orli Shaham. Also: Botox is in the headlines these days for its use as a wrinkle remover. But it is also helping a child prodigy who lost the ability to use his talent when he was just 35 years old play again. More from pianist Leon Fleischer, and his remarkable comeback album, Two Hands.

Best Live Performances of 2008

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We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

The Year in Music and Branding

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Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Critics Week

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Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

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.