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Dimpho Di KopaneThe Grand Ole Opera
South Africa has a venerable choral music tradition. But opera? In fact, opera has become woven into that country’s cultural life thanks to Dimpho Di Kopane, the Capetown-based lyric theatre company. The troupe makes its New York debut this month with new native-music approaches to “Carmen,” “The Beggar's Opera,” and other operas (many sung in Xhosa and Zulu). Today we’re treated to a live performance from the company. Speaking of unusual approaches to opera, a new guidebook to opera recordings by New York Times chief classical music critic Anthony Tommasini is making waves in the music world. While the new tome features plenty of chestnuts by Puccini, Verdi, and Wagner, Tommasini also devotes space to many 20th-century composers, from Britten to Weill, Busoni to Weir. He joins us to share some favorites.
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
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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.
