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Heidi Grant Murphy (Jennifer Gasparian)Joy Story
Millions of people know the tune, if not the words, of at least one traditional Christmas carol. But how many are totally aware of what they’re singing about? What does “I saw Three Ships” really refer to? Who was “Good King Wenceslas?” In fact, many of these carols are embedded with all sorts of references to archaic words and ancient customs. Today, host John Schaefer parse them with British journalist Andrew Stewart, who recently wrote about this in the BBC Music Magazine. Also: a visit with the soprano Heidi Grant Murphy. She’s been a regular presence in New York ever since she won the Metropolitan Opera National Council Auditions in the late 80s, and recently she has applied her shimmering voice to an album of Christmas favorites.
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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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Soundcheck Blog
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.
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Soundcheck
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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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Soundcheck blog: What's your favorite song about death?
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Behind the public face of John Lennon
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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.
