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Less is Moor
A powerful tale of passion, jealousy, and murder, Shakespeare's Othello has inspired artists from Rossini to Orson Welles. Yet few could match Giuseppe Verdi and his 1887 opera "Otello," which features one of the most colossal tenor roles in operatic history: a complex and tormented characterization fully the equal of Shakespeare's tragic hero. Arun Rath, of NPR's On the Media, joins us to discuss how Verdi found opera in a great play. Also: what do you make of an opera that features film interludes and is billed as "Wozzeck-Meets-La Femme Nikita"? That's the premise behind "Buwalsky, a Road Opera," the latest outing by the enterprising Nine Circles Chamber Theater. We get a preview from librettist Jonathan Levi and composer Mel Marvin. Tune in for this encore broadcast of Soundcheck.
Many faces of Othello
Shakespeare's Othello has inspired artists from Rossini to Orson Welles. Today on the program, a look at Verdi's version of Otello, with Arun Rath, formerly of NPR's On the Media.
Wozzeck-Meets-La Femme Nikita
The Nine Circles Chamber Theatre is known for their adventurous, literary programming. Today on the show, we'll speak with librettist Jonathan Levi and composer Mel Marvin about their recent work, "Buwalksy, A Road Opera."
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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
Soundcheck
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
Soundcheck
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
Soundcheck
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
Soundcheck
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
Soundcheck
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.
