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Soundcheck / September 20, 2005

Soundcheck

Tuesday, September 20, 2005
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  • Chandelier at the Metropolitan Opera

    From One Red Carpet to Another

    From "Beavis and Butthead do America" to "Alien: Resurrection" and "Gods and Generals," composer John Frizzell has tackled a wide variety of film genres. A musician who began at age 10 as a soprano with the Paris Opera Company, he learned rock guitar at age 14, and from there his interests turned to jazz and film music. Frizzell joins us to discuss his newest score for "The Prize Winner of Defiance, Ohio," which opens next week. Also on the show: the Metropolitan Opera opened its 05-06 season last night, fast on the heels of New York City Opera's star-studded season opener. In these challenging times for classical music, how are these venerable houses doing their part to build new audiences and stay relevant? Today, a spirited discussion on the topic with WNYC music director George Preston, and with Brian Zeger, artistic director of the Department of Vocal Arts at The Juilliard School.

Composer John Frizzell

John Frizzell discusses the state of music in the film industry.
» John Frizzell's Web site

Higher Ground

Excerpts from the Katrina relief concert Higher Ground

Opera for All?

Can New York's major opera houses staying relevant and attract new audiences? WNYC music director George Preston and with Brian Zeger from The Juilliard School debate the topic, and we take your calls.

cab

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.

vote

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

walmart

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

Michael Azerrad

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.