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Soundcheck

Tuesday, October 11, 2005
  • Fall at Juilliard — its Meredith Willson Residence Hall rises above the School's Lincoln Center campus
    Fall at Juilliard — its Meredith Willson Residence Hall rises above the School's Lincoln Center campus (Jenna Soleo)

    Juilliard Toasts 100 Years

    As the Juilliard School celebrates its 100th anniversary tonight with a concert at Carnegie Hall, the school never ceases to inspire awe, praise and criticism - sometimes all at once. Today, guest host Kerry Nolan welcomes Andrea Olmstead, who taught music history at Juilliard from 1972 to 1980 and who wrote "Juilliard: A History," a book that details the mix of vision and temperament, talent and backstabbing politics that run throughout the school's history. Also: The Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra performs music by modern Chinese composers later this week. Today, we get a look at the development of classical music in China, particularly among artists who came of age during the Cultural Revolution. We're joined by musicologist Joanna Lee and journalist Ken Smith.

Juilliard at 100

Andrea Olmstead, author of "Juilliard: A History," joins us to look behind-the-scenes at the elite conservatory.
» Andrea Olmstead's Web site
» Juilliard's Centennial Web site

New music from Hong Kong

Musicologist and critic Joanna Lee and journalist Ken Smith gives us a primer on contemporary classical music from China.
» Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra Web site

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"

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?

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.

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.