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Wednesday, November 09, 2005
  • Beethoven : The Universal Composer by Edmund Morris - (Eminent Lives)
    Beethoven : The Universal Composer by Edmund Morris (Eminent Lives)

    The Genius of Beethoven

    Edmund Morris has earned acclaim and controversy for his biographies of Ronald Reagan and Theodore Roosevelt (the latter of which won a Pulitzer Prize). His latest book is Beethoven: The Universal Composer. Today, Morris, who is a classically trained pianist, explains why Beethoven is so fascinating and essential. Also: On the New York Dance scene for over 37 years, the Lar Lubovitch Dance Company has become one of the most reputable dance companies in the world featuring Grammy Award winning choreographer, Lar Lubovitch. While he's set dances to Bach and Berio, divas and the Doors, his choreographed canon has rarely included jazz - until now. Today, Lubovitch talks about taking on the music of the Dave Brubeck Quartet.

Edmund Morris

Biographer Edmund Morris discusses the life and music of Beethoven.
» Beethoven: The Universal Composer (Eminent Lives)

Lar Lubovitch

Lar Lubovitch has left no stone unturned in his choice of music as his muse for movement. He joins us to share his latest inspiration - Dave Brubeck.
» Lar Lubovitch's 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.