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Soundcheck

Wednesday, November 30, 2005
  • mouse

    What Makes it "Grate"?

    Not long ago, researchers identified a new singing style specific to mice. Which raises this question—what makes it singing, and makes it...noise? Today on Soundcheck, we speak with John Potter, editor of the Cambridge Companion to Singing. And, Puccini may be a staple of opera houses and an inspiration for Broadway’s RENT, but he’s often regarded as a "guilty pleasure." Author Will Berger joins us with a reassessment of the world’s most popular composer. And, conductor Robert Kapilow offers his perspective on what makes a recording a "must-have."

What makes it song?

We look at the history of singing with song expert, John Potter.
» MIT singing mice study
» John Potter's website

What makes it classic?

Author Will Berger unmasks in the world's most popular composer, Giacomo Puccini.
» Will Berger's book "Puccini Without Excuses."

What Makes it Great?

Robert Kapilow, composer, conductor and creator of the musical educational series "What Makes it Great."
» Robert Kapilow's Web site

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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