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Soundcheck

Wednesday, October 11, 2006
  • Juilliard String Quartet
    Juilliard String Quartet (Library of Congress)

    The Juilliard Quartet at 60

    Sixty years ago, the Juilliard String Quartet arrived on the scene with an edgy, urban sound that both shocked and delighted the musical establishment. The all-American group has played more than 500 compositions, commissioned numerous pieces and paved the way for a lot of other American string quartets. Today, find out how the quartet has kept its unique sound alive when it performs in the studio. Also: Terry Gilliam, film director and member of the Monty Python comedy group, talks about his new film "Tideland," about a ten year-old-girl who prepares heroin for her father, plays with doll's heads and seduces a simpleton – and the haunting music that goes with it.

The Juilliard Quartet

A live performance by the Juilliard Quartet, which celebrates its 60th birthday this season.
The Juilliard Quartet's Web site

Terry Gilliam

Film director and Monty Python alumn Terry Gilliam talks about the music in his latest film "Tideland."
Terry Gilliam on Wikipedia

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.

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.

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

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

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.

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

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

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.