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Soundcheck / December 21, 2006

Soundcheck

Thursday, December 21, 2006
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  • Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart: A Musical Tribute
    Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart: A Musical Tribute

    The Year in Classical Music

    Rounding out critics's week, Soundcheck's survey of the best of 2006 in music, we're joined by Anne Midgette. The New York Times contributor will review the year in classical music and opera. Also: the WORST of 2006 with Nathan Rabin of The Onion. Finally: The Cool Side of Yuletide: The WNYC Young People's Radio Chorus treats us to some classical and brand-new holiday songs…
    Critics' Week 2006

The Year 2006 in Classical Music

Anne Midgette, a contributor to the New York Times, reviews the year in classical music and opera.

Anne Midgette's 2006 Picks:

Berio: Sequenzas, Solo Works -- Various artists (Mode; four CDs)
Shostakovich: Symphonies (15) -- Various orchestras and soloists, conducted by Mariss Jansons (EMI Classics; 10 CDs)

Wagner: Ring Cycle - Astrid Varnay, soprano; Wolfgang Windgassen, tenor; Hans Hotter, bass-baritone; Bayreuth Festival Orchestra, conducted by Joseph Keilberth (Testament; four CDs)

Adams: 'The Dharma at Big Sur,' 'My Father Knew Charles Ives'
Tracy Silverman, electric violinist; BBC Symphony, conducted by John Adams

Lieberson: 'Neruda Songs'
Lorraine Hunt Lieberson, mezzo-soprano; Boston Symphony, conducted by James Levine (Nonesuch)

Andriessen: 'Writing to Vermeer'
Netherlands Opera; Schoenberg Ensemble and Asko Ensemble, conducted by Reinbert de Leeuw (Nonesuch; two CDs)

Steve Reich: Phases (5-CD box)
Featuring Donald Palma, Maya Beiser, Sharon Prater, Evan Ziporyn, and Steve Reich (Nonesuch)

The Essential Martin Bresnick, Flux String Quartet, Jupiter Trio, Bang on a Can All-Stars, Lisa Moore, piano

Evelyn Lear and Thomas Stewart: A Musical Tribute
Evelyn Lear, soprano; Thomas Stewart, baritone; various artists (Deutsche Grammophon; five CDs).

The New York Times

The Worst of 2006

Nathan Rabin of The Onion reviews the most overrated, overexposed and otherwise least essential albums of 2006.

Nathan Rabin's Least Essential Albums of 2006

1. John Corbett, John Corbett (Funbone)
2. Nuttin’ But Stringz, Struggle From The Subway To The Charts (Koch)
3. The New Cars, It’s Alive (Eleven Seven)
4. Various artists, Flying High Again: The World’s Greatest Tribute To Ozzy Osbourne
5. Various artists, The Biggest Loser: Music Featured In And Inspired By The NBC Series
6. Alanis Morrissette, Jagged Little Pill Acoustic (Maverick)
7. DMC, Checks Thugs & Rock N Roll (RomenMpire)
8. Bratz, Forever Diamondz (Sony)
9. Various artists, Rachael Ray: Too Cool For School Mixtape For Kids (Sony)
10. Raunchiest Jokes From The Golf Course (Uproar Entertainment)
11. Revolution On Canvas: Poetry From The Indie Music Scene, edited by Rich Balling
12. Body Count, Murder 4 Hire (Escapi)
13. Jim Jones, A Dipset Christmas (Koch)
14. Blind Melon, Live At The Palace (Capitol)
15. Teddy Geiger, Underage Thinking (Sony)
16. Various Artists, Butchering The Beatles: A Headbashing Tribute (Restless)
17. Unexpected Dreams: Songs From The Stars (Rhino)
18. Crazy Frog Presents More Crazy Hits (Universal)
19. 2Pac Pac’s Life (Interscope)
20. Tyrese/Black-Ty, Alter Ego (J)
21. 2Pac Pac’s Life (Interscope)
22. Aaron Carter, Come Get It: The Very Best Of Aaron Carter (Jive)
23. Kevin Federline, Playing With Fire (Federline/Reincarnate)

WNYC's Young People's Radio Chorus live

WNYC's Young People's Radio Chorus performs live music of the holiday season.

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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