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NBC Symphony OrchestraThe Renaissance Will Not Be Televised
Arturo Toscanini brought classical music to prime-time when leading the NBC Symphony Orchestra in the 1940s. Today, exactly 50 years after the death of the celebrated Italian maestro, we look at whether he would make it on TV today. Also: Avant-garde composer Robert Ashley joins us to talk about bringing opera into the age of multimedia. Finally, in an effort to address payola complaints dogging big labels and radio stations, the FCC is now considering a plan that would require radio stations to set aside airtime for independently produced music.
Toscanini and the Tube
A look at classical music's place on television today with Walfredo Toscanini, the grandson of the legendary conductor Arturo Toscanini, who famously led the NBC Symphony Orchestra. Also joining us is Greg Sandow, a critic, composer and orchestra consultant who blogs at Artsjournal.com.
Robert Ashley
Composer Robert Ashley previews his opera "Concrete," billed as "an old man's musing" about people he has cared about.
Getting Indie on the Radio
Brooks Boliek, National Correspondent for the Hollywood Reporter, talks about how the FCC may force radio stations to prove their indie cred.
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Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
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Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
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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.
The Journey of Quincy Jones
Soundcheck
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"
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Pop's Love Affair With Death
Soundcheck
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?
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Behind the public face of John Lennon
Soundcheck
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.
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The Soul of British Soul
Soundcheck
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.
