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Soundcheck

Tuesday, April 10, 2007
  • Orpheus and Euridice - F. Watts

    The Myth that Keeps on Giving

    In the myth of Orpheus, a musician travels to the gates of hell and becomes a hero. Naturally, it's one of the most popular subjects ever in opera, song, and symphony, inspiring composers from Gluck to Glass. Today, in light of composer Ingram Marshall's "Orphic Memories," a new piece co-commissioned by WNYC, we look at how music's most popular myth keeps finding new life. Also: Krystle Warren, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas City whose earthy songs and deep voice make her, according to the Boston Globe, "an exciting voice in the folk scene." She performs live in the studio. And, classical music writer Anne Midgette talks about the future music director of the Los Angeles Philharmonic, Venezuelan composer Gustavo Dudamel.

Another Fresh Face

The Los Angeles Philharmonic has named the 26-year-old Venezuelan composer Gustavo Dudamel to succeed Esa-Pekka Salonen as musical director in 2009. We talk to New York Times classical musical writer Anne Midgette about the impact of the LA Phil's decision.

Go to Hell

In light of composer Ingram Marshall's new orchestral piece "Orphic Memories," we explore the history and diverse music interpretations of one of the chief poets and musicians of antiquity. Our guests will include Marshall and Michael McLeod, the head of the Glimmerglass Festival, which is presenting a season-long survey of Orpheus operas.

Krystle Warren

Krystle Warren, a 23-year-old singer-songwriter from Kansas City, joins us in advance of her concert at the Knitting Factory tonight.

Krystle Warren's Web site

Introducing our Video Contest

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John Schaefer gives the lowdown on Soundcheck's music video challenge with the Fiery Furnaces.

In Studio: Matisyahu

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Hasidic star Matisyahu joins Soundcheck to play "One Day" live in studio.

In Studio: Los Amigos Invisibles

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The Venezuelan funk-rock band "Los Amigos Invisibles" was discovered by David Byrne in a Manhattan record shop. They perform live on Soundcheck.

In Studio: Angel Deradoorian

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The 22-year-old multi-instrumentalist performs live in our studio.

Cucu Diamantes Performs Amor Cronico

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Cucu Diamantes went from a tough childhood in Havana, Cuba, to an art school in Rome to underground New York City, where she co-founded the Latin alternative band Yerba Buena.

In Studio: The Decemberists

The Portland, Ore., band's latest album, "The Hazards of Love," is a concept album with a mythological flair. They joined Soundcheck to play live for a studio audience in WNYC's Greene Space.

Sound Off

Soundcheck

Throughout May, Soundcheck presents “Sound Off” a Friday series on the many aspects of noise in music and our lives. The series -- which coincides with “Better Hearing and Speech Month” -- looks at issues like New York’s noisiest neighborhoods, the latest research on iPods and hearing loss, and what happens when noise becomes a musical ingredient.