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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

Irma Thomas

Soundcheck

August 22, 2008
New Orleans singer Irma Thomas has survived 50 years in the music business - and at least two hurricanes. She joins us to talk about her record, Simply Grand.

Bon Iver

Soundcheck

July 30, 2008
Singer-songwriter Justin Vernon spent a winter holed up in his father's hunting cabin in remote Wisconsin, recording songs about solitude that would be released under the name Bon Iver. He joins us to play some of them live.

Who's On Top and Who Should Be?

Soundcheck

August 14, 2008
Soundcheck looks at the artists who are reigning atop the Billboard albums chart -- and what their rankings tell us about the state of pop music.

The Next Big Things

Soundcheck

Paste magazine editor-in-chief Josh Jackson joins us to talk about Johnny Flynn, Janelle Monae, Bon Iver, Amy MacDonald and other must-hear artists who made Paste’s list of "The Best of What’s Next: 26 Emerging Artists You Should Know."