Soundcheck

Can Classical Recordings Escape the Noose?

Thursday, September 20, 2007

Classical music has surprised many doom-sayers by becoming the record industry's fastest-growing music genre. Today, Klaus Heymann, the owner and founder of the classical label Naxos, and Alexandra A. Seno, a Newsweek reporter, explain how online sales and the "long tail" theory are responsible. Also: the M. Shanghai String Band, a Brooklyn-based Americana outfit, performs live from its second album, "From the Air." And finally: the latest in the ongoing battle over the studio spaces in Carnegie Hall's tower.

Listen to the whole show

Classical Record Breakers

Online downloads are giving a boost to classical record sales. But will it last? Klaus Heymann, the owner and founder of the classical label Naxos, and Newsweek reporter Alexandra A. Seno talk about the industry's changing business models.

Naxos Records web site
Beethoven Goes Digital by Alexandra A. Seno
More about the DG Concerts series

Carnegie Artist Tenants Fight Eviction

For over 50 years, artists have worked and lived in the studios above Carnegie Hall. Now, Carnegie Hall wants the 50 tenants to move so it can renovate and expand the hall's education programs. But they aren't leaving without a fight. WNYC host Jonathan Schwartz tells us about his experiences in the building.

A Closer Look at Carnegie Hall

M. Shanghai String Band

In 2002, the M. Shanghai String Band got together in the basement of a Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn. This mutual love of traditional Americana music and tasty Asian food stuck and the group has just released its second album, "From the Air." The group performs live today.

M. Shanghai String Band web site