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Wednesday, November 28, 2007
  • Graduale Aboense, hymn book of Turku, Finland. 14th-15th century.
    Graduale Aboense, hymn book of Turku, Finland. 14th-15th century.

    Is Gregorian Chant Alive and Well?

    The pope says he's dissatisfied with modern sacred music in the Catholic Church, and is looking to force a return to traditional sacred music such as Gregorian Chant. Today, we find out if the days of folk-inspired worship songs are numbered. Also: Singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins hails from the quaint seaside town of Neptune City, NJ. She also sings about the Garden State on her new album, fittingly titled, "Neptune City." She performs live in the studio.

And the Chant Goes On

Pope Benedict XVI is considering a dramatic overhaul of the Vatican in order to force a return to Gregorian Chant, the medieval music that served the Catholic Church for centuries. Today, two Vatican watchers discuss what this might be more for more modern forms of music. Joining us is Damian Thompson, a leader writer for London's Daily Telegraph and editor-in-chief of The Catholic Herald; and William Berger, a librettist and author of several books including "Wagner without Fear" and "Verdi with a Vengeance."

Damian Thompson's Web site

Thou shalt turn it up to 11

Most of us know about the Ten Commandments – the bans against coveting and stealing and adultery. But the Bible also includes its share of advice on music. A.J. Jacobs, author of The Year of Living Biblically: One Man's Humble Quest to Follow the Bible as Literally as Possible explains.

A.J. Jacobs' web site

Nicole Atkins Live

Named one of Rolling Stone's "Top 10 Artists to Watch," singer-songwriter Nicole Atkins and her band, The Sea, perform songs from their Columbia Records debut "Neptune City," named in honor of her New Jersey home town.

Nicole Atkins's MySpace page
Nicole Atkins in an American Express ad

The Swell Season in The Greene Space

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Joshua Bell in The Greene Space

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