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Soundcheck / December 11, 2007

Soundcheck

Tuesday, December 11, 2007
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  • The New York Philharmonic
    The New York Philharmonic

    New York Phil To Visit Pyongyang

    The U.S. State Department says the New York Philharmonic could help thaw icy relations with North Korea. Others say the orchestra's upcoming visit could be a propaganda coup for Kim Jong-il. Today on Soundcheck: a look at a controversial diplomatic mission. And later: Composer Peter Schickele shares more adventures from the world of P.D.Q. Bach.

Orchestral Diplomacy

In the first major cultural exchange between the U.S. and North Korea, the New York Philharmonic will perform in Pyongyang on Feb. 26. State Department and orchestra officials are upbeat about the visit, but critics say the orchestra could get more than it bargained for. We talk first with Zarin Mehta, president of the New York Philharmonic. Later, Chuck Downs, a member of the U.S. Committee for Human Rights in North Korea, shares his thoughts on the visit. And, Bill Eddins, music director of the Edmonton Symphony Orchestra, and Neil Courtney, a double bassist with the Philadelphia Orchestra, talk about traveling on goodwill tours.

More about Bill Eddins
More about Chuck Downs
More about Neil Courtney

Peter Schickele

For over 40 years composer Peter Schickele has been spoofing the world of classical music via the musical "discoveries" of his fictitious 18th-Century alter ego, P.D.Q. Bach. He joins us to share his latest CD, "P.D.Q. Bach and Peter Schickele: The Jekyll & Hyde Tour." It includes such gems as the "Four Next-to-last Songs" and a string quartet subtitled “The Moose."

More about Peter Schickele

cab

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.

vote

Your "Democracy Song"

Soundcheck

As we march toward Election Day, Soundcheck wants you to identify a song that captures the spirit of democracy. It might be Woody Guthrie’s populist classic “This Land Is Your Land” or Sly and the Family Stone’s funky hit “Everyday People.” It might even be a current Top 40 hit with mass appeal. Put on your musical thinking cap, get creative, then post your song here.

walmart

Buying Music: A Smackdown Series

Soundcheck

Check out our ongoing series of Soundcheck Smackdown debates on the music marketplace -- and how we shop inside it. Part I: the pros and cons of MySpace. Part II: two documentarians throw down over music at Wal-Mart. Coming up: Part III: iTunes and Part IV: iPod vs. Zune

Atmosphere

Atmosphere

Soundcheck

With minimalist beats and confessional rhymes, the hip-hop duo Atmosphere became the toast of the hip-hop underground after it formed 10 years ago. Now, the group has turned to classic funk and soul, and frontman Slug is still telling captivating stories. They perform in our studio.

Tin Pan Alley

Tin Pan Alley

Soundcheck

A two-block stretch of West 28th Street was once the home of American songwriters and music publishers. But buildings in area are now up for sale, and preservationists fear a major development is in the works. We look at the history and future of Tin Pan Alley.

Michael Azerrad

I Am Azerrad ... No, I Am Azerrad!

Soundcheck

Nirvana biographer and indie-rock historian Michael Azerrad writes about musicians for a living. Now, the British band Tubelord (pictured) has written about him -- and the lyrics are a tad scary.

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Edgar Meyer and Chris Thile

Soundcheck

Two major players from the worlds of classical and American roots music have joined forces for an album of new material. They perform in our studio.

Tina Dico

Tina Dico

Soundcheck

Singer-songwriter Tina Dico tops the charts in her native Denmark. She joins us to share songs from her latest full-length album, "Count to Ten," as well as a trilogy of EPs.