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Soundcheck

Tuesday, December 18, 2007
  • Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Mahler Symphony No. 5, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor
    Simón Bolívar Youth Orchestra of Venezuela, Mahler Symphony No. 5, Gustavo Dudamel, conductor

    Critics Week: The Year in Classical Music

    Soundcheck's annual survey of the year in music continues today with a look at the year in classical music. Washington Post chief classical music critic Anne Midgette surveys the highs and lows. Also: Drummer Chico Hamilton has been a name in jazz for over 50 years, but shows no signs of slowing down. He released four records last year including one to celebrate his 85th birthday. He joins us to talk about "Hamiltonia."

    Weigh in: Soundcheck's 2007 listener poll

    More on Soundcheck's Critics' Week

Classical Music: The Best of 2007

Anne Midgette, the interim chief classical music critic of the Washington Post, shares her favorite recordings of 2007.

Anne Midgette's top albums of 2007 list (in no particular order)
Bach: Goldberg Variations; Simone Dinnerstein, piano (Telarc)

Reich: Music for 18 Musicians; Grand Valley State University New Music Ensemble (Innova)

Stockhausen: Stimmung; Theater of Voices; Paul Hillier, director (Harmonia Mundi France)

Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 1-9; Russian National Orchestra; Mikhail Pletnev, conductor

"Arie di Bravura"; Diana Damrau, soprano (Virgin)

"Revelation"; Michael Harrison, piano (Cantaloupe)

Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez

She is Filipino-American, he is Cuban-American. They are both percussionists who are building a family to the rhythm of dozens of drums. WNYC's Siddhartha Mitter spent time with Susie Ibarra and Roberto Rodriguez.

Chico Hamilton

Jazz legend Chico Hamilton has spent seventy years behind the drum kit and as a bandleader, performing in a wide range of styles - from big band to R&B to funk. Today he shares his latest album "Hamiltonia."

Chico Hamilton's web site

The Ill Effects of Urban Noise

Soundcheck

Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.