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Soundcheck / December 18, 2007

Soundcheck

Tuesday, December 18, 2007
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  • 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

Toumani Diabaté

Best Live Performances of 2008

Soundcheck

We revisit memorable in-studio performances from Toumani Diabaté, Cat Power, Regina Spektor, and others.

Marvin Gaye

The Year in Music and Branding

Soundcheck

Pop music and advertising go together like peanut butter and jelly. Grey Group music director Josh Rabinowitz shares his picks for the best song picks and ad campaigns of 2008.

Taylor Swift

Critics Week

Soundcheck

Music writers look back at the year's best pop, rock, hip hop, classical, jazz, Latin and world albums. Plus: the worst music of the year and the best online music. Read our critics' lists here. And don't forget to cast your vote in our best-albums poll.

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.