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Soundcheck / January 31, 2008

Soundcheck

Thursday, January 31, 2008
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  • Classical Music
    Sinfómano/flickr.

    The Classical Piano Recital as Rock Concert?

    Classical music concerts weren't always formal rituals where audiences sat in funereal silence. A new book called "After the Golden Age" explains how 19th-century recitals were like rock concerts, with audience participation and pianists who would create wild programs full of improvisation. Kenneth Hamilton explains how concert life changed. Also: Pianist and composer Omer Klein is a rising star of the NY jazz scene. He performs live in our studio. And finally: the question of why musicians strive for virtuosity.

Changing Concert Behavior

In today's classical music world, audiences musn't clap between movements and performers must never improvise or deviate from the printed score. That, at least, is how tradition has evolved. But in his new book "After the Golden Age," pianist and author Kenneth Hamilton explains how concert behavior in the 19th century was much freer and more spontaneous. He joins us to explain why.

Weigh in: Do you prefer silence at a classical music concert? What would you change about concert-going?

More about "After the Golden Age. Romantic Pianism and Modern Performance"

Virtuoso

In the music world, being labeled a virtuoso is the highest compliment... or is it? WNYC's Sara Fishko considers the question.

The Fishko Files

Omer Klein Trio Live

Pianist and composer Omer Klein is a rising star of the NY jazz scene, known for mixing jazz with Israeli music and North-African roots sounds. He joins us to perform live with his trio in our studio.

Omer Klein's Web site

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.