Soundcheck

For one of the encores, Mr. Maazel, the Orchestra, and members of the DPRK’s National Philharmonic rehearsed Arirang, a traditional Korean work popular throughout the peninsula. Chris Lee/New York Philharmonic

A Diplomatic Mission, With Strings

Tuesday, February 26, 2008

The New York Philharmonic is making symphonic history with a concert inside North Korea. Today on Soundcheck, host John Schaefer reports from Pyongyang on the Philharmonic’s performance. Plus, hear reactions from around the classical music world. Also: find out why Baroque composers were among the first music fans to embrace "country music."

Listen to the whole show

New York Phil in Pyongyang

After months of preparation, the New York Philharmonic is in North Korea on a concert visit that many hope will help thaw relations with the U.S. Host John Schaefer reports from Pyongyang on the concert.

More about the NY Phil's visit to Pyongyang

Why the Philharmonic's trip may not be so unique

The New York Philharmonic's trip to North Korea may be unique but it's hardly the first American classical-music group to perform in the politically isolated nation. Violinist Young-Nam Kim performed there with a string quartet in 2004 and is returning there to teach next month. He joins us.

Also: two views on the orchestra's trip, from Drew McManus, an orchestra consultant and author of the blog Adaptistration; and Norman Lebrecht, British cultural critic and author of several books on the orchestra world.

Norman Lebrecht: Maazel's Troops Bumble Into Korean Ambush
Drew McManus' Adaptistration blog

Good Ol' Baroque

They weren't Garth Brooks fans, but Baroque composers were among the first to embrace "country music," writing rustic pieces about the countryside and using folk instruments. George Steel, conductor and director of Columbia University’s Miller Theater, shares some of this unusual music, including an obscure arrangement of Vivaldi's Four Seasons featuring the hurdy-gurdy and musette.

More about "Country Pleasures: Bach and the Baroque Pastoral"