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Soundcheck / April 14, 2008

Soundcheck

Monday, April 14, 2008
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  • Luciano Pavarotti
    (ODD ANDERSEN/AFP/Getty Images)

    Hips Don't Lie, But Lips Do

    The opera world is buzzing with the news that the late Luciano Pavarotti lip-synched the final performance of his career. Today on Soundcheck, we find out why major stars fake it -- and whether fans can ever forgive them. Later: composer Victoria Bond and soprano Patricia Johnson join us to talk about Bond's opera "Mrs. President."

A Tenor Turned Mime

The late Luciano Pavarotti has joined the ranks of Ashlee Simpson and Milli Vanilli. A new book revealed the legendary tenor and an orchestra mimed their way through a performance in 2006 at the Turin Olympics. Today, we debate whether lip-synching is ever appropriate -- and if fans are more forgiving these days. Our guests include jazz critic Garry Giddins, who has written about lip-synching for the New York Times, and William Brittelle of the lip-synched art-rock concept album Mohair Time Warp.

Tell us: When is lip-synching appropriate?

Pavarotti lip sychs Nessun Dorma at Turin Olypics, 2006
Pavarotti lip synchs with Sting at 1992 concert
More about Mohair Time Warp

When Lip Synching Saves the Day

When a tenor's voice failed during a performance of at the Pittsburgh Opera, an unlikely hero stepped in to save the day. We talk with Pittsburgh Opera music director Antony Walker.

Mrs. President

Imagine a woman running for the American presidency, with an black man as her running mate. A look into the future? Not quite. The opera "Mrs. President" tells the story of Victoria Woodhull, who ran for president in 1872 with Frederick Douglass as her running mate. Composer and conductor Victoria Bond shares the story of "Mrs. President," and soprano Patricia Johnson performs a selection from it live in our studio.

Victoria Bond web site
Symphony Space web site

Arcade Fire

When I Missed the Boat

Soundcheck

How prejudice and second-guessing can cause you to miss some great music. Also, Juilliard-trained pianist Andy Russo joins us to share "Mix Tape," a collection of 14 classical arrangements of nuggets by Billy Joel, James Blunt, the B-52's, and others.

johnny flynn

Johnny Flynn

Soundcheck

Johnny Flynn, a London-based singer-songwriter, performs songs from his new album, "A Larum."

Ahmad Jamal

Ahmad Jamal

Soundcheck

Pianist and composer Ahmad Jamal was a major influence on Miles Davis in the 50s. Today rappers sample his music. He joins us to discuss his latest album.

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