On Demand
Soundcheck
-
For Classical Gamers, a 'Baton Hero'
If you’ve ever dreamed of leading an orchestra on stage, now you can satisfy your urge. Today: a look at UBS Virtual Maestro, a videogame that indulges would-be Leonard Bernsteins. Also: we take a look at the Asimo, Honda's humanoid robot, which made its conducting debut Tuesday at Orchestra Hall, leading the Detroit Symphony Orchestra. Finally: The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble mixes a brass band sound with improvisation and funk. They join us for a live performance.
Poll: How do you get your music fix?: Tell us how you spend your money on songs, albums and concerts in a Soundcheck poll.
Virtual Maestro
If you’ve ever dreamed of leading an orchestra on stage, there's a new video game to satisfy your urge. The UBS Virtual Maestro allows would-be Leonard Bernsteins to lead their own "virtual orchestra" via an Nintendo Wii controller. As the game currently tours concert halls across the U.S., we hear from one of its developers, Yuri Ivanov.
Our blog: John Schaefer on "toying" with musical skills
Tell us: Are music simulators good or bad for music? Can they spark new interest, or do they "cheapen" the study of music?
Video: Asimo conducts the Detroit Symphony
Video: The Virtual Maestro
... And a Robot Maestro
Now there's another reason for conductors to be concerned about job security: On Tuesday night, Asimo, a 4-foot-3-inch Hondo robot led the Detroit Symphony in a performance of "The Impossible Dream" from "Man of La Mancha." Detroit Free Press music critic Mark Stryker tells us about it.
The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble
The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble is a Boston-based, New Orleans-inspired collective that mixes the brass band sound with improvisation and funk. They join us for a live performance.
The Revolutionary Snake Ensemble perform at their CD release party tonight at Drom at 8pm.
- About this program
- Staff Bios »
- Contact Us »
- Latest Episode
- Internship
- Tapes and Transcripts
- Show Archive »
Features & Series
Podcast
Stay up to date.
Subscribe to the Podcast
Watch Soundcheck Live!
Join us Tuesday, Nov. 10 at The Greene Space
Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
More
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.
- Comments [93]
