On Demand
Soundcheck
-
(Chris Jackson/Getty Images)Film Scores: Canon? Or "Can It!"
According to a new list of Top 300 albums from the radio station Classic FM, orchestral film scores like those heard in “Gladiator” and “Pirates of the Caribbean” belong alongside works by Beethoven and Mozart. In another Soundcheck Smackdown, two critics face off on the value of film scores in the classical world. Also: Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi talks about his passions for orchestral writing, modern electronic technology -- and pop music.
Soundcheck Smackdown: Film Scores
Film composers struggle for recognition inside the classical music world. As the summer blockbuster season gets underway, we’ll hear from one music critic who believes soundtracks aren’t classical, and one who says they are. Tristan Jakob-Hoff, a classical music writer who blogs for London's Guardian newspaper; and John Mauceri, conductor, chancellor of the North Carolina School of the Arts and long-time director of the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra, debate whether film scores belong in the classical canon.
Our blog: John Schaefer on film composers
Weigh in: Film scores: Canon? Or "can it!"? Should film scores be considered "classical music?"
Ludovico Einaudi
Italian pianist and composer Ludovico Einaudi is unknown in the US, but he is huge in Europe. He joins us to talk about being an adept at both orchestral writing and modern electronic technology and being a fan of both pop music and the American minimalist music tradition.
Ludovico Einaudi's Website
Video: Pole dancing to "Primavera" (YouTube)
- 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
Soundcheck's Noteworthy New York
Want to know the hottest places to go this weekend? Check out where New York's musicians go in their free time.
More
Soundcheck Blog
Go behind the scenes!
Find out what John Schaefer and the Soundcheck staff have to say about recent segments on the show.
More
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.
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.
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
- Comments [26]
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.
- Comments [2]
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.
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.
- Comments [1]
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.
- Comments [7]
