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(nick_blick/flickr)Bad Vibrations
The musical technique known as vibrato is being banned by a conductor at the BBC Proms, England's premier music festival this summer. On today's show: a look at whether vibrato shapes -- or taints -- music, from jazz to opera. Also: quirky New York-based septet Spottiswoode & His Enemies join us for a live performance.
Vibrato: A No Go?
Vibrato, a minute fluctuation of pitch intended to make a musical sound more intense, has shaped – some may say tainted – many genres, from vocal jazz to gospel, Broadway and opera. In light of a current controversial "ban" on vibrato at the BBC Proms, we look at the technique and discuss when, if ever, it's appropriate. Joining us are Mark Katz, a professor of music at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill and author of Capturing Sound, and jazz singer and vocal coach Nancy Marano.
Our blog: John Schaefer weighs in on the vibrato debate
Spottiswoode & His Enemies
Also: New York-based septet Spottiswoode & His Enemies is a swirling cocktail of indie-rock, folk, country and even big band music. Englishman Jonathan Spottiswoode leads the ensemble, whose unusual band name is part of a running gag of criminal intrigue in liner notes and on an entertaining web site. The real entertainment, however, lies in the songs and their clever arrangements. Spottiswoode & His Enemies join us for a live performance.
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