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(nick_blick/flickr)Bad Vibrations
The musical technique known as vibrato was banned by a conductor at this year's BBC Proms, England's premier music festival. Today, we 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 performance in our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
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. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
Spottiswoode & His Enemies
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 performance in our studio. This is an encore edition of Soundcheck.
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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.
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