Music

Igor Stravinsky's 'Rite Of Spring' Counterrevolution

NPR Staff — Fri, 24 May 2013 06:03:00 +0000

As the 100th anniversary of Igor Stravinsky's ballet The Rite of Spring approaches, commentator Miles Hoffman reminds us that — as earthshaking as that infamous debut was — the composer soon branched out into a variety of musical styles that would surprise his fans and critics.

Hoffman says that, up until the infamous (and riotous) Rite of Spring debut — on May 29, 1913 — the public had never heard anything like it

Duke Ellington: Highlights Of His Twilight

David Brent Johnson — Thu, 23 May 2013 20:38:00 +0000

When Duke Ellington received the news that Billy Strayhorn, his songwriting and arranging partner of 28 years, had died, Ellington reportedly cried and told a friend, "No, I'm not all right! Nothing is going to be all right now."

The cancer-stricken Strayhorn passed away on May 31, 1967, and Ellington himself would follow seven years later, dying on May 24, 1974, at the age of 75.

Where's Your Awesome 'Rite Of Spring' Video?

Anastasia Tsioulcas — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:09:11 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=V2qoE1MDuJQ

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5G7wGKVhy9k

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CC5ooTyB6A

Chris Potter Quartet On JazzSet

Becca Pulliam — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:06:00 +0000

Now in his early 40s, Chris Potter is "the most commandingly skilled saxophonist of his generation," according to New York Times jazz writer Nate Chinen.

Potter and JazzSet host Dee Dee Bridgewater have just come off three months with the Monterey Jazz Festival on Tour, traveling the country by

Paleface On Mountain Stage

editor — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:32:00 +0000

Paleface makes his first appearance on Mountain Stage, recorded live at the Culture Center Theater in Charleston, W.Va. A product of New York City's 1990s "anti-folk" movement, the singer first learned to write songs and record demo tapes from iconic outsider musician (and West Virginia native) Daniel Johnston.

Bright Virtuosi on Performance Oklahoma

Kimberly Powell — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:25:58 +0000

This week Performance Oklahoma presents the final concert program of the regular season offered by the Brightmusic Society in Oklahoma in their 10th anniversary season. The program, entitled Bright Virtuosi featured works by Zoltán Kodály, Carl Maria von Weber and Ptyor Tchaikovsky.

Peggy Lee on Big Band Saturday Night

Alan Lambert — Thu, 23 May 2013 15:14:13 +0000

"Alan Lambert, Big Band Saturday Night. This Memorial Day weekend I'll be featuring one of the most popular and best selling artists of all time--- Peggy Lee. Her story, her music and lost of extras including tracks from Michael Buble's new CD, "To Be Loved"! This Saturday at 8 on 89.5!"

Imani Winds: Tiny Desk Concert

Tom Huizenga — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:35:00 +0000

When Igor Stravinsky began composing The Rite of Spring, his ballet for vast symphonic forces, he could hear the music in his head but couldn't quite figure out how to write it down.

Kobo Town: A Haunted 'Jukebox' Filled With Caribbean Sounds

editor — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:29:00 +0000

Throughout the new album Jumbie in the Jukebox, Kobo Town frontman Drew Gonsalves declares his love for the past even as his feet are firmly planted in the present. The music of the Toronto-based band can drift between classic Caribbean pop styles and even verge on hip-hop, but the singer's perspective remains sharply focused, wry and witty.

Henri Dutilleux, Leading French Composer, Dies At 97

Tom Huizenga — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:50:00 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyYJOi3X898