Music News : NPR

Performing Arts

Curtain Closing On New York's Amato Opera

May 30, 2009 • The Amato Opera, one of a handful of privately owned opera companies left in the U.S., is closing Sunday at the end of its 61st season. The 107-seat theater occupies a building on New York's Bowery next to the former CBGB's. Amato has provided a rare place for up-and-coming singers to learn their craft, but its idiosyncratic owner Tony Amato has struggled to keep it going since the death of his wife and costume designer, Sally.

Curtain Closing On New York's Amato Opera

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Music Interviews

In Praise Of Broadway's Orchestrators

May 28, 2009 • Many of Broadway's greatest orchestrators remain little-known. Ever hear of Sid Ramin, Jonathan Tunick, Don Walker, Russell Bennett or Ralph Burns? Exactly. But those are the men who orchestrated West Side Story, Gypsy, A Chorus Line, Sweeney Todd, Hello Dolly and South Pacific.

In Praise Of Broadway's Orchestrators

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Former Wilco Member Jay Bennett Dies

May 25, 2009 • The 45-year-old played a number of instruments for the alternative rock band before leaving to pursue a solo career. He died in his sleep Sunday.

Former Wilco Member Jay Bennett Dies

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Pop Culture

British Prepare To Select New Singing Star

May 25, 2009 • Susan Boyle, the less-than-glamorous, 48-year-old Scottish woman who became an overnight sensation on "Britain's Got Talent," got a standing ovation Sunday night performing "Memory" for the semifinal round.

British Prepare To Select New Singing Star

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Music Lists

Classical Music Memorials

WGBH Radio

May 22, 2009 • Memorial Day might signal the unofficial start of summer fun, but its true purpose is to commemorate those who have died in service to the country. Hear five musical expressions of uncommon power and beauty, reminding listeners of both what has been lost and what we value most.

Pop Culture

Kris Allen Beats Adam Lambert For 'Idol' Crown

May 21, 2009 • It was an American Idol upset. Underdog Kris Allen beat out Adam Lambert to take the title after nearly 100 million viewer-votes were cast.

Kris Allen Beats Adam Lambert For 'Idol' Crown

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All Songs Considered

Old Music Tuesday: The Flaming Lips' 'The Soft Bulletin' Is Ten Years Old

May 19, 2009 • By 1999, most had written off The Flaming Lips as a one-hit wonder who had slipped away into obscurity after "She Don't Use Jelly." But with their visionary album The Soft Bulletin, the Oklahoma band created their most epic and personal record.

Music

European Song Contest Winner Is ... Something

May 17, 2009 • The big winner in Saturday's Eurovision Song Contest — sort of the European version of American Idol — was a fiddling, singing, grinning sensation from Norway named Alexander Rybak. His performance was definitely ... something.

European Song Contest Winner Is ... Something

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Music

Disco's Gaynor Lends Voice To Kid's Book

May 16, 2009 • "I Will Survive" was an anthem for the disco era. Now Gloria Gaynor has a new message for the 21st century. She's voicing the role of Fistiki the Cat on a bonus CD that comes with the children's book Loukoumi's Good Deeds, written by Nick Katsoris. Gaynor is one of several celebrities who provided their voices for the CD, which is narrated by Jennifer Aniston and her father, the soap opera star John Aniston. Host Scott Simon speaks with Gaynor, who also wrote an original song for the book.

Disco's Gaynor Lends Voice To Kid's Book

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Muzak: From The Elevator To The Future

May 14, 2009 • Muzak made its mark on American culture by producing generic-sounding songs for office buildings, retail stores and the dentist. It's been 25 years since the company stopped producing those instrumental covers and switched to providing clients mix tapes of popular recordings. Today, Muzak is still trying to shake its elevator-music reputation while trying to emerge from bankruptcy.

Muzak: From The Elevator To The Future

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Strapped For Cash, Music Fans Let Go Of CDs

May 11, 2009 • Several major record retailers around the country have reported significant increases in their supply of used CDs. Since the economic crisis began, more people have been bringing in CDs to sell for cash or store credit. Both Amoeba Records in California and Newbury Comics in Boston see the same trend.

Strapped For Cash, Music Fans Let Go Of CDs

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Opinion

Music

Coldplay Accused Of Plagiarism ... Again

May 11, 2009 • Coldplay is one of the best-selling bands in the world. In spite of its success, the band has a nagging problem: charges that it plagiarized not one, but three other artists to write its recent hit, "Viva La Vida." Yusuf Islam, aka Cat Stevens, is the latest accuser.

Coldplay Accused Of Plagiarism ... Again

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Technology

NPR Wins Seven Webby Awards

May 5, 2009 • NPR won Webbys for best radio site, best music site, best news site in the mobile division, and best music entry in the online film and video division. In addition, NPR won three People's Voice Webbys.

Mobile Phone Orchestra: Music On The Move

May 2, 2009 • A group of researchers at Stanford University has formed a new kind of orchestra to push the boundaries of how music is made. The instruments? Mobile phones.

Mobile Phone Orchestra: Music On The Move

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Historic NYC Sheet Music Store To Close

May 1, 2009 • In two weeks, the Joseph Patelson Music House, neighbor to Carnegie Hall in Manhattan, will close its doors after six decades in the business of selling sheet music. From the most accomplished conductors and soloists to young music students, they've all shopped for music and guidance at Patelson's.

Historic NYC Sheet Music Store To Close

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