NPR Staff
-
Film composer Ennio Morricone, known for his use of harmonica and whistling on Western scores, has re-imagined his most popular sounds with help from the Czech National Symphony Orchestra.
-
Jazz Night in America host Christian McBride honors Bobby Hutcherson, Toots Thielemens and Victor Bailey, three prominent jazz musicians who passed away this year.
-
The Toronto jazz band is heavily influenced by today's hip-hop. "We came about precisely from just goofing around and having fun," bassist Chester Hansen says.
-
The Canadian-born artist is remembered for his influence on other musicians as much as for his own creations. His latest album came out less than a month ago.
-
"Music can be a real guiding light towards empathy, and I can't think of any better prescription," DiDonato says. The opera star's latest album turns to Baroque arias to address present-day conflict.
-
Jones' new album, Day Breaks, includes a song inspired by "Compared to What," a jazz protest song from the late '60s, the lyrics of which she says are "still relevant so many years later."
-
The violist wants more people to know and love contemporary classical music. She speaks with Rachel Martin about her Peabody Award-winning podcast and latest collaboration with composer Nico Muhly.
-
In a piece on his latest album, the Pulitzer-winning composer uses a code of musical notes to spell out the name of his wife, Natasha. Another composition is inspired by her remarkable resilience.
-
The Robert Glasper Experiment includes Casey Benjamin on sax, Derrick Hodge on bass and Mark Colenburg on drums. Their new album was created over just a few weeks in New Orleans.
-
The composer's music and life story are deeply woven into China's cultural, social and political fabric, inspiring revolution and providing comfort.