Music & Culture

Jenny Hval's album Blood Bitch was released on Sept. 30.

Music & Culture

Songs Cycles: Jenny Hval On The Importance Of Uncertainty

11:06am October 03, 2016

by Laura Snapes

"It can be really tough to be bold," says the Norwegian art-pop singer of her approach to performance. On her sixth album, Blood Bitch, she aims to balance provocation and complexity.

Music & Culture

Prolific Conductor Neville Marriner Has Died

5:07pm October 02, 2016

by Jeff Lunden

Neville Marriner died overnight at age 92. The Academy of St. Martin in the Fields conductor was famous for his score to the Academy Award-winning film Amadeus.

Music & Culture

Neville Marriner, Who Recorded The Beloved Soundtrack to 'Amadeus,' Has Died

10:57am October 02, 2016

by Anastasia Tsioulcas

The conductor and violinist who became something of entrepreneurial emperor — making hundreds of recordings with his orchestra, including the soundtrack to the film Amadeus — died Sunday at age 92.

Nadia Sirota wants contemporary classical music to feel approachable. "There's no chance it'll disappoint a new listener, but people do need a way in," she says.

Music & Culture

Nadia Sirota On Making Music Accessible (Even When It's Weird)

8:38am October 02, 2016

by NPR Staff

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.

Members of the Treme Brass Band play a jazz funeral for their bass drummer, Lionel Batiste, in New Orleans.

Music & Culture

What Was 'A Blog Supreme'?

9:09am October 01, 2016

by Patrick Jarenwattananon

A history of NPR's jazz thing, and a goodbye, from its editor.

Music & Culture

Through Improvisation, Music Producer Creates Unconventional Mashups

8:50am October 01, 2016

Craig Hartley makes unexpected juxtapositions, including Bach with a Miles Davis overlay, and a John Lennon with a Bill Evans backdrop, on his new album, "Books on Tape Vol. II — Standard Edition."

Richard Trentlage, Oscar Mayer Weiner Song Writer, Dies At 87

8:44am October 01, 2016

In 1962, Richard Trentlage recorded an advertising jingle in his living room that began "I wish I were an Oscar Mayer Weiner..." He was no one-slogan wonder.

Lee Musiker is featured in this episode of Piano Jazz.

Music & Culture

Lee Musiker On Piano Jazz

5:18pm September 30, 2016

The award-winning conductor, pianist and composer performs "Fascinating Rhythm" and other standards with Marian McPartland.

The electronic vibe of Bon Iver's new album has left some fans skeptical — but critic Will Hermes says it's the band's best work yet.

Music & Culture

Bon Iver's Latest Is A Soulful Mix Of Wood And Microchips

4:44pm September 30, 2016

by Will Hermes

22, A Million is a radical — but logical — departure from Justin Vernon's past work. Music critic Will Hermes thinks it's the most compelling record he's heard all year.

Queue Listen Now

Bob Boilen talks with John Paul White during AmericanaFest 2016.

Music & Culture

All Songs +1: John Paul White Sings The Song That Changed His Life

4:34pm September 30, 2016

by Bob Boilen

Hear Bob Boilen talk with John Paul White, formerly of The Civil Wars, about the songs that have transformed the songwriter's life.