NPR Classical
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Music & Culture
World Cafe Latin Roots: 7 Femme-Fronted Andean Electro-Alternative Acts
Ranging in soundscapes that feature ethno bass, dance floor field recordings and techno, these one-of-a-kind sound artists are giving new life to often forgotten roots music.
Wade In The Water Ep. 2: In Search Of The Sacred
One woman's search for the broader meanings of the African American interpretations of religious beliefs as "the saved" and "the sacred."
Wade In The Water Ep. 1: Songs And Singing As Church
The relationship between song and singing, and worship and belief in both the organized and non-organized church. Introduces concepts, performing styles and musical genres.
Wade In The Water Ep. 4: Sacred Songs As History
The sinking of the Titanic, the Depression, World Wars I and II and the civil rights movement, and the moving songs that arise from the sacred music tradition.
Wade In The Water Ep. 3: Steal Away, Songs & Stories About Slavery
African American oral tradition rich with memories, testimonies and songs from the hard days of 19th century slavery.
Wade In The Water Ep. 6: Lined Hymn & Shaped-Note Tradition
Two musical traditions, originating from Europe and adapted by African American converts to Christianity.
Wade In The Water Ep. 5: The Power Of Communal Song
The story of African American religious music as a moral weapon, to galvanize individuals for worship and for action in the civil rights struggles of the century.
Wade In The Water Ep. 7: The Fisk Jubilee Singers And The Concert Spiritual Tradition
The sound, history and legacy of the concert or arranged spiritual, and the role of the black university in developing a repertoire that blends African American and European influences.
Wade In The Water Ep. 9: The Struggle For A New Classical Concert Tradition
The struggle of African Americans seeking careers as classical concert artists, featuring Roland Hayes, Paul Robeson, Marian Anderson, Leontyne Price, Jessye Norman, Kathleen Battle and others.