Sviatoslav Richter: The Pianist Who Made The Earth Move
For the centennial of the great Russian's birth, critic and piano maven Steve Wigler recalls a herculean talent who shook Carnegie Hall to its foundation.
Music
NPR Music At SXSW 2015: Tuesday
The best things our team in Austin saw, heard and recorded on the first day of SXSW Music, including a late-night lullaby by one of our favorite musicians.
Saxophonist Tony Malaby's New Quartet Brings Out His Rowdy Side
Malaby has merged his two trios — with a cello and a tuba — into a quartet called Tubacello. Their new album is Scorpion Eater. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says he hopes to hear from them again.
In South Africa, Soulful Music Delivers Serious Messages
Johannesburg-based band The Muffinz tackles AIDS, politics and education while blending jazz, soul and R&B with their country's choral traditions.
Remastering 78s: A Company Brings Clarity To Pianist Artur Schnabel's Works
Many historic recordings have been transferred to CD, but not always as accurately as desirable. But a small record company in France has been remastering these recordings in a revolutionary way.
Winning In Country Music, With No Help From Nashville
Traditional country musicians, the kind who never get airplay on mainstream country radio stations, are thriving in regional scenes supported by devoted live audiences.
Doritos Stage Pulled From SXSW But Issues Remain
As the Austin, Texas, music festival enters its 28th year, concerns continue over corporate branding and security.
Brandi Carlile's Surging Voice Grounds 'The Firewatcher's Daughter'
Carlile has been releasing albums for the past 10 years, and Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker says her new one, called The Firewatcher's Daughter, is her best yet.
They're Not Only '60s Songwriting Superstars, But They're Also Married
Barry Mann and Cynthia Weil, who wrote "We Gotta Get Out of this Place," have been a team for more than 50 years. Terry Gross spoke with them in 2000, when they were depicted in the musical Beautiful.
Drummer Hal Blaine Talks About Making Music Over The Years
Blaine is featured in the new documentary The Wrecking Crew about a group of anonymous intensely successful musicians who recorded together. Terry Gross spoke with him in 2001.