Search results for

Pianist Joan Stiles is known for her brilliant playing, painted by a deep understanding of the roots of jazz. As a full-time educator, Stiles has been presenting the music of Mary Lou Williams for the past decade. She also knows how to swing on a Monk tune or two.

A jazz pianist and bandleader, Iyer is one of the most critically acclaimed musicians of the past decade. He also has a masters in physics. Here, he explains why he decided to switch to a full-time career as a jazz musician, and describes what influenced his latest album, Solo..

Owens is a up-and-coming name in the world of opera. His latest performance in the Metropolitan Opera's production of Das Rheingold has generated excitement and expectations for the versatile performer.

The lauded pianist picks a Schumann favorite -- a massive choral work that, while composed when Schumann was at the height of his powers, remains unjustly forgotten.

The guitarist opens up about his music, his legendary journeys on the road with The Rolling Stones and his occasionally contentious relationship with lead singer Mick Jagger in a new memoir called Life.

He's battled lymphoma and the loss of his wife. Now, composer Peter Lieberson returns with the long-awaited follow-up to Neruda Songs. The new song cycle is also based on the works of Chilean poet Pablo Neruda.

One opera singer's illness is another's opportunity. Marlis Petersen jumped in at the last minute to take on a leading role at the Met, in New York, when the star soprano pulled out. The only catch was that she had to learn and rehearse the rarely performed opera in just 48 hours.

He's been at the forefront of contemporary music and conducting for more than half a century. Marking his 85th birthday this spring, a number of new Boulez CDs and DVDs have been released. Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews three of the latest.

Sands presents a fresh look at the language of jazz, from swing to Brazilian and Afro-Cuban rhythms. He gets together with guest host Christian McBride for duets in "Lonesome Lover" and "Kelly's Blues."

The New York Times calls Stephen Sondheim the "greatest and perhaps best-known artist in American musical theater." Sondheim composed the music and lyrics for, among others, Sweeney Todd, Into the Woods and Company. He joins Fresh Air to discuss his career in musical theater.