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The life of Renaissance astronomer Galileo Galilei has inspired a musical work. "The Starry Messenger," composed by Glenn McClure, debuts Saturday night in upstate New York. The project was inspired by Dava Sobel's book Galileo's Daughter.

Producer Derek Rath speaks with composer Gustavo Santoalalla, the man behind the music for the upcoming film Brokeback Mountain. The film follows the lives of two cowboys who share a physical and emotional relationship that haunts their lives.

The Pacific Northwest has been the source for a lot of great rock music — in the early 1990s, for example, it spawned the "grunge" sound made famous by acts like Nirvana and Soundgarden. Music critic John Brady shares some of his favorite new and sometimes quirky acts.

The Knights Templar, a Crusades-era group of Christian monks turned soldiers, have inspired a trio of current best-selling books. Alex Chadwick discusses the literary fascination with the Knights Templar with Laura Miller, book critic for Salon.com.

A three-part series on the musical scores nominated for the Academy Award wraps up with a look at Pride and Prejudice, a recap of the other nominees and a prediction for which composer will win.

Eef Barzelay knows how to mix humor and heartbreak. As leader of the band Clem Snide, he's sung from the perspective of folk-pop lightweight Jewel and conspiracy theorist David Icke, and he's concocted cello-tinged odes to the music of Nick Drake.

Madea's Family Reunion grossed more than $30 million in its opening weekend at the box office. The movie's writer, director and co-star, Tyler Perry, talks with Ed Gordon about the lure of his main character, an outspoken black woman.

Shades of Praise is an interracial gospel choir in New Orleans that has become locally famous as a symbol of racial harmony. The group was a common sight at stages and churches around town. Then came Hurricane Katrina, and suddenly this choir has found itself thrust into a new role.

Commentator John Moe takes on the word "friend," a big word with a shifting definition. His band, Chicken Starship, has a MySpace page. And among the people listed as their friends are Elvis Costello, The Dixie Chicks, and Lucinda Williams. John knows that They Might Be Giants won't drive him to the airport -- but their friendship has to count for something.

A new CD gathers rare early blues and country records, including some that have never before reached the general public. Richard Nevins, who compiled The Stuff That Dreams Are Made Of, tells Debbie Elliott about the collection.