Conductor Kent Nagano Expands the Repertoire
Kent Nagano conducts the Berkeley Symphony Orchestra. He's known for performing lesser known, experimental works, including pieces by Olivier Messiaen and Frank Zappa. Contrary to many other musicians, he doesn't place much value in recordings, and believes the only way to fully appreciate a work is to witness it performed live.
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Other segments from the episode on August 13, 1990
Cuatro Virtuoso Yomo Toro in Concert
A live concert with Yomo Toro. A native of Puerto Rico, Toro plays Puerto Rican jibaro music on the cuatro, a small guitar-like instrument with five sets of double strings. Toro is joined by Ruben Figueroa on bass and guitar and Luis Cabrera on percussion.
Two Trumpeters' Influence on Duke Ellington
Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says that some of the soloists Duke Ellington featured in the bandleader's big band left a lasting impression -- even after their departure. Whitehead reviews two new CD anthologies which feature trumpeters Bubber Miley and Louis Armstrong's collaborations with the jazz composer.
"Heat Wave" Looks at the Watts Riots from the Right Perspective
Dispensing with the points-of-view of the usual power brokers like police and politicians, the new made-for-TV movie focuses on a young, black reporter. Television critic David Bianculli says the quiet parts are as effective as the moments of upheaval.
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