Music

Conductor Roger Norrington seeks to recreate the sound of classical pieces -- particularly by Beethoven -- as they were originally performed. His orchestras plays period instruments; Norrington emphasizes the dynamics and tempos that were written in the scores -- markings often ignored by other conductors.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new compilation of jazzed-up versions of Christmas classics.

The Hungarian pianist isn't well-known in the United States, but a number of reissued recordings on the Price-Les$ label, which classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz calls "glorious," will give listeners a chance to hear what they've been missing.

Rock historian Ed Ward remembers the 1960s British rock band, whose members later founded several other groups, most notably the Electric Light Orchestra.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead says Paul Motian's new album, Misterioso, keeps listeners off-balance with its quick shifts from the rhapsodic to the rambunctious.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews the Knitting Factory Festival in New York City.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "I'm Real," the new album by JAMES BROWN, the self-proclaimed "Godfather of Soul."

Classical Music Critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a new reissue of the works of composer and conductor Alexander Zemlinsky.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles Ike Turner, whose career in rock and roll began long before he met Tina.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews a new album by bassist Michael Bisio and his quartet.

Dave Van Ronk. He was part of the folk music scene that flourished in Greenwich Village in the 1960s. His musical interests have ranged from traditional folk styles and jug band music to blues and jazz. He is known as a talented guitarist and singer who helped bring the relevance of black music to white audiences both in the United States and abroad. He'll also perform in today's show.

The final performance in a month-long series by fiddler Michael Doucet and two members of his Cajun band BeauSoliel.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker looks at several women rock musicians who reject female rock stereotypes and work in highly idiosyncratic and original styles. The groups and individuals includes the Sugarcubes, Jane Wiedlin and M.C. Lyte.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews recent recordings of three Schubert sonatas, performed by pianist Maurizio Pollini.

Rock historian Ed Ward profiles The Kinks, one of the first of the British Invasion groups, and their 1966 album Face To Face.

Jazz Critic Kevin Whitehead reviews violinist Billy Bang's new album "Live at Carlos: 1," which is a club in New York City. Bang performs with his sextet, which includes bassist William Parker and drummer Zen Matsuura.

Three members of the New Orleans cajun band BeauSoleil, led by Michael Doucet, will perform several songs.

Rock Critic Ken Tucker reviews "Vivid," the debut album by the black rock group Living Colour.

Classical music critic Lloyd Schwartz reviews a CBS reissue of Pierre Boulez conducting the 1910 version of Stravinsky's "Song of the Nightingale."

Jazz singer Sylvia Syms. During the 40s and 50s, she perfected her stage style and voice in New York's jazz clubs, including The Village Vanguard and The Latin Casino where she became friends and collaborators with Erol Garner, Billy Holiday and Frank Sinatra. She appeared on stage as well, originating the role of Bloody Mary in "South Pacific," and still sings the musical's centerpiece "Bali Hai" in her cabaret show. Syms teaches voice and song interpretation at Texas' Northwood Institute.