/tags/npr-classical NPR Classical en-US Copyright Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:56:12 GMT /2025-06-20/alfred-brendel-the-cerebral-pianist-with-a-dry-wit-dies-at-94 Routinely called a "musician's musician," the pianist had an atypical career that even he called mysterious. He spent it returning to a handful of favorite composers, with acclaimed results. Fri, 20 Jun 2025 13:56:12 GMT /2025-06-20/alfred-brendel-the-cerebral-pianist-with-a-dry-wit-dies-at-94 Jeff Lunden /2025-06-16/three-albums-in-3-months-no-sweat-for-violinist-anne-akiko-meyers The ambitious violinist has an insatiable appetite for new music, much of which she's commissioned herself. Mon, 16 Jun 2025 12:41:55 GMT /2025-06-16/three-albums-in-3-months-no-sweat-for-violinist-anne-akiko-meyers A Martínez, Iman Maani /npr-news/2025-06-11/how-the-ipad-cured-a-top-pianists-stage-fright Anxiety and panic attacks crippled pianist Simone Dinnerstein on stage, despite a stellar career. She shares how one common device helped her overcome the fear. Wed, 11 Jun 2025 12:54:53 GMT /npr-news/2025-06-11/how-the-ipad-cured-a-top-pianists-stage-fright Leila Fadel, Olivia Hampton /2025-05-23/this-opera-tells-the-story-of-the-central-park-five-donald-trumps-role-included In 1989, Trump took out full-page newspaper ads demanding the death penalty "for roving bands of wild criminals." The Detroit Opera decided to program this work long before the presidential election. Fri, 23 May 2025 12:09:03 GMT /2025-05-23/this-opera-tells-the-story-of-the-central-park-five-donald-trumps-role-included Neda Ulaby /npr-news/2025-05-02/jennifer-higdon-wont-apologize-for-writing-accessible-music As one of the most-performed living composers, the Pulitzer winner insists that her music communicate to everyone — from farmers to children to the classical music intelligentsia. Fri, 02 May 2025 12:52:58 GMT /npr-news/2025-05-02/jennifer-higdon-wont-apologize-for-writing-accessible-music Tom Huizenga /2025-04-23/pope-francis-the-music-nerd-a-playlist The pontiff, who possessed a sizable record collection, was a keen listener. Hear his favorite tracks — from Bach to Piazzolla — and a few more that might have caught his discerning ear. Wed, 23 Apr 2025 13:52:38 GMT /2025-04-23/pope-francis-the-music-nerd-a-playlist Tom Huizenga /npr-news/2025-03-26/julia-bullock-christian-reif-tiny-desk-concert The soprano and her pianist husband offer a deeply considered look at the human condition through seven distinct songs. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:56:06 GMT /npr-news/2025-03-26/julia-bullock-christian-reif-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga /npr-news/2025-03-26/ashley-jackson-brings-spirituals-to-the-harp The rising harpist explores spirituals, musical ancestors and the influence of church on her new album, Take Me to the Water. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:54:26 GMT /npr-news/2025-03-26/ashley-jackson-brings-spirituals-to-the-harp Michel Martin, Olivia Hampton /2025-03-26/composer-carlos-simon-carries-his-ancestors-with-him The rising composer talks about the influence of the church on his music and the premiere of his Good News Mass at the Los Angeles Philharmonic. Thu, 27 Mar 2025 03:48:58 GMT /2025-03-26/composer-carlos-simon-carries-his-ancestors-with-him Lara Downes /npr-news/2025-03-21/jean-yves-thibaudet-tiny-desk-concert The famed Frenchman brings all his elegance and colorful playing to music by Ravel, Brahms and Villa-Lobos. Fri, 21 Mar 2025 13:03:36 GMT /npr-news/2025-03-21/jean-yves-thibaudet-tiny-desk-concert Tom Huizenga