Music

New Argento work honors his late wife
The Washington National Cathedral hosts the premiere of a major, new work by Minneapolis composer Dominick Argento on Sunday. It's the first music the Pulitzer Prize winner has written since his wife's death two years ago and he lost the will and energy for composing.
The Brass Kings perform in The Current studio
Everything but the kitchen sink. That's what your stage looks like when The Brass Kings show up to play a gig. They haul in a washboard, part of a refrigerator door, an old washtub, some rope, a pole, and an arm load of various guitars.
A strange trip for 'The Band's Visit'
Director Eran Kolirin's film, "The Band's Visit," which opens in the Twin Cities this weekend, is a bittersweet comedy from Israel. It's been a hit with critics, but simply by being an Israeli film, it's run into controversy too.
Mike Doughty takes a bite out of the MinneApple with "Golden Delicious"
Former Soul Coughing frontman and Brooklyn singer/songwriter Mike Doughty gets a lot of love from Twin Cities musicheads. Doughty has recorded two records in Minneapolis, including his new CD "Golden Delicious" with the help of Grammy winning songwriter Dan Wilson.
New Classical Tracks: Beethoven, made in Minnesota
A few years back, Osmo Vanska and the Minnesota Orchestra began recording Beethoven's symphonies, in fresh, committed performances that have won international acclaim. They've just added two symphonies to the series: the sparkling 1st, and the 6th -- a sanctuary in sound.
Singer Connie Evingson celebrates St. Paul-born jazz great
Local jazz singer Connie Evingson's latest CD is a collection of songs by jazz pianist and singer Dave Frishberg. The St. Paul native is regarded as one of the finest songwriters of the past few decades. The CD also reunites Frishberg with an old U of M friend he describes as one of the most gifted musicians he ever met.
New Classical Tracks: A New 'Four Seasons'
Vivaldi's "Four Seasons" is a series of pictures in music. On her new disc, Sarah Chang gives them a high-definition presentation.
Celebrating and satirizing Anton Chekhov
Actors and musicians in Minneapolis are using the dark heart of winter as the perfect setting for celebrating and satirizing the great Russian playwright Anton Chekhov.
A two-bass hit
Nate Farrington and Blake Hinson are two young musicians riding the wave of a double bass renaissance. They're in the Twin Cities for performances with the Minnesota Sinfonia. They talked with MPR classical music host Steve Staruch.
The sacred side of Ellington
Duke Ellington is considered one of the greatest composers in jazz history. Many of his songs are enduring standards. On Sunday, the choral group VocalEssence explores a lesser-known side of the legendary jazz pianist and bandleader.