Sep 8th, 2008 · Folksinger "Sixto" Diaz Rodriguez became a success in the '70s after releasing the hit Cold Fact, which was hailed a psychedelic folk masterpiece. Hear two songs from the newly reissued Cold Fact on WXPN's World Cafe, with host David Dye.
Aug 15th, 2008 · The Barber of Seville may be the perfect, operatic comedy. On World of Opera it comes to us from the jewel-like theater at Glimmerglass Opera, a perfect venue for the crystalline musical textures and intimate vocal detail of Rossini's masterpiece.
Jul 28th, 2008 · For all the jazz albums which are universally hailed as classics, there are more records out there which should be recognized as such. Arranger and Grammy-winning record producer Bob Belden picks the top five slept-on masterpiece jazz LPs.
Jul 24th, 2008 · Charles Mingus' monumental masterpiece "Epitaph" never saw the light of day during his lifetime. But the tempestuous jazz legend left his ambitious score to be discovered by new generations. Hear the full piece, a 2 1/2-hour affair for 31 musicians.
Jul 4th, 2008 · When Carole King's album Tapestry came out in 1971, it became one of the best-selling albums of all time and marked her as one of pop's most talented songwriters. King's masterpiece has been reissued as a 2-disc Legacy Edition by Sony. Music historian Milo Miles takes a look at the landmark work.
Jun 20th, 2008 · Camille Saint-Saens lived from the waning years of music's classical era, all the way into the early decades of 20th-century modernism. The tumultuous, romantic opera, Samson and Dalila is one of his many masterpieces.
Jun 18th, 2008 · The most influential jazz musician after bebop, the tenor saxophonist nurtured a career marked by rapid growth in improvisational technique and ideas. By the late 1950s, he had already produced his first masterpieces.
May 27th, 2008 · Gnarls Barkley is best known for its massive 2006 summer hit "Crazy" from their debut album St. Elsewhere. The duo's follow-up The Odd Couple meshes classic R&B with infectious hip-hop grooves and cinematic production. Cee-Lo and Danger Mouse speak with Fresh Air's Terry Gross about crafting their new album.