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Deceptive Cadence
Deceptive Cadence un-stuffs the world of classical music, which is both fusty and ferociously alive.
- What did the beginning of time sound like? A new string quartet offers an impression
by Olivia Hampton on January 17, 2024 at 10:11 amNokuthula Ngwenyama's Flow is on a 13-city tour of performances by the celebrated Takács Quartet.
- Napoleon's piano lends authenticity to Ridley Scott's biopic
by Olivia Hampton on December 4, 2023 at 10:04 amBritish composer Martin Phipps discusses how he used an 1808 French piano that once belonged to Napoleon in the score for Ridley Scott's biopic of the one-time emperor.
- Finding a place at the Met, this opera sings in a language of its own
by Luis Trelles on November 27, 2023 at 5:15 pmFlorencia gives star Ailyn Pérez a rare chance to sing in Spanish. As the bilingual daughter of Mexican immigrants, she learned early on that language had the power to shape her experience and voice.
- A disciplined plea for peace – and quiet – from composer Arvo Pärt
by Tom Huizenga on November 10, 2023 at 5:28 pmA new album of music by the 88-year-old Estonian mystic seems to put an arm around you and whisper, "In troubled times, music can help."
NPR Music
In-depth stories from NPR Music staff and radio programs.
- Ditching music algorithms? Here are 12 streaming alternatives to explore
by Miguel Perez on December 16, 2025 at 4:24 pmIf you're looking to shake things up in the new year, these streaming platforms will help you diversify your music-listening habits.
- The best song lyrics of 2025
by Ann Powers on December 16, 2025 at 9:27 amFrom tear-jerkers to mic-drops, NPR's music critics share the 2025 lyrics that made them laugh, cry and hit replay.
- The hidden history of 'White Christmas'by Anastasia Tsioulcas on December 15, 2025 at 5:00 pm
The tune crooned by Bing Crosby is still one of the most popular Christmas songs of all time. It's endured as a favorite — despite a complicated and controversial history.
- Odeal: Tiny Desk Concertby Alanté Serene on December 15, 2025 at 1:26 pm
Right from the first note, Odeal instantly transports us to the warm, soulful pocket that we never leave.