Classical KUER

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 am
Nokuthula 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 am
British 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 pm
Florencia 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 pm
A 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."

In-depth stories from NPR Music staff and radio programs.

Billie Eilish, Lady Gaga, Lil Baby and more will play FireAid benefit concert in LA
by Isabella Gomez Sarmiento on January 17, 2025 at 7:23 pm
The Jan. 30 event will stream live and raise money for those impacted by the wildfires.
Billy Strings on his latest album, 'Highway Prayers'
by Stephen Kallao on January 17, 2025 at 6:48 pm
The guitarist and singer-songwriter delves further into his bluegrass roots on his major-label studio debut.
Can James McVinnie change your mind about the pipe organ?
by Tom Huizenga on January 17, 2025 at 6:34 pm
On his new album, the British keyboardist offers both engaging and entertaining contemporary works for the misunderstood instrument.
'Forces of Nature' showcases the potent mix of two jazz giants
by Martin Johnson on January 17, 2025 at 4:56 pm
A new recording features pianist McCoy Tyner and saxophonist Joe Henderson in a concert taped in New York City in 1966. The music here is a prelude to later iconic records by each leader.