The Wordless Music Series pairs rock and electronic musicians with more traditional chamber and new music performers, to create an entirely new concert experience. WNYC presents four one-hour specials that highlight the ground-breaking '07-'08 season, hosted by Radiolab's Jad Abumrad.
The Wordless Music Series on WNYC was written and produced by Jonathan Mitchell. Support for this program comes, in part, from the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.
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Episode One
Mihailova/Electrik Company/Do Make Say Think/Greenwood
Kyrgyzstani pianist Katya Mihailova takes on Chopin; Rock quartet Electric Kompany performs music by Jacob TV; Toronto-based indie band Do Make Say Think bring their own brand of eclectic music to the stage, and we hear the US premiere of Radiohead lead guitarist Jonny Greenwood's "Popcorn Superhet Receiver for String Orchestra." Jad Abumrad hosts, joined by composer David Lang, winner of the 2008 Pulitzer Prize in Music.
Wordless Music Series Episode 1
Episode Two
Jacobsen & Mihailova/Fischer/Perri
Violin/Piano duo Colin Jacobsen and Katya Mihailova perform Arvo Pärt's "Fratres"; vocalist Abby Fischer premieres Nico Muhly's "Mothertongue," and Toronto-based songwriter/producer Sandro Perri (a.k.a. "Polmo Polpo") performs his own set. Jad Abumrad hosts, joined by composer/performer Meredith Monk — whose latest album Impermanence was recently released on the ECM label.
Wordless Music Series Episode 2
Episode Three
Hauschka/Beruit/Fifth Veil
German pianist/composer Volker Bertelmann (a.k.a. "Hauschka") plays the prepared piano; indie rock band Beirut performs their own gypsy-inspired set, and Bard College quartet Fifth Veil perform Osvaldo Golijov's "The Dreams and Prayers of Isaac the Blind." Jad Abumrad hosts this program, which also features conversations with Hauschka and Beirut's Zach Condon.
Wordless Music Series Episode 3
Episode Four
Lubman and the Wordless Music Orchestra/Torngat
Conductor Brad Lubman leads the Wordless Music Orchestra in John Adams' "Christian Zeal and Activity"; Montreal band Torngat perform their own set, and the Wordless Music Orchestra returns for Gavin Bryars' "The Sinking of the Titanic." Jad Abumrad hosts this program, which also features a conversation with conductor Brad Lubman.
Wordless Music Series Episode 4
Wordless Music: The Radiolab Podcast
In this podcast from Radiolab, Jad waxes googly-eyed fan when he gets to talk about one of his favorite bands, Stars of the Lid.
Wordless Music Videos on YouTube
Do Make Say Think
Hauschka
Electric Kompany
Electric Kompany II