Voices Carry
Soundcheck | May 3, 2010
Sultry German-born, New York-based chanteuse Ute Lemper discusses music-making in post-World War I Germany and serenades us live in the studio with the songs of Jacques Brel. Host John Schaefer speaks with fado singer Misia about the contentious history of Portuguese music, and with Studio 360’s Kurt Andersen about what makes a singing voice wrong for one musical genre, yet a perfect fit for another. Plus, members of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City treat us to a performance of Caribbean-inflected spirituals.
Though she got her start in musical theater, Ute Lemper is best known for her performance of German cabaret numbers and interpretations of Kurt Weill songs.
Though she got her start in musical theater, Ute Lemper is best known for her performance of German cabaret numbers and interpretations of Kurt Weill songs.
In the hands of such contemporary “fadistas” as Misia, the Portuguese fado tradition has come a long way from the brothels and taverns of Lisbon, where the first fado tunes were sung by lonely sailors 200 years ago.
In residence at the 92nd Street Y, the Young People’s Chorus has premiered and commissioned new works from composers as varied as Aaron Copland, Steven Mackey, and Jenny Johnson.
