Category: Music

James Acaster’s ‘Party Gator Purgatory’ Was Decades in the Making

As a child, music was the British comedian’s first obsession. Decades later, his first record tells the story of a toy alligator.
‘Succession’: A Soundtrack Fit for a Concert Hall

Nicholas Britell’s score for the HBO series, which concludes on Sunday, has developed, episode by episode, into a classic theme-and-variations work.
In Seville, Spain, These Young Rappers Come Together to Turn “Tears Into Rhymes”

For the young men in this community, many of whom are immigrants, a public basketball court is a place of joy and strength, and a sacred ground for musical improvisation.
Fans Remember Tina Turner as a Resilient Trailblazer

Many said her music and her life story were inspirations as she overcame abuse during her marriage to Ike Turner and emerged as a star on her own.
Rolf Harris, Disgraced British Entertainer, Dies at 93

His career as a musician and a painter over six decades ended abruptly when he was convicted of sexually abusing teenage girls.
The Composer Gabriella Smith’s Music Marvels at Nature

Smith, a rising young composer, has adapted her work “Lost Coast” into a cello concerto premiering this week at the Los Angeles Philharmonic.
Bill Lee, Bassist and Composer of Son Spike Lee’s Films, Dies at 94

He accompanied a wide range of jazz and folk musicians and scored “She’s Gotta Have It,” “School Daze” “Do the Right Thing” and “Mo’ Better Blues.”
China Ramps Up Culture Crackdown, Canceling Music and Comedy Shows

Performances across the country were canceled last week after Beijing began investigating a stand-up comedian.
Elaine Mitchener and the Music of Screams

Elaine Mitchener will draw on a range of extended vocal techniques to give a sensitive portrait of mental illness in the music theater piece “Eight Songs for a Mad King.”
Audiences Are Coming Back to Orchestras After a ‘Scary’ Fall

“It seemed like a switch flipped right before Thanksgiving,” the leader of the Chicago Symphony said.
Foo Fighters Introduce Josh Freese as Their New Drummer

Freese, a veteran musician, appeared with the rock band ahead of its upcoming tour and album release, the first since its drummer, Taylor Hawkins, died last year.
‘Magic Flute’ Review: Trickery and Delight in Mozart at the Met

Unveiling the trickery only enhances the delight of this interpretation of Mozart by the director Simon McBurney.