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Music Reviews

The Variations of Glenn Gould

Glenn Gould was just 22 when his performance of Bach's "Goldberg Variations" made him a star. In 1981, he recorded another version, which was radically different, and was released just a few weeks before he died of a stroke at age 50. On Weekend Edition Saturday, Scott Simon talks with music critic Tim Page about a new album featuring both versions.

The Variations of Glenn Gould

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Patricia Barber: 'Verse'

Music critic Jim Fusilli reviews the latest CD by jazz singer and songwriter Patricia Barber. The recording, called Verse, is a departure from her previous work. She wrote all of the tunes on this record. Her piano performance is less dominant on this album, but the recording is sustained by the band of musicians, including trumpeter Dave Douglas and drummer Joey Baron.

Patricia Barber: 'Verse'

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Bobby Bare Jr.

Meredith Ochs reviews Bobby Bare Jr.'s new solo album. It's called Young Criminals' Starvation League. The album can be called alt country, but its sound is unexpected nonetheless. (4:00) The CD is on Bloodshot Records, ASIN: B000069B0O.

Bobby Bare Jr.

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Jazz on ECM Records

Tom Moon takes a listen to a series of CDs released by the German label ECM. The series is a retrospective look at the label's best-known artists, such as pianist Keith Jarrett, saxophonist Jan Garbarek and guitarist Bill Frisell. The series is called Rarum.

Jazz on ECM Records

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Dixie Chicks

The Dixie Chicks are one of the top selling country artists of all time. Will Hermes, a senior contributing writer for Spin magazine, says their first CD in three years,Home, has a less commercial sound than their other offerings, but still may be one of the best pop CDs of the year.

Dixie Chicks

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Euripides' Trojan Women

Eleni Karaindrou is one of Greece's greatest living composers. Her newest work is a musical interpretation of The Trojan Women, Euripides' tragedy about the barbarism of war. Reviewer Banning Eyre has a review of the music, which is now available on CD. (4:30) The CD is on ECM Records - #472139.

Euripides' Trojan Women

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