NPR Music

Guitarist Sean Shibe pushes his instrument to the limit in new music written for him by Thomas Adès, and softens the vibe with intimate pieces by Bach, Mompou and the eccentric street musician Moondog.

For a century, the tiny Coolidge Auditorium, at the Library of Congress, has been a wellspring of cultural integrity, innovative music and American ingenuity. (And free concerts.)

On the new album Woodland Songs, Jerod Impichchaachaaha' Tate and the Dover Quartet collaborate on music with deep American roots.

The restless musician, sporting less electronic gear than usual, spotlights the acoustic warmth of her instrument in pieces stimulated by Bach's cello suites.

A religiously inspired songbook from 1844, that uses shape notes to help people read music, got a major update recently and reflects a new generation of 'Sacred Harp' singers.

Known for his intellectual and illuminating touch on the podium, the refined conductor was also surprisingly outspoken when it came to politics and his peers.

In a new album, the youngest ever Van Cliburn winner puts his own stamp on Tchaikovsky's undervalued set of piano pieces called The Seasons.

The renowned chef, New York Times food writer and YouTube sensation has a penchant for combining meals and music.

At age 60, the Mexican composer has finally won the recognition she deserves, with new recordings, prestigious residencies and a star conductor championing her music.

Routinely called a "musician's musician," the pianist had an atypical career that even he called mysterious. He spent it returning to a handful of favorite composers, with acclaimed results.