ARTSEDGE: The Kitchen Sink

Ricardo and Elba, along with the dancers from the After School Dance Fund , walk you through the basic steps of the Salsa, one of the most common Latin Dances. The name for the dance was inspired by the food, the dance representing many different styles all being mixed together and re-interpreted on the dance floor. After learning the steps by yourself, grab your partner and dance together.

Ricardo and Elba are going to show you how, with just a few simple moves, you can impress on the floor in no time. The Merengue is the official dance of the Dominican Republic. Remember that when you’re dancing the Merengue, your feet don’t leave the floor.

In this bonus episode, learn how a composer chooses specific tools to combine an American hero’s actual words with music. Aaron Copland composed a musical tribute to President Abraham Lincoln. Why does Copland’s A Lincoln Portrait sound more stately and dignified than John Williams’ music for Superman?

This episode recaps what you learned from this series. You’ll re-listen to excerpts from Williams, Copland, Beethoven, and Elgar and match the work with each composer’s “hero.”

In this episode, you are introduced to the orchestra’s string section and the ability to use major and minor keys through the work of composer George Theophilus Walker.

Composers are sometimes inspired by other composers, making it possible to hear similarities between musical works. In this episode, you will also hear distinct differences between pieces as you are introduced to American composer John Williams’ Summon the Heroes.

In this episode, learn about the four sections of the orchestra; why a composer chooses specific instruments; and about German composer Ludwig van Beethoven and American composer Aaron Copland. Why did Beethoven choose the strings section to express the humanity in Symphony No. 7? What drew Copland to choose the brass and percussion sections for his Fanfare for the Common Man?

Everyday heroes come from the real world. A hero can be an ordinary person who does something great and who is admired for brave deeds or remarkable ability. Sometimes, a nation comes together to honor its heroes. Other times, you choose a personal hero all for yourself. While you listen, think about different types of heroes including those from pop culture, history, myths, everyday experience, and your personal life. In this episode, hear how heroes are celebrated with music, whether by a triumphant march or a thoughtful theme. Discover the basic musical tools used by composers, like John Williams and his use of pitch and rhythm.

Questlove of The Roots and Motown historian Harry Weinger explore “You Can’t Hurry Love,” recorded by The Supremes. They break down the typical “Motown sound,” demonstrating just how different the recording process was for Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” More at whatsgoingonnow.org.

Questlove of The Roots and Motown historian Harry Weinger continue to unpack Marvin Gaye’s “What’s Going On.” They explore differences between the single and the album versions of the title track, and discover a surprise appearance by the Detroit Lions! More at whatsgoingonnow.org.