Fishko Files

The 2019 season of free Shakespeare in the Park gets underway this week. In honor of that great New York tradition, WNYC's Sara Fishko considers the infinite variety of voices that have squeezed every vocal drop out of the Bard's most celebrated soliloquy. (Produced in 2012)

Tomorrow is the birthday of the beloved composer Erik Satie, he of the celebrated Gymnopedie No. 1 and lesser-known "Furniture Music." A few years ago, Fishko Files noted the 150th birth anniversary of the eccentric fellow, with this piece. (Produced in 2016)

In our unsettled cultural moment, we're drowning in content - with 49 new movie releases this month alone, from the romantic comedy "Long Shot" to the zombie film "Dead Trigger." What can we know from one year's movies? WNYC's Sara Fishko considers some of the films of another unsettled year - 1959.

Fred Kaplan's book, "1959: The Year Everything Changed" is available on Amazon.

The theremin, a remarkable musical instrument with a unique sound, was invented in 1919 (or 1920, according to some) - and its story includes science, artistry...and espionage. More, in this archival episode of Fishko Files. (Produced in 2002)

Creative women, married to gifted men, have often faced obstacles to finding the spotlight themselves. As WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us in this episode of Fishko Files, that story is coming to us through some cultural offerings this spring.

Fosse/Verdon is on demand on FX and airs Tuesday nights

Frida Kahlo: Appearances Can Be Deceiving runs at the Brooklyn Museum through May 12.

Lee Krasner: Living Colour opens at the Barbican Art Gallery in London on May 30 and runs through September 1. The accompanying book is available for pre-order on Amazon.

Archival interviews by Rian Keating and Barbaralee Diamonstein-Spielvogel

The pianist Vladimir Horowitz died 30 years ago in 1989. As WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us in this edition of Fishko Files, Horowitz and Arthur Rubinstein - opposites in many ways - were the reigning stars of classical piano in the middle of the 20th century. (Produced for the Horowitz centenary in 2003).

Starting in April of 1939, a generation of New Yorkers - as well as visitors from all over - were treated to a spectacular World's Fair. The theme was "The World of Tomorrow," and as Sara Fishko tells us, the futuristic buildings and visionary exhibits held special promise for Depression-era Americans. (Produced in 2009)

Pictures and sound are often better together. As WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us, newly restored documentaries have emerged that feature Aretha Franklin and Thelonious Monk, and the films very simply and powerfully show us those musicians in action. More, in this episode of Fishko Files.

Amazing Grace opens Friday, April 5 at several theatres in New York. 

Monk + Monk in Europe opens Saturday, April 6 at Metrograph.

It's 65 years since the notorious Broadway flop Golden Apple spawned a gorgeous, offbeat hit by composer Jerome Moross, with lyrics by John Latouche. "Lazy Afternoon" broke out of its inauspicious surroundings and became a familiar standard for jazz vocalists. In this archival Fishko Files: an appreciation of Moross's genre-crossing work. (Produced in 2013)

So much of the art created by Andy Warhol is familiar, and as WNYC's Sara Fishko tells us, we think we know all about him. But a major retrospective of Warhol's vast body of work is almost over at the Whitney Museum - only 10 more days to see it - and it opens our eyes. More, in this episode of Fishko Files.

Andy Warhol: From A to B and Back Again continues at the Whitney through Sunday, March 31. 

Lynne Tillman's latest release American Genius, A Comedy is available now.

Tony Scherman's book Pop: The Genius of Andy Warhol is available on Amazon.