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Fireworks, folk songs and marching bands are just a few of the disparate elements that Charles Ives dropped into his evocative — and explosive — musical portrait of the national holiday. The festivities end as the town hall goes up in flames.

The spare, haunting melodies of composer and pianist Erik Satie have inspired musicians, from Claude Debussy to guitarists Jonathan Stone and Adrian Bond, who perform his music in NPR's studio.

The Canadian folk band Le Vent du Nord is a champion of traditional francophone music in North America. Their recordings and performances are getting plenty of attention, especially during the yearlong celebration of Quebec City's 400th anniversary.

Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead reviews Like Before, Somewhat After, the new recording from drummer George Schuller and his quintet Circle Wide. The disc salutes the music of pianist Keith Jarrett's '70s-era quartet.

Home Before Dark, the 46th album from singer-songwriter Neil Diamond, is No. 1 on the pop charts. It's the first time Diamond has claimed that spot in a career that's spanned nearly five decades. He talked to Terry Gross in 2005.

Music critic Ken Tucker reviews soul singer Al Green's new album, Lay It Down.

Saxophonist James Carter says he titled his new album Present Tense because "it captures where I am now." The album features Victor Lewis on drums, D. D. Jackson on piano and Dwight Adams on trumpet. Jazz critic Kevin Whitehead offers a review.

She had the musical chops of Ella Fitzgerald, the public persona of Eleanor Roosevelt, and the audience of Elvis Presley. More than 30 years after Umm Kulthum's death, Egyptians young and old still celebrate the voice of their country's greatest singer.

Fresh Air rock critic Ken Tucker reviews two albums from two one-named singers: Madonna's Hard Candy and the self-titled release from Swedish pop singer Robyn.

Gustav Mahler once said, "The symphony is a world; it must contain everything." For the famous composer, that meant writing symphonic music with the dramatic punch and poignancy of opera.