An Encore for Richard Rodgers' Piano

By Liane Hansen

Published August 7, 2004 at 11:00 PM CDT

Richard Rodgers' Piano during repairs made before the recording of John Bucchino's CD.

NPR's Liane Hansen talks with pianist John Bucchino about his new CD, On Richard Rodgers' Piano. The disc features Bucchino's interpretations of 16 Rodgers classics, performed on the legendary songwriter's 1939 Steinway grand piano.

The piano, which was completely refurbished prior to the recording sessions, is owned by Rodgers' grandson, composer Adam Guettel.

Liane Hansen

Liane Hansen has been the host of NPR's award-winning Weekend Edition Sunday for 20 years. She brings to her position an extensive background in broadcast journalism, including work as a radio producer, reporter, and on-air host at both the local and national level. The program has covered such breaking news stories as the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, the capture of Saddam Hussein, the deaths of Princess Diana and John F. Kennedy, Jr., and the Columbia shuttle tragedy. In 2004, Liane was granted an exclusive interview with former weapons inspector David Kay prior to his report on the search for weapons of mass destruction in Iraq. The show also won the James Beard award for best radio program on food for a report on SPAM.