WNYC'ss "cultural attache" Sara Fishko talks with American composer Ned Rorem. This 59 minute interview, with plenty of music and interesting and amusing musical anecdotes, is worth hearing if only to hear Rorem say, and then explain convincingly, how French music is "profoundly superficial", and German music is "superficially profound."

The back and forth between the composer and host includes well chosen excerpts from Rorem's own compositions, including the Barcarolles, the Concerto for Piano Left Hand, Eleven Studies and several songs.

Rorem remembers some of his early run-ins with Leonard Bernstein, Aaron Copland and Virgil Thompson, and presents a compelling theory linking composition to acts of musical thievery and cover up.

Rorem is a fascinating and compelling thinker who expresses ideas and opinions easily, and no matter the complexity, he always speaks in listener language. Though highly opinionated - he never annoys or condescends. More importantly, he always provides clear and intelligent support of those strong opinions.

Highly suitable for evening and weekend classical music programming. I could hear this on a Saturday afternoon after the MET and easily on a Sunday afternoon or late morning.