The Well-Tempered Ear

Classical music: From Jefferson to Obama, what do American Presidents sound like? Check out NPR’s recent ambitious project.

By Jacob Stockinger

What do President Obama’s words sound like when set to  music?

Of JFK’s?

Or Ronald Reagan?

Or FDR?

One of the most interesting classical music projects I have seen in a long time stems from NPR’s blog “Deceptive Cadence.”

It involves asking various composers to write works that portray various American presidents — including historical figures from the 18th and 19th centuries — using their own words.

And it is called “Sing Out, Mr. President.”

A Sunday is good day to check it out and compare the many and various contributions.

Here is a link:

http://www.npr.org/series/133592676/mr-president-npr-music-premieres-new-presidential-songs