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Opening statements began today in the penalty phase of the trial of Zaccarias Moussaoui, the only person charged in connection with the terrorist attacks of Sept. 11, 2001. Moussaoui has pleaded guilty to conspiring with al-Qaida to hijack planes and commit other crimes.

Carl Orff's 1937 composition Carmina Burana remains one of the most popular pieces of the classical music repertoire. Conductor Marin Alsop and Scott Simon discuss why so many artists have performed the piece.

2004 was a year when a handful of artists with their best days long behind them surprised us with their strongest music; Loretta Lynn and Brian Wilson come to mind.

This weekend, Pakistan raised its estimated death toll from last week's earthquake to nearly 40,000, with more than 60,000 injured. A severe shortage of tents is hampering rescue and relief operations in the mountains there, where's it's been raining. There is a serious risk more people will now die for lack of shelter.

Relief assistance is only beginning to reach South Asian regions hardest hit by Saturday's 7.6-magnitude earthquake. While hundreds of millions of dollars in aid has been offered, impassable roads, rain and a shortage of helicopters have slowed relief deliveries to survivors.

American Red Cross President Marsha Evans announces she is stepping down from her post, effective at the end of December. During her tenure, the charity faced criticism over its response to Hurricane Katrina. Evans characterizes her departure as a long-planned retirement, though others at the agency cite problems with communication and coordination.

Songstress Patti Austin's newest CD, Avant-Gershwin, allows her to cover the classic and sometimes controversial music of legendary composer George Gershwin. Austin talks about her music with Tony Cox.

Between 1978 and 1980, photographer Bruce Talamon toured with reggae singer Bob Marley and shot some of the most popular images of the musician. He talks about his experiences touring with Marley with NPR's Alex Chadwick.

Nearly a year after President Bush declared the Taliban had been ousted from power, Afghanistan has seen its bloodiest year yet since the American occupation. NPR's Philip Reeves, in Kabul, discusses the Taliban's recent resurgence.

Gasoline prices have fallen more than 20 percent. And natural gas is selling for less than half what it cost a year ago. But that doesn't mean everyone is benefitting equally from the abrupt reversal.

Polygamist sect leader Warren Jeffs has waived extradition hearings and will soon be sent to Utah to face charges of rape as an accomplice. His capture had been a priority of state and federal officials trying to stem forced polygamous marriages involving underage girls.

All Songs Considered host Bob Boilen counts down listener picks for the 10 best CDs of 2006, with reviewers Robert Christgau, Will Hermes, Meredith Ochs and John Richards.