Asked which of his many roles most defines him, Mr. Dubal responded with some drama: “I never want to define myself.” His eyes grew wide. Nietzsche said that.” Like a judge pounding a gavel, he slapped his palm onto his coffee table. Every day.”Mr. Dubal was born around 1944 (he would prefer not to say exactly) and was raised in Cleveland. One day, while sitting in the dentist’s chair, he learned about an opening for the job of music director at WNCN, a classical music station. Despite his dire cultural predictions, Mr. Dubal expresses a quirky optimism and a healthy dose of irony.

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