Vroom Vroom = Duh duh duh duuuuuuh

Classical music has been put to all kinds of uses - everything from chasing away teenagers to purportedly building the gray mass of events. Now this from the world of public relations.

Beethoven would be rolling over in his grave if he could hear his Symphony No. 5 "remixed" for Hyundai Motor America's latest sale.
The 'Duh' effort is based on 'the idea that it's a no-brainer to pick a Hyundai,' says Jeff Goodby.
The 'Duh' effort is based on 'the idea that it's a no-brainer to pick a Hyundai,' says Jeff Goodby.
That's because Hyundai's version of the song, along with seven other classics, contains a single lyric: "Duh.

My quick take. Lighten up folks. Link

Rolando Luna

Congratulations to Rolando Luna

Cuban pianist Rolando Luna won the first prize of Swiss international jazz contest "Piano Solo" recently concluded here as part of the 2007 International Jazz Festival, in which he also got the Audience Award.

Link

Leon Fleisher

This doesn't sound good at all.

Pianist Leon Fleisher, who for three decades was unable to play with his right hand, has canceled a performance at Tanglewood because of an inflammation of both hands.

Fleisher was scheduled to play Beethoven's "Emperor" concerto on Sunday _ the day before his 80th birthday _ with the Boston Symphony Orchestra. He will be replaced by Marc-Andre Hamelin, the orchestra said Friday.

Link

The Week's Well Tempered Rotations

One Day in Brooklyn - 7/7/07

One day in Brooklyn 77 drumkits gathered. And this is what is looked like: Here

Our Man in the Science Hall

Now this is interesting:

Dr Barry Cheetham, a senior lecturer in The School of Computer Science at The University of Manchester, is seeking to combine his academic expertise in communications, networks and digital signal processing with his love of choral singing.

He is looking for funding to drive forward a project that will bring together amateur and semi-professional singers across Europe for seamless and polished live performances.

Read the rest here

Where do I sign up?

CD I'm Most Looking Forward to Listening to?

This one. David Fray is indeed one to watch.

International Keyboard Institute & Festival

One reason to love NYC in the summer is the International Keyboard Institute & Festival at Mannes.

It runs until the 29th of this month. Check it out.

Brochure here

Kapell Competition: Finalists

The jury for this year's University of Maryland "William Kapell International Piano Competition" have announced the finalists:

Sara Daneshpour (USA)
Sofya Gulyak (Russia)
Spencer Myer (USA)

Today's Must Click Blog: Squeezytunes

Squeeze some time into your day to visit "Squeezytunes". It is a delightful blog that "covers electromechanical and mechanical keyboard instruments (ie. not modern synthesisers), including all types of organs, squeezeboxes and pianos." Not to be missed are the old timey piano lesson postcard reproductions. Check it out!