30 October 2009

Giving the euphonium a new voice: Matthew White on TED.com

The euphonium, a tuba-like musical instrument, is rarely heard outside of traditional brass bands. Young euph prodigy Matthew White uses hip-hop rhythms and a wild new vocal technique to bring a fresh sound to this underappreciated horn. (Recorded at TEDGlobal 2009, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 2:21)

Twitter URL: http://on.ted.com/5l

Watch Matthew White's talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances from our archive of 500+ TEDTalks.

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21 October 2009

Lead like the great conductors: Itay Talgam on TED.com

An orchestra conductor faces the ultimate leadership challenge: creating perfect harmony without saying a word. In this charming talk, Itay Talgam demonstrates the unique styles of six great 20th-century conductors, illustrating crucial lessons for all leaders. (Recorded at TEDGlobal, July 2009, Oxford, UK. Duration: 20:52)

Twitter URL: http://on.ted.com/4C

Watch Itay Talgam's talk on TED.com, where you can download this TEDTalk, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances from our archive of 500+ TEDTalks.

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05 March 2009

Michael Montes on the TEDTalks ringtone

Michael Montes is the composer who created the TEDTalks opening themes (now available as ringtones). We're curious about what it's like to have one's music being experienced through a phone.

Who or what inspired you in creating the TEDTalks theme?
TED itself inspired me greatly. I tried to put the feelings that I retained from being at the conference into the music, the emotions that surround the idea of grappling with global modernity. This brought me to a compositional place of energy, complexity and anticipation.

Is this the first ringtone you've created? How do you feel about it?
I have created others for advertisers. But this is most special to me because it's for TED, and for the enormous worldwide audience that the TEDTalks have reached.

What makes a great ringtone?
In this case, the music was meant to communicate that something very compelling is coming, and that it's not about passive viewing, it's a real call to action. Transfers nicely to an arriving phone call. Also, I hope it will start conversations with bystanders who recognize the theme and with those who don't.

What ringtones are on your phone?
Standard iPhone. But now I've switched!

Do you think this ringtone could be likened to a poem? 
If the poem was being read by someone with a megaphone in front of an excited crowd, then yes.

What's on your music playlist these days?
Peruvian folk songs, cellist Erik Friedlander, Toru Takemitsu, the soundtrack to the original Planet of the Apes by Jerry Goldsmith, lots more ...

What are you reading?
Reading and rereading John Berger's books. Very inspiring for me. He mixes art with politics. Right up my alley. Hold Everything Dear, Here Is Where We Meet, Pig Earth, Photocopies, etc.

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20 September 2007

Jill Sobule and Ethel: Together in Central Park

Wednesday night, Jill Sobule (watch her TEDTalk performance) and the modern string ensemble Ethel (watch their TEDTalk performance) paired up to play a charming set together in Central Park, a preview of the upcoming album from this partnership that began at TED2006. Backed by Ethel's wall of sound, Jill's sweet, funny, wise pop songs -- including a knockout version of "I Kissed a Girl" -- take on a new richness. The bill, which also included the New Standards from Minneapolis and the evening's star, Lesley Gore, was assembled by Bill Bragin of Joe's Pub, who works with the TED team to help choose some of the musicians for each TED. At the show: Rives (watch his TEDTalks) and Majora Carter (watch her TEDTalk).
Photo: Jill Sobule and Ethel's Cornelius Dufallo. Courtesy Marla Mitchnick

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21 August 2007

Encore from TEDGlobal2007: Vusi Mahlasela on TED.com

After Vusi Mahlasela played a 3-song set at TEDGlobal (including the moving "Thula Mama"), the audience simply wouldn't let him go. This charming encore, "Woza," showcases his brilliant guitar playing and multilingual lyrics. (Recorded June 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania. Duration: 5:11.)

Watch Vusi Mahlasela's song on TED.com, where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

Read more about Vusi Mahlasela on TED.com.

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16 August 2007

"Thula Mama": Vusi Mahlasela on TED.com

South African singer-songwriter Vusi Mahlasela was a crucial artistic voice during the fight against apartheid, and now in the new modern-day nation. Here he dedicates the beautiful song "Thula Mama" to all women -- with a special mention for his grandmother, who showed spine-tingling bravery in the face of apartheid-era police oppression. His story, voice and music will leave you speechless. (Recorded June 2007 in Arusha, Tanzania. Duration: 10:18.)

Watch Vusi Mahlasela's talk on TED.com, where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

Read more about Vusi Mahlasela on TED.com.

NEW: Read the transcript of Vusi's introduction to this song >>

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19 June 2007

The string quartet Ethel plays "Blue Room," on TED.com

Ethel is, perhaps, the first 21st-century realization of the classical string quartet. An all-star foursome, Ethel is Cornelius Dufallo (violin), Ralph Farris (viola), Dorothy Lawson (cello), and Mary Rowell (violin), a mixed bag of players from classical, rock and downtown new-music circles. On TED.com, they perform the third movement from Phil Kline's four-part suite "The Blue Room and Other Stories," recorded on the quartet's 2003 album Ethel (Cantaloupe). Searching, questioning melodic lines slide from instrument to instrument, in a piece that shows off each player's deep and emotional musicality. (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 03:55) Read more about Ethel on TED.com

Watch this talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

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05 June 2007

Walk-in Music, African style

Those of you who've attended TED in Monterey know that when you hear the Elephant March from Aïda, it means the doors for the Main Hall have opened, and it's time to scramble for a seat. (Over the years, this becomes a Pavlovian response; a single bar of that striding score touches off the rush of anticipation, inspiration, excitement (and let's face it, a bit of seat-finding stress) I associate with TED.

But for TEDGlobal, we thought we'd choose something more site-specific. (Yes, yes ... I know Aïda was an African princess. But still.) And so, welcoming us into the Main Hall each day in Arusha: A reinterpretation of the Tanzanian classic "Kuna Kunguni" (listen to it here) by the late master musician Hukwe Zawose, funked up in a version produced by Michael Brooks. The gyst of the song, for those who don't speak Swahili, is an upbeat invocation for people to come together, and work toward a better world. (Thanks to Bill Bragin for sourcing it!)

Technorati tags: TED, TEDGlobal, TEDGlobal2007

Posted by June Cohen | Permalink

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10 May 2007

Singer/songwriter Stew performs "Black Men Ski" on TEDTalks

What happens when a black man visits Aspen? Singer/songwriter Stew is about to let you know, with the arch humor and clever asides that characterize all his work (Hint: "It's a winter wonderland in the belly of the beast.") Stew is joined on stage by his partner/collaborator Heidi Rodewald (bass) and Jon Spurney (keyboard/guitar). (Recorded February 2006 in Monterey, CA. Duration: 4:48) Read Stew's profile on TED.com >>

Watch this talk on TED.com where you can download it, rate it, comment on it and find other talks and performances.

Posted by June Cohen | Permalink

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04 May 2007

Nora York brings a new performance to New York May 3rd

Nora York — an adventurous jazz singer and genre-crossing performance artist — lit up the stage at last year's TED salon with her stunning original song, "What I Want" (watch it now on TED.com). She returns to the New York stage this week with STACKED! : a retrospective evening of her hybrid and recombinant musical works. York will take us on a musical treasure hunt through her world, where Miles Davis, Jimi Hendrx, Verdi and York converse and surprise. Performance at Joe's Pub, Thursday May 3rd at 7PM. TEDsters will surely be in the house (Tickets available online.)

Posted by June Cohen | Permalink

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