Cello meets computer: Zoe Keating creates classical music with technology

There’s a fascinating article and video over at Wired.com featuring classical cellist Zoe Keating.

She uses her Apple MacBook Pro to record her cello, and then creates loops and layers based on that.

Instead of trying to get fifty cellists together in one room, she is the sole instrumentalist. In fact, it probably gives her more creative freedom – why try to organise a load of human musicians when you can do it all yourself?

It’s reminiscent of some of the work Mike Oldfield has done, building up layer upon layer of instruments.

“My music is the fusion of information architecture and classical music,” Keating says in this Wired.com video. “The way that you problem-solve in the world of technology … really lends itself to problem-solving with the kind of music that I do.”

Software wise, she uses Ableton Live, SooperLooper, and some DIY AppleScript, plus a set of ten MIDI foot pedals which can control it all.

Definitely worth watching.

Classical piano improvisation is the order from Gabriela Montero

While there’s some element of improvisation (interpretation is probably a better word to describe it) in all performances of classical piano music, pianist Gabriela Montero takes this to a different level by taking requests from the audience and improvising her show.

What might be sacrilege to some, she incorporates soap opera themes, pop music tunes and even nursery rhymes into her original works.

Sounds interesting. You can catch some of her work on her MySpace page (how many classically trained pianists have that, I wonder) or her official web site. Certainly sound like an impressively talented musician however she chooses to interpret the classics.

(Via BlogTO)

Myleene Klass creates classical piano version of Daft Punk’s “Aerodynamic”

As part of her endorsement of hair-care product Pantene, classically-trained pianist and TV celebrity Myleene Klass has created her own piano-based interpretation of Daft Punk’s “Aerodynamic”.

View a range of products by Myleene Klass at Amazon.

Imagine the original track but played on a grand piano. In fact, you don’t need to imagine because the track is available on Myleene’s official YouTube channel:

What’s the piano? It’s hard to catch a glimpse, but on a couple of frames it’s possible to see that it’s a Bohemia grand piano.

The Bohemia company was founded in 1993, though it’s possible to trace its history as far back as 1871 to the town of Jihlava, when Josef Bavek, a skilled piano-maker, opened his small workshop and gave work to several local craftsmen who were to become the first of many generations of piano-makers.

In 2007, the company was officially renamed to C. Bechstein Europe, with headquarters in Jihlava, Czech Republic.

And turning to Myleene? Everyone’s entitled to their opinions, but perhaps some of the negative comments on her YouTube videos spring from jealousy, or ignorance, or snobbery based on the fact that she was in a British pop band.

Those who say that she plays “like a beginner” might like to note that she won a scholarship with the Royal Academy of Music, and subsequently graduated. She’s classically trained and has worked as a session musician. All of these prove that she is no beginner, but is in fact a talented pianist. The fact that she’s involved in a range of other activities doesn’t detract from that.

You can find out more about Myleene Klass at her official web site | View a range of products by Myleene Klass at Amazon.