Audio New for July 23, 2013

by | Jul 23, 2013 | Audio News

All about music today:

SoftBank Bid for Universal Music Rejected – The French media group Vivendi SA has probably rejected an $8.5 billion bid for Universal from SoftBank Corp—a Tokyo-based carrier that wants to be the world’s largest mobile operator. So naturally they were interested in the world’s biggest record company. SoftBank already has a controlling stake in Sprint Corp., and the major music industries are rebounding from low sales of physical albums as more consumers sign up for online services.

Music Alliance Between Austin and Toronto – A new “music city alliance” will partner the City of Austin, Texas with the City of Toronto, Canada. Austin’s mayor extended the invitation to Canadian officials from the “Live Music Capital of the World.”  Although three times smaller than Toronto, Austin’s thriving music community generates as much economic activity as in Toronto. The Music City Alliance will provide a formalized structure and demonstrate a commitment to promote and foster the music industry. [Hey, I thought we were the Live Music Capital here in Portland, OR…Ed.]

Aspen Music Festival and School – has Steven Stucky as its composer-in residence this summer; his previous time with the Los Angeles Philharmonic may have been the longest-lasting association between a composer and an American orchestra. He is expanding the contemporary music side of the Aspen Festival. This summer there is an intensive examination of Benjamin Britten, with over 20 of his works on the program. Visiting composers this summer include George Tsontakis, Joan Tower, John Harbison and John Corigliano.  There will be a much heavier intersection of the composers with the students than formerly. Robert Spano, of the Atlanta Symphony Orchestra, will conduct most of the performances. Stucky’s own symphony, which reviews called “accessible,” will be performed for the third time ever on one of the programs.

Music Listening Eases Pain in Children – A recent study at the University of Alberta involved 42 children between three and 11 in the pediatric emergency department who needed IVs. It agreed with earlier studies in showing that playing music for kids during painful medical procedures would be an inexpensive and easy-to-use intervention in clinical settings. “There is growing scientific evidence that the brain responds to music and different types of music in very specific ways,” said an expert, “So additional research into how and why music may be a better distraction from pain could help advance this field.”

Music Makes a Good Workout Better – Lunden Souza is a personal trainer and health and wellness coach who says that music is such a powerful source of motivation for her that it is hard to work out without good music. It helps her to push harder and focus more. She suggests going all out for the chorus and to resume one’s walk or run during the verses.  Also one should switch the tempo of the music, going with the music and speeding up or slowing down depending on its tempo or beat. She suggests using the music to focus and regain control of your workout, getting into the music, removing from your mind all worldly pressures, and then seeing results.

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