Something to watch for this spring - Peter Gabriel will be releasing a cover album of songs by "all-time great singer-songwriters and bands." The interesting thing? There will be no guitars, drums or "world instruments", only orchestral instruments. Plus, it seems that the artists being covered will then cover Peter Gabriel's songs - what's being described as a song-swap. The Guardian explains more in the full article here.

Ok, so maybe not quite as controversial as the post title might indicate. Anyhow, via Engadget and Mashable short video of the 1812 Overture recreated with 1000 cell phone ringtones:

I agree with the spirit of the project (even if it is a commercial), and especially with this piece. Perhaps along with the bells that the audience rings near the end of the piece every year at Sobeys Symphony Under the Sky, people can contribute ring tones.

Oh, you can visit Mashable to watch the "making-of" videos.

The Eigenharp looks like something straight out of an episode of Star Trek (like that roll-up piano), and Engadget has posted a review and a few videos of how this multi-faceted instrument works. It's like a piano, guitar, drums and wind instrument in one - you just have to watch below for the walkthrough of features.

Then watch the demo song:

This is a versatile instrument, and I can imagine that some people are going to become very, very good at playing the Eigenharp.

ESO Principal Trombone John McPherson stopped by the ESO admin office to talk about his composition Walk in Beauty and play a short excerpt. The accompaniment is provided by my computer, using the notation software Finale, so that portion is a bit... mechanical, but it gives you the idea, anyways.

The piece was commissioned by the ESO and premiered in 2000, and will be performed again this Sunday, October 18. Watch the video (complete with background typing - see, we're really working!) below:

Darren Barefoot posted something today that's interesting, cute and kind of heart-warming. I've included the video below - just watch: