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Still from the Swill film VitusThe Perfect Role
For child prodigies, it can be tough growing up brilliant. Today on Soundcheck, the young star of the film Vitus talks about being a gifted pianist — and playing one on the big screen. Plus, the Brooklyn-based band Flying brings its surreal, psychedelic songs to our studio. And, a presidential candidate uses country music to thank campaign contributors.
Country Connoisseur
A new CD "tells the story of the plight of rural America." No, we're not talking about the new John Mellencamp record. It's Moneyland, a compilation of new and old country songs that John Edwards is giving donors who contribute $50 or more to his presidential campaign. We ask Amy Schatz of the Wall Street Journal's blog Washington Wire if Edwards can make a decent mixtape.
Vitus
The award-winning Swiss film Vitus reminds us that child prodigies are, after all, children. The film is the story of a gifted 12-year-old pianist who struggles to balance his talent and his desire to be "normal." Vitus stars the real-life 14-year-old pianist Teo Gheorghiu, winner of the 2004 San Marino International Piano Competition. Gheorghiu and producer Christof Neracher talk about the film, which screens this weekend at the Tribeca Film Festival.
'Vitus' web site
Teo Gheorghiu's audition video for 'Vitus'
Tribeca Film Festival web site
Flying
The Brooklyn band Flying makes surreal, psychedelic music inspired in part by its singer's sculptures, short stories and paintings. The formation of the band is just as unusual: it involves a two-headed dog made out of snow, a paralyzed face, and a bloody bike accident. Flying performs live in our studio. Also, renowned cellist and conductor Mstislav Rostropovich has died. He was 80. We hear an interview with Rostropovich from the Soundcheck archives.
Flying's MySpace page
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part I (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part II (from the Soundcheck archives)
Mstislav Rostropovich at 75: Part III (from the Soundcheck archives)
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Glen Hansard and Marketa Irglova, stars of the romantic indie film Once, will debate which is more powerful: a love song or a breakup song. And: live music from Grammy winning violinist Joshua Bell and Cuban stars Tiempo Libre.
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The Ill Effects of Urban Noise
Soundcheck
Soundcheck received an overwhelming response to our segment on the effects of urban noise. So much so that Arline Bronzaft decided to address the feedback. Listen to the original segment and read Bronzaft's response.
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