December 2, 2024

🎶 Hope your neighbors are music lovers today — because a recent study shows 62% of people have had disagreements over noise levels, making those noise-canceling headphones sound like a good investment.

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The big idea: AI transparency bill gets music industry backing
Talking points:
— Benjamin Britten honoured with hometown statue
— Sotheby’s sells composer’s love letters
Around the web + Laugh of the week

CLASSICAL CHARTZ

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THE BIG IDEA

AI Transparency Bill Gets Music Industry Backing

Major record labels and music groups are supporting new legislation that would force AI companies to reveal what materials they used to train their AI models.

The music industry is rallying behind a new bill called the Transparency and Responsibility for Artificial Intelligence Networks (TRAIN) Act.

What's the big deal?

Right now, AI companies keep their training data secret – it's a "black box." This makes it nearly impossible for artists and rightsholders to know if their work was used without permission.

The TRAIN Act would change that by:

Letting rightsholders request information through court clerks
Requiring AI companies to disclose if specific works were used
Simplifying the legal process for creators

Who's supporting it?

The bill has heavyweight backing from:

All three major labels (Sony, Universal, Warner)
Industry groups like RIAA and NMPA
Performance rights organizations (ASCAP, BMI)
Independent music organizations

How it works:

When creators suspect their work was used to train AI, they can:

File a request with any US district court
Get an administrative subpoena issued
Require AI companies to reveal if their work was used

The bigger picture

This isn't the only AI regulation in the works:

The COPIED Act would ban unauthorized use of copyrighted works in AI training
The NO FAKES Act targets AI voice and likeness rights
The No AI FRAUD Act addresses similar concerns

Fun fact: Unlike an earlier proposal that required AI companies to disclose ALL training materials (which tech companies said was impossible), the TRAIN Act only requires disclosure when specifically asked about particular works.— MV

TOUR DE HEADLINES

🎹 Liberace's Rhinestone Piano Hits a Sour Note in Court: A legal battle is unfolding over the ownership of Liberace's iconic rhinestone-studded piano. The glittering instrument, a symbol of the flamboyant entertainer's legacy, is at the center of a dispute that raises questions about the preservation of musical history and rightful ownership. Fans of the late pianist are watching closely as the case could determine the future of this dazzling piece of showbiz memorabilia. Read more

🎶 From Bach to Beyoncé: Church Orchestra Empowers Young Musicians of Colour: A dynamic church orchestra is making waves by blending the timeless compositions of Bach with the contemporary hits of Beyoncé. Their mission is to uplift young musicians of color by providing a platform that embraces diversity and breaks down traditional barriers in the music world. By fusing classical and modern genres, they aim to inspire a new generation of artists and audiences alike. Read more

🎹 Pianist Challenges Danny Elfman's Bid to Dismiss Defamation Suit: A pianist is contesting composer Danny Elfman's attempt to dismiss her defamation lawsuit. The legal battle revolves around allegations that Elfman made defamatory statements that have adversely affected her career. The pianist argues that her claims are substantial and should be heard in court. This case sheds light on the complexities artists face in protecting their reputations within the entertainment industry. Read more

MORE NEWS TO KNOW

📀 Deutsche Grammophon President Steps into Strategic Classical Role: The president of the prestigious classical music label Deutsche Grammophon has been promoted to a new strategic position. This move signifies a bold step towards innovating the classical music industry and adapting to the digital age. The company's focus will be on expanding its global reach and exploring new avenues to bring classical music to wider audiences. Read more

📖 Cello Music's Lifesaving Power in Auschwitz Unveiled in New Book: A poignant new book reveals how cello music played a crucial role in helping a woman escape certain death in Auschwitz. The story underscores the profound impact of music as a source of hope and resilience amidst unimaginable horrors. It's a testament to the enduring human spirit and the transformative power of art. Read more

TALKING POINTS

Mock-up of Benjamin Britten statue (via brittenasaboy.com)

Benjamin Britten Honoured With New Hometown Statue

It was announced that a statue of Benjamin Britten will be erected in the composer’s hometown. The announcement follows the completion of a large fundraising initiative.

Driving the news: Last week, the Britten as a Boy project announced that it had met its £120,000 fundraising target. Over the past few years, the project has raised money to erect a bronze statue of Benjamin Britten overlooking the seafront in the composer’s hometown of Lowestoft, Suffolk. The statue is designed by Ian Rank-Broadley—a sculptor whose effigy of Queen Elizabeth II has appeared on all UK and commonwealth coinage since 1998–and will show Benjamin Britten as a young boy.

A bit of subtext: The artist Ian Rank-Broadley expressed that Benjamin Britten first showed signs of genius in childhood. Rank-Broadley believes immortalizing the composer as a child will help to inspire the next generation of children to follow their dreams. Organizers of the initiative also explained that Britten wished to be remembered as a composer who served his community. They hope that this statue honours his wish. — SS

Yo-Yo Ma and Kathryn Stott (Video still)

Sotheby’s Sells Composer’s Love Letters

Sotheby’s London has announced the sale of love letters between the composer Egon Wellesz and the poet Elizabeth MacKenzie. The collection unearths new details in the lives of both artists.

What’s happening: The art and luxury auctioneering house Sotheby’s announced the sale of correspondences between composer Egon Wellesz (1885-1974) and poet Elizabeth MacKenzie (1921-2021) from between 1943-1971. The collection includes over 1000 autographed letters as well as facsimiles of concert programs and Wellesz’s compositions, discussions of Wellesz’s opera Incognita (for which MacKenzie wrote the libretto), autographed first editions of Hugo von Hofmannsthal’s Der Thor und der Tod (1902) and the libretto of Die Frau ohne Schatten (1911), and a signed photograph of Oskar Kokoschka’s 1911 portrait of Wellesz.

In case you haven’t heard…: Egon Wellesz was an important composer during the Second Viennese School period. He studied with Arnold Schoenberg in Vienna and emigrated to England following the Nazi invasion in 1938, establishing himself in Oxford. There he met Elizabeth MacKenzie, a poet and scholar of English Literature at Oxford University.

While the romantic connection between Wellesz and MacKenzie displayed in these letters is undeniable, the two maintained other relationships. Wellesz was married to the Viennese art historian Emmy Stross (1889-1987), with whom he had children and maintained a happy relationship. MacKenzie lived with the medievalist Patricia Kean, to whom Wellesz often sent his love when signing off his letters. — SS

GAMES

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AROUND THE WEB

👑 On this day: In 1804, Napoleon Bonaparte crowned himself Emperor of France at Notre Dame Cathedral.

🔥 Video: The mesmerizing process of glassblowing a delicate vase.

🌉 That's cool: The Golden Gate Bridge can sway up to 27 feet due to wind or earthquakes.

🕹️ Game: Test your reflexes with Hextris, a fast-paced puzzle challenge.

🐱 Aww: This cat sitting like she pays rent is absolutely adorable!

LAUGH OF THE WEEK

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