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Archive for December, 2008

Extremely Talented

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

Sirena Huang is now 12 years old; she probably loves what all 12 year old girls love: talking with her friends, school, books…but she is also a world-renowned concert violinist. Sirena began violin lessons at the age of 4 and made her professional debut with the Taiwan Symphony Orchestra at the ripe old age of 9! She is the recipient of numerous prizes, won in international competitions and has an amazing musical imagination. Being that she is only 12 years old, there is not much more information on her…but her mastery of the violin begins to write a biography that you already are looking forward to reading…

Click on the video to look and listen to Sirena:

Happy learning!

Spotlight: Simply Mozart

Thursday, December 25th, 2008

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart was a highly regarded composer of music during the Classical era…and that is simplifying his contributions greatly. With over 600 compositions, Mozart is one of the most enduring and popular composers ever, and many of his works are still played worldwide today.

Baptized Joannes Chrysostomus Wolfgangus Theophilus Mozart, he was born on January 27, 1756 in Salzberg. He generally went by the name “Wolfange Almadé Mozart” in his adult life, with many variations. He was introduced to music by his father, Leopold, and by the age of five, Mozart was himself composing little pieces that he played to his father. His father would write these down, and eventually gave up his own composing of music when he realized the genius he had in his son. Leopold was Mozart’s only teacher in his early years, and also taught his children (Mozart and his sister, Maria Anna) other subjects.

Mozart’s father began to take the children traveling, showcasing them as child prodigies. During a trip to Vienna in 1767, Mozart contracted small pox and his father refused to have him inoculated, saying that it was “God’s will” whether he survived or not. During these trips to Italy, Mozart composed the first of many operas, “Mitridate Rè di Ponto,” which led to other opera commissions: “Ascanio in Alba,” and “Lucio Silla.” During the time in Italy, Mozart heard and wrote out, in its entirety, Gregorio Allegri’s “Miserere.” This was the first reproduced copy of the work, as it was closely guarded by the Vatican and illegal to copy.

In 1773, Mozart was employed as a court musician by Prince-Archbishop Hieronymus Colloredo, the ruler of Salzburg. He was unhappy with the position, even though he was considered one of the favorite sons of Salzburg. The pay was low and Mozart wanted to compose operas. He was fired from this position after he balked at the Archbishop’s treatment of him, and after he was forbidden to play for Emperor Joseph II. Mozart then moved to Vienna with his new wife, Constanze Weber.

It was in Vienna that Mozart composed two of his best known works: “The Marriage of Figaro,” and ”Don Giovanni.” He was at the height of his career, and often lent an ear to upcoming talent, such as Ludwig van Beethoven. In 1791, Mozart became very ill with fever. It isn’t known exactly what caused his illness, but he passed away at 1 in the morning on December 5, 1791.

There is so much more to learn about Mozart. Be sure to check out the interview with Robert Levin, and the 10 Things You Didn’t Know About Mozart on the Simply Mozart site. And as always, be sure to visit the Simply Mozart Forum with your questions, and the Simply Mozart Store to build your Mozart library!

Happy Learning!

Online Infosite Simply Charly To Offer New iPhone Application

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

SIMPLY CHARLY, the renowned educational web portal, announces a new application for Apple’s popular iPhone that will bring  its wealth of information to users everywhere.

Users have been making SIMPLY CHARLY one of the web’s top research sites since it debuted in 2007.

Now, with the launch of the  SIMPLY CHARLY IPHONE APPLICATION, 
subscribers can harness the website’s  extensive info base anywhere, anytime.

“We’re thrilled to make our huge  database available to mobile users on the go,” said Charles Carlini, president and CEO of SIMPLY CHARLY.  ”The marriage of SIMPLY CHARLY and the Apple iPhone 
makes it even easier for subscribers to just point, click and learn.  It’s an exciting combination!

Once installed, SIMPLY CHARLY’S new iPhone application will bring the website’s acclaimed interface to users across the street or around the globe. Subscribers can read news, the latest book reviews, search 
the site’s vast knowledge base of legendary artists, writers, scientists and thinkers, and shop for signature goods. All in the palms of their hands.

The new SIMPLY CHARLY IPHONE APPLICATION will be available as a free download beginning in late January . Simply click the ‘App Store’ widget on your iPhone, and search for SIMPLY CHARLY.

SIMPLY CHARLY
Where Great Minds Think (and Learn) Online

Simply Charly Gets A Complete Makeover!

Thursday, December 11th, 2008

SIMPLY CHARLY, the popular web portal known for its exclusive, indepth interviews with the world’s leading authors and scholars,  re-launches today with an updated look and a streamlined user interface.

Because of these compelling interviews and profiles of legendary writers, artists, scientists, and thinkers, the most current book reviews, news, podcasts, videos, and brain-teasing quizzes to test visitors’ knowledge, inquisitive web users have been making SIMPLY CHARLY their ‘go-to’ info hub since 2007.

Now, with the launch of the updated SIMPLY CHARLY,  learning about the great  historical figures of the world – like Einstein, Mozart, Shakespeare, Hemingway, and Freud, to name just a few – got even easier. Just point, click and learn!

“Our fun and engaging web site received more than a face-lift. We’ve improved our ability to serve our core audience,” said Charles Carlini, president and CEO of SIMPLY CHARLY.  ”In addition to providing visitors with useful, free information, Internet users can now read the latest news, book reviews, and so much more captivating content. We’ve also implemented an interactive web E-Store, so our subscribers can bring the learning home with just the click of a mouse.”

SIMPLY CHARLY goes live in its new format today at www.simplycharly.com. Log-on today to see what the buzz is about.