.]] The sabre or saber (see spelling differences) is a kind of backsword that usually has a curved, single-edged blade and a rather large hand guard, covering the knuckles of the hand as well as the thumb and forefinger. Although sabres are typically thought of as curved-bladed slashing weapons, those used by the world's heavy cavalry often had straight and even double-edged blades more suitable for thrusting. The length of sabres varied, and most were carried in a scabbard hanging from a shoulder belt known as a baldric or from a waist-mounted sword belt. Exceptions not intended for personal carry include the Patton saber adopted by the United States Army in 1913 and always mounted to the cavalryman's saddle.
The English word sabre derives from the French sabre, which comes in turn from the Hungarian Szablya and Polish "Szabla", originally a Hungarian verb for "to cut down". It is akin to the Russian сабля sablya, and describes a similar weapon.
The elegant but effective 1803 pattern sword that the British Government authorized for use by infantry officers during the wars against Napoleon featured a curved sabre blade which was often blued and engraved by the owner in accordance with his personal taste.
In 1831, the "Mamaluke" sword became a regulation pattern for British general officers (and is still in use today). The American victory over the rebellious forces in the citadel of Tripoli in 1805 during the First Barbary War, led to the presentation of bejewelled examples of these swords to the senior officers of the US Marines. Officers of the US Marine Corps still use a mameluke pattern dress sword. Although some genuine Turkish kilij sabres were used by Westerners, most "mameluke sabres" were manufactured in Europe; their hilts were very similar in form to the Ottoman prototype, however, their blades, even when an expanded yelman was incorporated, tended to be longer, narrower and less curved than those of the true kilij.
During the 19th and in the early 20th century, sabres were also used by both mounted and dismounted personnel in some European police forces. When the sabre was used by mounted police against crowds, the results could be appalling, as in a key scene in Doctor Zhivago. The sabre was later phased out in favour of the baton (or night stick) for both practical and humanitarian reasons.
In the United States, swords with sabre blades are worn by Army, Navy, and Coast Guard officers. Marine officers and non-commissioned officers also wear such swords. They are not intended for use as weapons, however, and now serve primarily in ornamental or ceremonial functions. One ceremonial function a sabre serves is the Sabre Arch, performed for servicemen or women getting married.
Sabre is a right-of-way weapon, which means that the fencer must take certain actions to get the right to score a point. Because sabre is such a fast weapon, the window of time each fencer is allowed to get their light on during electric fencing (to score a simultaneous hit after being hit by an opponent) is very, very small. In 2005, the FIE changed the timing from 300-350 milliseconds down to approximately 120 milliseconds. What this means is that if Fencer A hits Fencer B, Fencer B has only 120 milliseconds to hit Fencer A before the scoring machine will not allow any new lights to come on.
In appearance the modern fencing sabre bears little resemblance to the traditional weapons on which it is modelled. Rather than a wide, flat, curved, single-edged blade, sports sabres have a thin, straight blade 88 cm long, with a V, Y or square cross-section.
Unlike in traditional, military colorguards, the sabre, and rifle are used as apparatus for spinning, tossing and as an extension to interpretative movement. The sabre is considered one of the more advanced of the equipment used by the guard members.
Category:European swords Category:Fencing Category:Victorian Age weapons Category:Medieval weapons Category:18th-century weapons Category:Hungarian loanwords
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| Name | Vanessa-Mae |
|---|---|
| Background | non_vocal_instrumentalist |
| Birth name | Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn |
| Born | October 27, 1978 Singapore |
| Origin | Cavendish, Suffolk, England |
| Nationality | British |
| Instrument | Violin |
| Genre | classical |
| Occupation | Violinist |
| Years active | 1990–present |
| Label | Sony BMG, Virgin, EMI |
| Url | www.vanessa-mae.com |
Vanessa-Mae Vanakorn Nicholson (born 27 October 1978), known professionally as Vanessa-Mae (in Chinese: 陳美, Chén Měi), is an internationally known British violinist. Her music style is self-described as "violin techno-acoustic fusion", as several of her albums prominently feature the techno style.
Vanessa-Mae, born 27 October 1978, coincidentally shares her birthday with famed violinist Niccolò Paganini, who was born in 1782.
She was particularly famous in the United Kingdom throughout her childhood making regular appearances on television (for example on Blue Peter) mostly involving classical music and conservative style. According to Guinness World Records, she is the youngest soloist to record both the Beethoven and Tchaikovsky violin concertos, a feat she accomplished at the age of thirteen. During this time she attended the Francis Holland School in central London.
Vanessa-Mae made her international professional debut at the Schleswig-Holstein Musik Festival in Germany in 1988, and also during 1988 made her concerto debut on stage with the Philharmonia Orchestra in London.
On entering adolescence Vanessa-Mae broke away from her traditional classical influences and became known for her flashy, sexual style appearing in music videos in stylish outfits. Her first pop-style album, The Violin Player, was released in 1995. She appeared on the 1997 Janet Jackson album The Velvet Rope playing a violin solo on the song "Velvet Rope".
She performed in the interval of the 1998 Eurovision Song Contest in Birmingham.
In April 2006, Vanessa-Mae was ranked as the wealthiest young entertainer under 30 in the UK in the Sunday Times Rich List 2006. having an estimated fortune of about £32 million ($64 million) stemming from concerts and record sales of over an estimated 10 million copies world wide, which is an unprecedented achievement for a young female violinist.
Vanessa-Mae announced in 2006 that she would be releasing a new album sometime between 2007 and 2008. The album was said to draw inspiration from great ballets and opera themes. A new album was expected in 2009, but the year ended without the expected release.
On December 7th and 8th in London and December 15th, 16th, 17th in New York; Vanessa was the special guest violinist for Il Divo's Christmas Tour 2009.
She plans to compete in the 2014 Winter Olympics as a downhill skier, representing Thailand.
In addition, she uses one of two Zeta Jazz Model electric violins, one of which is white and the other one of which features decals of the U.S. flag. She has also been using a silver-grey Zeta Jazz Model electric violin since 2001. She also owns three Ted Brewer Violins two of which she uses on stage (a Crossbow and a Vivo2 Clear) and in publicity material. In addition to these violins, she sometimes buys violins and resells them later, giving the proceeds to charity.
Category:1978 births Category:Living people Category:British people of Chinese descent Category:British people of Thai descent Category:English classical violinists Category:English pop musicians
Category:People from London Category:Singaporean classical violinists Category:Rock violinists Category:British people of Singaporean descent Category:Singaporean immigrants to the United Kingdom
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| Name | Professor Green |
|---|---|
| Background | solo_singer |
| Birth name | Stephen Paul Manderson |
| Born | November 27, 1983 |
| Origin | Hackney, London, England |
| Instrument | Vocals |
| Genre | Grime, Hip Hop |
| Occupation | Rapper, Songwriter |
| Years active | 2006–present |
| Label | Virgin |
| Associated acts | Ed Drewett, Lily Allen, Example, The Streets, Game, Labrinth, Emeli Sandé, Johnny Truant, Adam Deacon, Tinchy Stryder, Tinie Tempah, Devlin, Giggs, Chipmunk, The Saturdays, Fink, The ThundaCatz |
| Url |
In 2006, at the age of 23, he released his first mixtape, Lecture #1. After his first record label, The Beats went under he produced on his own an EP called The Green EP. But after he toured with Lily Allen he was signed to Virgin Records and released "I Need You Tonight", based around INXS's "Need You Tonight" through the label. He also joined up with Lily Allen in "Just Be Good To Green" which is based around The SOS Band's "Just Be Good to Me".
Green released his debut album, Alive Till I'm Dead, on 19 July 2010, which features guest vocals from Lily Allen, Emeli Sandé, Fink and Labrinth.
He toured with the American rapper, The Game in London.
He was raised by his grandmother Patricia, from the age of one until around 15 years of age.
At the age of 15 he moved in with one of his aunts in central London. He stayed with her for two years along with his cousins Amy Shirley and Jack Shirley and he has said before how they are the only family he has left. His father, Peter, committed suicide in 2008 in Brentwood, Essex. Green has stated before though how he feels his father's death has made him a better person, saying: "I'd had a turbulent relationship with my dad. He was always in and out of my life and I was raised by my grandmother Patricia. Mum, who had me at 16, was there for the most part but my grandmother was the most influential. I last saw my dad alive on my 18th birthday. He came over to see me but after that we just stopped talking. There was no real reason. He hanged himself and I had to go and identify the body in the morgue."
Manderson said he "fell in to rapping accidentally" as he was at a party at a friends house, where everyone was free-styling, and he got put on the spot and he said it worked for him. He then started battling in competitions.He started off at lyric pad, and then moved on to JumpOff.
His album was released a week later, and peaked at #2 in the United Kingdom and #18 in Ireland. He released 'Monster' as the third single from the album. The track features UK rapper Example. Released on October 3, 2010 the single became a top 30 hit on the UK Singles Chart. His album has been certificated Gold with sales of over 100,000 in the United Kingdom.
On 10th September 2010, Professor Green joined Lily Allen on stage at Wembley Stadium whilst supporting Muse, to perform her number one hit 'Smile', and 'Just Be Good To Green'.
On 19 October 2010 Manderson released the video for his next single 'Jungle' which features Maverick Sabre. It was released on January 3 2011 and reached #33 in the UK Singles Chart.
Oh My God, featuring Labrinth is said to be the next single from the album.
Professor Green confirmed his 2nd album would be called The Myth, and said the album's first single is to be titled "Read All About It", a song of which that he is currently performing during his tour. He confirmed in an interview on December 15 that his second album will be released in August 2011. Green also confirmed that he will be touring with N-Dubz in 2011.
Category:1983 births Category:English male singers Category:English pop singers Category:Grime artists Category:Living people Category:People from Hackney
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Aram Ilyich Khachaturian (; ; ) (June 6, 1903 – May 1, 1978) (born in Tiflis, Georgia, Russian Empire) was an Armenian composer whose works were often influenced by Armenian folk music.
In 1920, when Armenia was declared a Soviet republic, Khachaturian joined a propaganda train touring Armenia, populated by Georgian-Armenian artists. The following year he travelled to Moscow to join his brother, the stage director of the Second Moscow Art Theatre. Although he had almost no musical education, Khachaturian showed such great talent that he was admitted to the Gnessin Institute where he studied cello under Sergey Bychkov, and later Andrey Borysyak. In 1925 Mikhail Gnessin started a composition class at the Gnessin Institute which Khachaturian joined.
In 1929, he transferred to the Moscow Conservatory where he studied under Nikolai Myaskovsky (composition) and Sergei Vasilenko (orchestration), graduating in 1934. In the 1930s, he married the composer Nina Makarova, a fellow student from Myaskovsky’s class. In 1951, he became professor at the Gnessin State Musical and Pedagogical Institute (Moscow) and the Moscow Conservatory. He also held important posts at the Composers' Union, becoming deputy chairman of the Moscow branch in 1937, then appointed vice-chairman of the Organizing Committee of Soviet Composers in 1939. In 1939 he composed his ballet Happiness, which was later reworked into the ballet Gayane.
The composer joined the Communist Party of the Soviet Union in 1943. However, he temporarily fell from official favour in 1948. It was the Symphonic Poem, later titled the Third Symphony, that officially earned Khachaturian the wrath of the Party. Ironically, Khachaturian wrote the work as a tribute to communism: “I wanted to write the kind of composition in which the public would feel my unwritten program without an announcement. I wanted this work to express the Soviet people’s joy and pride in their great and mighty country.” Perhaps because Khachaturian did not include a dedication or program notes, his intentions backfired.
Andrei Zhdanov, secretary of the Communist Party’s Central Committee, delivered the so-called Zhdanov decree in 1948. The decree condemned Shostakovich, Prokofiev, Khachaturian, and other Soviet composers as “formalist” and “anti-popular.” The three named composers had by then already become established as the so-called "titans" of Soviet music, enjoying worldwide reputation as some of the leading composers of the 20th century. Nonetheless, all three accused composers were forced to apologize publicly.
The decree affected Khachaturian profoundly: “Those were tragic days for me... I was clouted on the head so unjustly. My repenting speech at the First Congress was insincere. I was crushed, destroyed. I seriously considered changing professions.”
Despite this mortifying episode, Khachaturian returned to official favour. He received numerous state awards both before and after the Zhdanov decree: for example, four Stalin prizes (1941, 1943, 1946 and 1950), one Lenin prize (1959), a USSR State Prize (1971), and the title of Hero of Socialist Labor (1973). Khachaturian went on to serve again as Secretary of the Board of the Composers' Union, starting in 1957, and was also a deputy in the fifth Supreme Soviet of the Soviet Union (1958–1962).
Khachaturian died in Moscow on May 1, 1978, just short of his 75th birthday. He was buried in Yerevan, Armenia, along with other distinguished Armenians who made Armenian art accessible for the whole world. In 1998, he was honored by appearing on Armenian paper money (50 dram).
He also wrote several solo piano works, including two albums of music for children (Opp. 62 and 100). Children's Album, Book 1, first published in 1947, contains a smooth and melodic Andantino originally composed in 1926; this piece is commonly known as Ivan Sings, which stems from eight of ten pieces originally being collected as Adventures of Ivan. Children's Album, Book 2, first published in 1964, includes a fugue composed in 1928, and a fast-paced programmatic piece entitled Two Funny Aunties Argued which is sometimes translated as Two Ladies Gossiping. He also composed some film music and incidental music for plays such as the 1941 production of Mikhail Lermontov’s Masquerade, the orchestral suite of which has become relatively popular.
The cinematic quality of his music for Spartacus was clearly seen when the Adagio of Spartacus and Phrygia was used as the theme for a popular BBC drama series, The Onedin Line, during the 1970s. Since then, it has become one of the most popular of all classical pieces for UK audiences. Joel Coen's The Hudsucker Proxy also prominently featured music from Spartacus and Gayane (the "Sabre Dance" included). Gayane's adagio was used in Stanley Kubrick's film among other films. He was also the composer for the state anthem of the Armenian Soviet Socialist Republic, whose tune is one of the five current choices to become the next state anthem of Armenia. The climax of Spartacus was also used in Caligula (film) and .
Aram Khachaturian has been an iconic figure for generations of Armenian composers. His works paved the way for new styles and daring explorations, although his own style was closely controlled by the regime. Khachaturian encouraged young composers to experiment with new sounds and find their own voices. His colorful orchestration technique, admired by Shostakovich and others in the past, is still noted for its freshness and vitality by modern composers. Khachaturian's influence can be traced in nearly all trends of Armenian classical traditions, whether in symphonic or chamber music.
Composers who were particularly influenced by Aram Khachaturian include:
Khachaturian made several commercial recordings, including a 1963 recording of his second symphony with the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra, as well as EMI recordings of suites from Gayane and Masquerade and his violin concerto in 1954 (with David Oistrakh as soloist) with the Philharmonia Orchestra. He later made stereo recordings of the violin concerto (again with Oistrakh), the second symphony in 1977 on the Russian Disc label and music from Gayane. Some of his recordings have been reissued on CD.
Category:1903 births Category:1978 deaths Category:20th-century classical composers Category:Armenian communists Category:Armenian composers Category:Ballet composers Category:Communist Party of the Soviet Union members Category:Heroes of Socialist Labour Category:People's Artists of Armenia Category:People's Artists of the USSR Category:People from Tbilisi Category:Georgian Armenians Category:Russian Armenians Category:Russian composers Category:Soviet film score composers Category:Stalin Prize winners Category:Moscow Conservatory alumni Category:Gnessin School of Music alumni Category:Armenian academics
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| Name | Alix Perez |
|---|---|
| Background | non_performing_personnel |
| Birth name | Alix Depauw |
| Genre | Drum and Bass |
| Occupation | DJ |
Alix Perez is the stage name of Alix Depauw, a drum and bass DJ and producer originally from Charleroi, Belgium. Currently based in North London, his music is characterised as liquid funk and released on labels such as Hospital Records, Liquid V, Bassbin, Creative Source, Horizons, Progress, Brigand, Shogun Ltd, Fokuz and Soul:R.
Now represented by Coda, he regularly plays out in London and around Europe. He describes his DJ style as, "eclectic. I play generally deep but dip into various aspects of drum & bass. I like to read the crowd and let the music breathe. I find mixing in the right musical keys essential. I basically see it as a journey."
Alix Perez's tunes are played regularly on radio shows such as BBC 1Xtra and he has been doing many mixes for radio and podcast. He receives support from respected DJs and producers such as Bailey, Fabio and Bryan Gee. On one of his BBC shows, Fabio called the song "Forsaken" by Perez, the best drum and bass track of 2010.
Alix has been featured in popular drum and bass magazines and has recently been on the cover of ATM Magazine in a feature on the "Leaders of the Nu Skool" in the drum and bass genre. He has had coverage in Knowledge Magazine, London-based dance music magazine One Week To Live, and regularly has his releases reviewed by DJ, Mixmag, Knowledge and ATM.
In 2009 he released the album 1984 on drum and bass label Shogun Audio (R) and has been met with positive response. Perez's album includes the track "Calm of Cast" which features young London hip-hop artist Yungun.
This text is licensed under the Creative Commons CC-BY-SA License. This text was originally published on Wikipedia and was developed by the Wikipedia community.
