Harpejji Makes Oscar Debut

BALTIMORE, Feb. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- Marcodi Musical Products, LLC, creator of the harpejji, today announces that its mesmerizing new musical instrument has made its global audience debut on the Academy Awards. A.R. Rahman played the harpejji during his performance of the Oscar-nominated song "If I Rise" from the movie 127 hours. The song, by Rahman and Dido, was performed live by Rahman and Florence of Florence and the Machine.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20110228/PH55555 )

"We are beyond thrilled to see the harpejji played by an award-winning musician during a live Academy Award performance," commented harpejji inventor and Marcodi Musical Products President Tim Meeks. "A.R. Rahman's performance has introduced the harpejji and its distinct sounds to millions of Oscar viewers across the globe. We look forward to more musicians incorporating the harpejji into their work in the future."

The harpejji is a revolutionary instrument with the timeless sound of real strings. Taken from the Italian arpeggio, the harpejji opens up a universe of authentic new sounds and chords previously unavailable to musicians of all skill levels using existing instruments. Other benefits include:

• New chord intervals that are impossible to play on guitar or piano
• More control due to the expressive nuance of direct string contact (sliding, bending, muting, vibrato)
• A unique tone and sound that blends well yet is distinct from all other instruments
• The power of 10-finger compositions for new and creative music
• Two parts from one musician due to the ability to cover guitar and bass parts at the same time

The harpejji and "If I Rise" were nominated for Best Song, alongside "Coming Home" from Country Strong, "I See the Light" from Tangled, and "We Belong Together" from Toy Story 3.  

About Marcodi Musical Products, LLC

Founded in 2007, Marcodi Musical Products is the creator of the harpejji. Headquartered in Baltimore, Maryland, the company manufactures each instrument in the U.S. and has exported the product to over ten countries worldwide. The harpejji is available in two models: the G16 and the K24. Marcodi Musical Products believes that regardless of whether a musician plays keyboards, lap steel, guitar, drums, or bass guitar, each musician will approach the harpejji in a unique way that results in new and creative musical thinking. For more information, visit www.marcodi.com or call 1-800-472-2105.

SOURCE Marcodi Musical Products, LLC