Secretary of State Condi Rice is over there in the Middle East trying to help curb fighting between Israel and Hezbollah terrorists. The jury is still out on her performance thus far, but nonetheless, she’s stressed. You would be too.

So, to reflect her somber mood and blow off some steam, she will play a piano recital in Malaysia this week.

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters) - In keeping with her mood and to reflect the world crises she tackles daily, U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice plans to play a somber piece of music to her Asian colleagues in Malaysia this week.

The Association of South East Asian Nations has a tradition of ministers performing usually silly skits at a gala dinner, but Rice, an accomplished pianist, said she was more at ease playing a serious, reflective piece, possibly by the composer Brahms.

“It is not a time that is frivolous. It is a serious time. I will play something that is in accordance with my serious mood,” said Rice, who had just attended a conference in Rome aimed at helping resolve the Lebanon crisis.

SHOW OFF! At least she’s not shoe shopping.