Wednesday, December 19, 2007
七弦魔剑
===================================================
More details as follows:
for body, pls use top-of-the-grade Brazilian rosewood for sides and back.
If possible, look into Church-door design for back. Also spruce for top
(as indicated by DIVO), however, use high quality ones like in
close-grinded, prefably have some bear claws would be nice.
As usual, ebony for finger board but use titanium metal for fretting coz
it might hurt DIVO fingers and the insurance will cry. Look at installing
RODGERs' tuners (with snake-wood), no imitation thank you. Body length of
650 mm would be ok.
Having a 20th fret is forthgone conclusion. Else why he buys a 7-string
other than to play and sound like an orchestra? Also, ask Yudi to
construct raised finger-board to facilitate the runs at the 15th to 20th
frets.
Lacquer-finish is acceptable.
He is still considering adding an arm-guard at side (ala arm-rest). Ask
Yudi to throw in guitar-support wrapped in premium leather as DIVO hates
the sit the classical way. Also, throw in life-time free-delivery of
7strings to DIVO residence would be critical in making DIVO commit.
5k is for planning purpose, other cost just add in accordingly. ^^
And for heaven-sake, make the guitar weigh like a M-16 at least.
=============================================
Sunday, December 02, 2007
POLYCHORDS
It seems like Copland likes to use "polychords".
What are polychords? Well, basically they are just chords stacked one above another.
Hence, for example, if based on F, we could have a typical stack like this:
F - A - C - E - G - Bb
Looking at the way it is constructed, and also at Copland's scoring, he did not choose to extend his polychords this way. Actually most of the extensions are fine, but just perhaps, E - G - Bb and F - A - C isn't so great since it may sound quite cadential.
Instead, he constructs the stack in G - Bb - D - F - A - C, making it sound like a tonic expansion moving to and fro within chords I, II and IV, major and minor, spaced across the barline in a gallop rhythm.
and there we have COLOUR!
Friday, November 30, 2007
SUI SUI
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EuQQxZ7TXaY&feature=related
Really good rendition, but still prefer the orchrestral version done by Berlin Phil Orch.
2. Totoro(Passage of wind)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zmVqslsmV0M&feature=related
Very good inspiration for the melody players!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z1EP9NuyHqY&feature=related
Cello version...
3. Princess Mononoke Suite(Orchestral)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRpFXTvMQw8&feature=related
Quite different from the Wind Band version, must say the central percussion section is very good! =)
4. Laputa
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sASc4wrJRWE&feature=related
Suite for Trumpet solo I guess. A little too regal to me.
Tuesday, November 27, 2007
How will I die?
How will I die? Your Result: You will die while having sex. Your last moments in this life will be enjoyable indeed...hopefully. Do not fear sex. Try not to become celibate as a way of escaping death. You cannot run from destiny. | |
You will die in a car accident. | |
You will die in your sleep. | |
You will die while saving someone's life. | |
You will die in a nuclear holocaust. | |
You will die from a terminal illness. | |
You will die of boredom. | |
You will be murdered. | |
How will I die? Create a Quiz |
Thursday, November 22, 2007
驱魔序曲
Wah piang ooi... like that also dare to perform, even with some professionals within. They sounded bad but that's besides the point. More importantly, about 30 to 50 people just heard what a guitar ensemble sounds like, and I do hope the first impressions don't last. Sheesh...
I think the ensemble leader is mad. Haven't they heard any ensemble or orchestra before? What the hell... timing wrong, chord wrong, close to zero cohesion also dare to perform. I almost didn't recognise Io Che! Their intro was absolutely horrifying. Needless to say, musicality is out of the door. Listen to this shit a few more times, and your mind with wilt in despair for music.
I expected something mediocre, not horrendous.
utterly....
Luckily I didn't go. or rather, luckily for them, I didn't go.
Perhaps I might just laugh out before Mel did, or pop them the question.
"Did you just perform an overture for exorcism?"
Monday, November 05, 2007
Simple Gifts
Start from 1:23 min
'Tis the gift to be simple, 'tis the gift to be free,
'Tis the gift to come down where we ought to be,
And when we find ourselves in the place just right,
'Twill be in the valley of love and delight.
When true simplicity is gain'd,
To bow and to bend we shan't be asham'd,
To turn, turn will be our delight,
Till by turning, turning we come round right.
'Tis the gift to be loved and that love to return,
'Tis the gift to be taught and a richer gift to learn,
And when we expect of o-thers what we try to live each day,
Then we'll all live together and we'll all learn to say,
'Tis the gift to have friends and a true friend to be,
'Tis the gift to think of others not to only think of "me",
And when we hear what others really think and really feel,
Then we'll all live together with a love that is real.
Friday, October 26, 2007
Here we go!
弦歌轻音
国大六弦琴乐队GENUS与子团GENUS Expose!
六弦琴乐队GENUS与其子团GENUS Expose!将为大家呈献一台曲风迥异的音乐会。演奏曲目包括已故探戈作曲家皮亚佐拉充满活力的《米开朗基罗70》、加朗的《兴致勃勃》,以及十分悦耳动听的电影动画片《埃及王子》的插曲。活泼跳跃的音符,将带给大家一个难忘的星期天下午。
13 Jan (Sun)
Potpourri on Strings
NUS Guitar Ensemble (GENUS) and Expose!
The guitar ensembles Expose! And GENUS are proud to present a diverse repertoire accessible to all such as Piazolla’s spirited Michelangelo 70, J. Garland’s In the Mood and entertaining music from animated feature The Prince of Egypt. Expose! and GENUS promise an enjoyable afternoon of music and an unforgettable experience.
Wednesday, October 24, 2007
Tuesday, October 23, 2007
焉知非福
First it was Ngee Ann City, which the huge sports store "Stadium" informed me that the design I was looking is very old and may very well be non-existent already.
Then I went to Marina Square's Royal Sporting House, which was also a futile trip. I've spent a few days' afternoons on this and was rather disappointed and not hopeful of success. After some thought, I decided I'll try Suntec City and make a trip to Mustafa's and Macpherson's warehouse should the purchase be unsuccessful.
At Suntec, the design I wanted was not displayed. A clearance sale was going on and I decided that if I could find those boxed ones, I may find a few "undisplayed" gems. AND YES!!!! I found the design with a size 11!!!! how dreadful, I needed a size 12!!!! I continued scanning the boxes with high hopes, murmuring in my heart, the right design and the right size.
.....
and I finally found it!!!!!! stacked beneath about 12 shoes boxes, right at the bottom!!!
Yahoo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
This really made my day. HA HA
赛翁失马
我教书以个人原则及学生福利为首.
我对学校的方针政策,从不重视,也不加理会.
教书对我来说是一个非常个人的艺术.
教育的成功度是无法衡量的.
The MOE work review form appraises the level of competency of various intangible qualities. E.g. Nurturing the whole child, the possible levels are "not observed", "developing", "competent" and "exceeding". To me, these are bullshit.
Even my current principal was unable to prevent a student from dropping out of school despite multiple counselling sessions and close monitoring. Perhaps she should be graded "not observed" then.
In the end, I doesn't matter if I believe in the system or not. I am in the system. Hence, being a non-believer and non-conformist, I've been told I'm placed a D grade for this year, which essentially means no performance bonus for next year and if I manage to clinch consecutively another two D grades subsequently, I may be ask to leave the service.
And just last two weeks, my principal approached me and asked if I was interested to work as a Normal Techinical specialist next year. what a joke.
I wasn't really pissed about it, I think I somehow saw it coming. My colleagues said every year some of the teachers must get a D grade, it's a quota thing. So I joked with them that now that mine is confirmed, they'd be spared of the ordeal.
BUT, you know how things can turn around so quickly....
一鞋难求
I'm gonna try looking around some more shops this afternoon, currently making a list of places to go. Mel's birthday is coming soon too, hmmm... wonder if she fancy skull slip-0ns too....
Thursday, October 18, 2007
骷髅头鞋
Here are some of the designs:
满
Thursday, October 04, 2007
自立更生
If you want to have good sectionals, then make sure your members turn up lah. Those who NEED sectionals that is. Else, the proficient players turn up for what? From the way I see it, these days things are different. Last time, sectionals is used to spend time learning to play together. Now, sectionals is used to figure out notes and positions, or to correct grossly mistaken music interpretation and readings. Hence, the value of a sectional session has drastically decreased, more time on individual help rather than group dynamic.
When was the last time a section leader conducted a sectional, following the dynamics written on the page? And seriously, they should consider collapsing the sectionals to more efficient models. E.g. altos can play together in one room, Contra/Guitaron can join the Prime etc.
And what are the section leaders doing? How long do they expect to be hand-held? Goodness lah, you are an undergrad! Call your members, settle the attendance and make sure your section can play lah. Don't everything wait for SENIOR to do for you. Want me to change pampers for you or not?
Rise to the occasion man!
Friday, September 28, 2007
无悔
Wednesday, September 26, 2007
说出的秘密
I'm not a fan of Jay Chou, but there's been some hype about him doing movies and all. I've just watched Secret and I find the directing rather decent. Bought the soundtrack cos I heard some really good stuff in the movie, and guess what, most of the music were composed by Jay Chou himself; which, to me, is even a greater accomplishment than his directing stint. Seriously, the music is good. Not the sung ones, but the instrumental ones!!! And that's like a total of around 13 to 15.
Why hasn't the media talked about his music in the movie? Goodness!
Not that pop song lah, which I felt didn't quite fit into the movie at all.
Chopin is good! +)
Anyway, do catch the movie while you still can.
Friday, August 17, 2007
一人一半
一人一素故 感情才會久
時光累計 安靜的淚滴
一心去追 愛那么可貴
Chorus:
這樣的人 這樣地等
無非是等個回應眼神
為愛翻滾 不計傷痕
甘心為你一生都浮沉
這樣的人 別笑我蠢
傻傻的 心痛也不覺疼
就算天冷 就算殘忍
等你想起這沒用的人
一人一半 感情不散
已經找到愛 為何要離開
時光累計 安靜的淚滴
一心去追 愛那么可貴
Repeat Chorus*
一人一半 感情不散
已經找到愛 為何要離開
已經找到愛 為何先離開
Saturday, July 07, 2007
You are The Devil
Materiality. Material Force. Material temptation; sometimes obsession
The Devil is often a great card for business success; hard work and ambition.
Perhaps the most misunderstood of all the major arcana, the Devil is not really "Satan" at all, but Pan the half-goat nature god and/or Dionysius. These are gods of pleasure and abandon, of wild behavior and unbridled desires. This is a card about ambitions; it is also synonymous with temptation and addiction. On the flip side, however, the card can be a warning to someone who is too restrained, someone who never allows themselves to get passionate or messy or wild - or ambitious. This, too, is a form of enslavement. As a person, the Devil can stand for a man of money or erotic power, aggressive, controlling, or just persuasive. This is not to say a bad man, but certainly a powerful man who is hard to resist. The important thing is to remember that any chain is freely worn. In most cases, you are enslaved only because you allow it.
What Tarot Card are You?
Take the Test to Find Out.
Thursday, June 07, 2007
What can I do for you?
FFX-2: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SyqX1SNuwzc
FFX: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qMdrnfyip9M
This one is really funny! Real life Final Fantasy!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=svQvBiP76cE
Beat this!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=crfrKqFp0Zg
Think it can only be done with edge-tone instruments. If anyone can do this with a sax or oboe, those are not lips!
Aranjuez Guitar Quartet
In the hall of the Mountain King: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bywu_UEATb4
"Danza ritual del fuego": http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PMQyCYWumQw
Pink Panther : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=M97ZZ1EXHMI
Monday, June 04, 2007
我的美丽星期天
Seriously, I really haven't heard them in a concert before! All the reference I have is :
1. Singapore Classical Guitar Society Meeting
This was way way way years back. Considering if Ruby actually went for it, I think it probably means I'm year 2 or year 3 then. There was a vivaldi number done by the club, was it the adagio only? oh I can't remember... but I'm sure there wasn't any seat-moving allegro for sure.
2. the Yamaha Guitar Competition which took place like 3 years back? It was some 10 member group doing a spanish number with a tremolo-ing beginning and later going on to some knocking. And oh yes, the trio who did the piazolla piece was good!
3. Recently, the sharing session with the Germany group at the community centre. Ok their kids are pretty decent I must say, and of course the 9 year old wonder-boy Kevin.
I'm hoping to catch them this coming Sunday, 10 June at Esplanade Concert Hall. The people who told Nam Leng they were focusing on symphony orchestras and wind bands for the Beautiful Sunday series. Odd isn't it.
Seems like the programme line-up includes La Cumparsita and Granada. My god! One is a all-time favourite in local Niibori repertoire, the other is one of Guitaresque's 招牌菜.
有没有创艺???
Guitar ensemble repertoire is really one kind in the local scene. Rarely do you get to hear things that are out of the "guitar norm". If you visit guitar concerts often enough, you've probably heard a trillion times, "Canon in D", "La Cumparsita" etc. etc. *yawn* really puts me to sleep, unless they are rendered in an extremely humourous or cacophonic style.
I bet Daddy is going to mention again that the kid is just 9 years old. Ha ha ha
Saturday, June 02, 2007
神速
this is likely the speed that Robert will go at:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y1ZKAnUIDg4
死无葬身之地...
godspeed
Shiok Shiok!
I suspect the camera-man is a blood related to ATKS.
=====================================
Nothing related to the above, but I'm mildly amused by SRJC's name for their guitar concert. Guess what?
Shiokissimmo!!!
Really odd name, first reminds me of a perfect fit for a signboard at a Japanese Red Light District soft porn outlet. Why?
It's Shiok cos you get to Kiss and 摸. and it sounds like a jap word.
ok ok no offence, but it really tickles me.
Now I have the tune for "Shokubutsu"(the soap commercial) in my head. Sing it using Shiokissimmo!!!
Friday, June 01, 2007
中重奖
Early music melodies are often modal and essentially repetitive. But the counterpoint written for the cantus firmus is tremendously colourful. The opening movement for Danceries is one such great example. Hell, there's at least 6 things going on at any one time(yes! it makes it very difficult to arrange for guitars, lots of hair tearing involved.), the parts display plenty of independence from each other, some of them forming their own line and sounds almost totally disassociative.
The blend they make is one masterpiece.
It's really meaningless to identify which chord is at which bar or beat; the counterpoint interplay is such well-intertwined dissonance and consonance. With myself being unfamiliar with modal tendencies, it's really hard for me to say where's the triad chord!
Anyway, this is a BIG work, spanning 4 movements. I'm working on it and wondering along the way if it's a little too much to ask of the musicians. Certainly the technical dexterity does not come close to that of Capriccio Espangnol, but the rhythmic and musical aspect may be more than it seems to be a simple 6-8 reverie.
Nonetheless, I'm quite determined to expose the guys to some early music, less we always get stuck at Bach or Handel, which are already essentially very much in the tonal arena. I don't think they want to do the F major Brandenburg straight after they return from their competition, less they still possess the nightmare debris of the G major counterpart. Ha ha ha.
I'm really hoping the full score of "Impressions of Japan" comes by too soon. I've ordered for it after knowing Robert is unable to find his copy, and apparently it's not exactly on its way yet. This is another folk thing that would do us good if we ever set foot onto Japan again, or in the event some Niibori Prof decides to pop by.
With Wai going away to do her masters, I've managed to assign/arrow/convince Jin to take up the soprano void. Looking for some 2 members to fill in some shoes in the group too. Hmmm. perhaps the masters is a ruse to allow her to transfer out of the Soprano and into the Prime section after she returns(if she returns). Gonna miss (or not!) all that relentless string plucking during rehearsals, ah well, then again, I don't think Jin is going to display any significant difference in rehearsal behaviour. Ho ho ho =)
Sounding chirpy today eh? Kinda happy and bored. Oh well, I guess it's a clear sign that life's treating me well.
I even got an invitation from maestro Hiong Gai Gai to play in a concerto.
Hell, how come TOTO never so lucky?!?!?!?
Thursday, May 31, 2007
.hack
I haven't caught any of the animes yet. It is said to give a better and more complete picture, though I've tried to read up some info through net sources.
The collection of data for AI.
Is it possible to anticipate all possibilities of human choice and reaction?
The 8 phases from .hack//infection, outbreak, mutation, quarantine:
树倒猢狲散
Seriously, I can't imagine how that happens.
Ok, if you are asleep, I guess it's sheer bad luck.
But if not, there should be some sonic indication that the branch or the trunk is falling??? No?
Especially if it's the whole falling trunk. The inertia possessed by the flora itself would provide quite good time to escape, unless of course, there's nowhere to run to.
Well, it's not that I'm not sympathetic. Just really curious how it happens, and unable to imagine the process of it all. I gotta prepare some defense mechanisms against tree falling in my next trekking trips!
And just last week I was showing my science class how falling trees serve as a chance for forest floor to survive and revive!
Sunday, May 27, 2007
看待学习
可以明白他望子成龙的心切. 但希望音乐不失陶冶性情的本质.
身为教师, 也希望学生也能把学习视为对自己的一种进步,成长. 成绩只是衡量学习的尺度, 不是奠定才华的工具.
Friday, May 18, 2007
What a lousy catch
I don't know what's the selection criteria, but my current VP definitely doesn't qualify, in my humble opinion. Inconsiderate, bossy, loud-mouthed and temperamental are some of her deadly signs of aging. She enjoys chairing meetings which she perpetually dominates any form of conversion and discussion, forcing an involuntary matriachy. Poor time management, as she thinks everyone is just like her, with no life after working hours, her meetings are usually dragged overtime and complete with her re-asserting her statue and opinion on whoever is present in that hellish gathering.
I've had some 'nice' confrontations with her and I'm glad to say we both know when to steer clear of each other. Frankly speaking, after a some verbal sparring with a VP, HODs all appear like little goblins and pixies, all too fragile.
Perhaps I should aim for the cluster superintendent next.
Saturday, May 12, 2007
打或被打?
居然还有什么辅导官在那里乱吠, 说什么老师如果只是叮咛学生们不要欺负同学, 是不够的.
我也同意是不够的, 但教育部都已经剥夺了老师教训学生大半的权利, 老师有能做什么?
骂他, 又说不够. 打他, 又不准. 辅导他, 又不一定有效, 而且耗费时间.
将管教学生的权力放在父母身上, 却又把管教学生的工作放在老师身上, 这是教育部最失败的方针.
教育就好象养孩子,养花养草一样, 并不能够只用一种方法去拟定,实践. 什么学生该罚,该打, 如果这么简单的系统与执行权都不能落在执行者手上, 信任何在? 一个不包含信任的系统, 又怎么培育出正直的下一代?
你不给我兵器, 我怎么上战场?
有时候, 亲自出手打骂学生, 最痛的却也是老师的心.
Monday, April 23, 2007
骄兵必败
FUCK YOUR BANANA HEAD TREATMENT
================================
Price: $0 plan
- Includes brain cell rectification, mouth stammering correction, twlight zone recovery treatment, EGO reduction surgery, respect and humility transplant and lifelong supply of anti-gibberish pills.
- If you have the alphabets C and M and T in your name, we'll upsize it to a special deluxe version, with a 10-inch cucumber in your mouth, for oral detox.
- offer is valid till apology made.
好多啊!
I don't have a lot of time, sourcing and arranging for EXPOSE already takes up time and I don't think I have the energy to generate more for the main group. There are available and capable people who can do the job, so alternatives are present. There are many published sources of scores too, though the music isn't very challenging but I suppose it'll be sufficient for the main population.
Anyway, I just read an email which entails a listing of repertoire, 27 to be exact. Frankly, it felt like someone/something was at a loss. Perhaps too many options?
Thursday, April 12, 2007
从前从前
故事的小黄花 从出生那年就飘着 童年的荡秋千随记忆一直晃到现在
ㄖㄨㄟ ㄙㄡ ㄙㄡ ㄒ一 ㄉㄡ ㄒ一ㄌㄚ ㄙㄡ ㄌㄚ ㄒ一 ㄒ一 ㄒ一 ㄒ一 ㄌㄚ ㄒ一 ㄌㄚ ㄙㄡ
吹着前奏望着天空 我想起花瓣试着掉落
为你翘课的那一天 花落的那一天 教室的那一间 我怎么看不见
消失的下雨天 我好想再淋一遍
没想到失去的勇气我还留着 好想再问一遍 你会等待还是离开
刮风这天 我试过握着你手
但偏偏 雨渐渐 大到我看你不见
还要多久 我才能在你身边 等待放晴的那天 也许我会比较好一点
从前从前 有个人爱你很久
但偏偏 风渐渐 把距离吹得好远
好不容易 又能再多爱一天 但故事的最后 你好像还是说了拜拜
Thursday, March 29, 2007
欢乐少年 Part 2
I really liked the part about the tugging of heart strings on "Io Che". Hahhaha... wonder if the tug is a ferocious one.
Mentioning about Mr A being "ahead of his time" sounded a little unpleasant to me. I can't help but feel that there's something cynical about that statement.
I guess it's a matter of taste. We'd be lucky if we get reviewed by someone who actually plays the instrument or has sufficient experience and knowledge to appreciate and assess the quality of the performance.
Wednesday, March 28, 2007
欢乐少年
It's quite apparent we are talking about a newbie who claims that guitar ensemble/orchestra is a new thing in town. In that case, Sandy Lam is probably the new thing in town too.
I didn't quite like the remark "joyous youth" in the headlines. Really gives a fuzzy and nonchalant feel to the quality of the music. Or maybe it's just my take.
*Bell just rang.... continue this later....*
Monday, March 26, 2007
难得!!!
Check out the concert!!!!
Video Game Symphony!!! I'm getting tickets early! Anyone interested?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
班长蜥蜴
GENUS 25 years
Let's talk about rehearsals. I was rather surprised by the ease of pace Robert took most of the practices. Playing under him was pleasant and comfortable. Maybe too comfortable in a certain sense? He seemed exceeding patient with many things, not that it's a bad thing, or that he has simply given up most of hopes. Ha ha ha =) I mean, it's quite logical, looking at his previous and current music groups, an amateur guitar ensemble is nowhere fitting in his range of qualifications and trophies. Nonetheless, I still feel I've learnt things from him and I'm glad he's directing the group.
On the whole, I thought the concert repertoire and quality was not too bad. Backstage judgement that is.
Banderas was the opening and it went by without much problems.
E major was mainly plagued with some multiple tempi differences, one which I discussed with Jin that our section should try our best to stand by the soloist at all costs admist the strong surging currents from the Basses. This concerto is not an easy one, given it's length and technique requirements. Wai has done a pretty good job with the speed we're going at. The tempi problems were already present during rehearsals and it's no surprise they escalated during performance. Something which I felt could have been resolved by Robert or Wai, by insisting on a slightly lower tempo for more metrical reference. Hey we're talking about 20 over year ones and twos, and it's unlikely that they are experienced enough to detect and remedy tempi problems accurately on stage.
I always thought Vanakam is a soloists thing. The Erhu and Sitar parts are far much more colourful than the orchestra's, which is a pity actually. I always felt like a ripieno part(Alto 1), repeating the tunes which the soloists' have carried, with no obvious enhancement nor textural difference or harmonic thickening. So if you listen into the orchestral part, it's not very interesting, hence rehearsals without the soloists' is not very fulfilling aurally. Anyway, this is a cross-cultural thing which will probably win some political favour.
Pictures went by quite well. I forgot to tell Wai not to start Tuileries too fast. As expected, tempo surged and many of my runs became ornamental. Alto 1's sub-division of semiquavers at Bar 2 is horrendous, usually the main culprit in instigating a tempo riot. Luckily the last run was still managed well! Promenade was more stately, Bydlo as well, with the perennial rushing from entering guitar parts. Generally, I think the orchestra has accomplished a lot by putting up this piece. No offence, but years back, the ensemble couldn't even play "Gran Solo" or "Royal fireworks" properly.
Among the small groups, I only caught "Io Che" and "Somewhere in time", both I thought were nicely presented. Backstage opinion of course.
Originally wanted to change to a dark blue shirt for Expose's performance, but alas, tuning Huifen's dizi took longer than usual, and I ran short of time to perform my costume change. At the green room, I wanted to tune her F major dizi 20 cents sharp, but she told me 10 cents is enough. Unconvinced, I brought the tuner on stage to tune her F before we started, and yes, my estimation is correct! Anyway, Leroy sounded good from where I was standing, most of the parts were presented as per rehearsal, only the prime 1 people fly my pigeon on the pedal A just before Syncopated Clock, which I specifically reminded them not to!!! Alex wasn't confident on the Gu Zheng for 菊花台 and therefore under-playing in many places, even making the part look more subsidiary than ever. Frankly, I was upset over this. Ya know, a main highlight of the piece gone under the drain. But after that, I thought it's mostly my fault for giving him the complete score late, hence inadequate time for preparation I suppose. Despite this, I still think he could have done a better job lah. (Read my next post!)
Turkish March was ok, just didn't like the oink-ing 2nd part. Pigs and toads combined.
Czardas was like a main event. A flurrying tempo, messy guitar parts, panting percussions, on-beat tambourine, we ended the piece with a resounding applause. I really didn't like the rendition of the slow section. The accordian player played it like a lament for a dead princess, completely ignoring the gypsy, flambouyant flavour embedded. I think it's a little overly-romantised for me. Well, personal choice I suppose.
I don't like the low sounding Brazilian Street Dance. The tune is good, but the arrangement is a little low for me. The piece sounded most relaxed, upbeat and catchy.
Some of the workings on the day itself were really undesirable. I'm contemplating whether to send a mail to mention about some of those issues.
Sunday, March 18, 2007
什么地狱?
What the hell!?!?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Fabuloso
Quintet at work!!!
景变
Thursday, March 15, 2007
XP Highlights
Leroy Anderson (June 29, 1908 ¨C May 18, 1975) was best known as an American composer of short, light concert music pieces; John Williams described him as "one of the great American masters of light orchestral music." Anderson's musical style, heavily influenced by George Gershwin and folk music of various lands, employs creative instrumental effects and occasionally items not traditionally used as musical instruments, such as typewriters and sandpaper. This medley includes some of his best works: Serenata, a latin number with delightful jazz elements; The Syncopated Clock, one of his most well-known pieces, instantly recognizable to millions; Blue Tango, his first hit(1951) which earned him a Golden Disc and No. 11 on the Billboard charts; and Bugler's Holiday, a high school band favourite.
2. 菊花台
菊花台Chrysanthemum Flower Bed (Ju Hua Tai), is a ending theme from the recent blockbuster, 滿城盡帶黃金甲(Curse of the Golden Flower). Composed by Jay Chou, the Taiwanese R&B and Rap artist and composer mega star, the lyrics sing a lamentation set in the imperial court of the Tang Dynasty.
菊花殘 滿地傷 妳的笑容已泛黃
花落人斷腸 我心事靜靜躺
北風亂 夜未央 妳的影子剪不斷
徒留我孤單 在湖面 成雙
Tuesday, February 27, 2007
Germany anyone?
Got this piece of news from Mr. A, and looks quite interesting.
Competition date: 1 - 3 June
Only thing is that it's in Germany!!!!
Check it out!
http://www.gitarrenensemble-rheine.de/wettbewerb2007.html
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Monkeying around
Grumpy one there
Monday, February 19, 2007
猪年:序幕
除夕早上约了去跑步, 不巧淋了场小雨, 回家时就感觉闷闷的了. 似乎是发烧的前兆. 后来的确有点不舒服, 吃团圆饭时还猛塞. 其实,早几天前就开始喉咙不适了, 就没提早防范.
原来手机照相, 还可以选择宽屏哦!!! 这是在蓄水池的发现!!!
年过得是平平无奇. 但却是让我好好休息的几天. 说实在的, 是有点谢天谢地. 经常缺睡的我, 也在这时候补一补!!!
Friday, February 16, 2007
I need a competition!
http://blue.utb.edu/finearts/guitarfestival.htm
I read about a Japan Guitar Ensemble Competition in 1998 too, but doesn't seem to follow up in the years to come.
Anyway, I was wondering if we could liaise with Niibori/Tsu people and see if we could take part in their local competitions.
Tuesday, February 06, 2007
Friday, February 02, 2007
简单的快乐
昨天第一次为客人圈头, 蛮有意思的. 虽然手法不够灵巧, 花的时间也有些长, 但做出来的效果还不错, 哈哈, 挺美的. 这几个礼拜都会在外头为客人服务, 希望手法会更上一层楼. 过后就要学剪了!!!
替客人服务有生活中另一番滋味,简单的满足感.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
不好笑啦!
Kinda notice that the below expression is the "IN" thing these days eh?
Hmm... maybe the juniors are "confused", time to send them to Sabah???
Anyway, have fun slogging out in ICT!!! Hahahahha =)
趣文
"I went to the GENUS concert today at LT13.They work magic. Seriously. They only practised for barely two weeks and every note that sounded was purely musical euphoria. I loved the Brandenburg Concerto No. 3 - Allegro by J.S. Bach, because I jolly well know that Bach's pieces are super insane to play on the guitar ( memories from the SYF back in SR *shudders* ) But they were so perfect! The running notes sounded clear, despite being played at the speed of the buzzing bee.Don't get me started on the Carmen Suite No. 1. It was like guitar music at it's peak. The Spanish strumming, the percussions, and the high pitched notes of the soprano guitar weave a melody that I've missed for very long. It's so nice. Nice is an understatement.YES PEOPLE! Go get the GENUS concert tickets! It's definitely worth your money.I loved it a lot. I think Fuzzy did too. We both bought tickets to catch their actual large scale concert with the full powered Ensemble."
Yet another excerpt:
"This evening attended Exxonmobil's Campus Concert again. This time round it's GENUS (NUS's Guitar Ensemble). If all you know about guitar is strumming and then singing a tune with it, you probably know very little about it - like me. The guitars were amazing! Never thought a guitar ensemble could sound so... sweet, pretty, tingling, exquisite, tiny, huge, loud... The only time before I heard a guitar ensemble was in AJ I think, and I don't exactly remember them.This man sat beside me in the concert. I was wondering if he'd start talking to me because he has that aura around him that whispers "I am a very vocal person and I will talk to you". True enough, he started talking to me, a little chat before the concert starts. I'm not very good at small talk, but he told me that he used to teach at SMU (he was a professor/lecturer) but don't anymore because it's very tiring, the class too large. He also said that he's there to watch because his son is in the ensemble and was the ex-president of it. So everytime he plays, they'll make an effort to attend his concerts. I thought that was really sweet .By the way, GENUS is made up of mainly alumni members and have only 3 undergraduates. They're also having their annual concert sometime in March and tickets cost only $9 or $11. There's also a 20% early bird discount if you get a ticket before 31st January. You might want to keep a lookout for it. Can't remember the date, sorry. Interested maybe can just tell me? I'll check it out for you.So if you haven't heard a guitar ensemble before, you might want to give it a shot!"
And from ACS(I) Guitar Orchestra:
Year2 to Year 6 (inclusive) Guitar Orch members are to note that we will be attending a GENUS (Guitar Ensemble of NUS) performance on Wednesday evening.Meet in Music Room 2 at 1815 hrs on 24th January 2007.Wear smart-casual home clothes or full school uniform (excluding tie).No need to bring anything.Should end around 2130 or 2200, transport back to school provided.Attendance will be taken.
来者不善
也许劲爆的事项就要发生了吧.
疯狂的联想着存有的阴谋:
1. 把指挥推翻(指挥不会弹六弦琴)
2. 逐步自封第三位教练
3. 偷乐谱
4. 找女朋友
5. 为了硕士学位而需要拜托指挥
6. 巴结指挥,从中谋利
7. 卖琴
很烂吧!哈哈哈!也只是拿来当笑柄而已!
无论如何都希望他用正当的手法和良心去处事, 别搞得天怒人怨.
Friday, January 26, 2007
雾里看花
We sometimes fail to see the other positive aspects of the comm. I think the comm faces a different scenario from what we had last time. I mean, who was the oldest in the group? Renjie? or Karmun? In extremely low numbers and they are only year 6 then. I think the ratio of seniors and juniors can significantly change the under-workings of a committee.
With our experience and relevant years in the ensemble, it's not difficult to be irritated about certain things which we take as the "norm" and for granted. And we tend to think we've done a good job previously because we're no longer doing the job now. This "been there done that" feel. I'm pretty sure Ruby will find it bothersome to stick scores for the ensemble now; that's a few hundred bars we are talking about. yeah, it's an easy job, but not exactly a very motivational one though.
On a “musical” note, Pris probably should have re-printed the score, at least for archival sake.
It's always easy for the by-standers to throw in comments and stuff but who is willing to make the individual effort to change something? We could assume they are in the comm, and they would assume we are year 8, 9, 10 seniors; who has more social responsibility to make the ensemble a better group?
Even Hiong Gai Gai can tell me 3 weeks before concert that he's not playing because he can't reach the venue on time. (mind you, he drives.) So how can I ever assume and expect that a year 2 comm member is going to pour every ounce of blood and soul into his/her comm work???
I prefer to think and reconcile that we all have some differences and we'll work our way through these issues with some patience and negotiation. I’m glad that GENUS is still moving on musically under the baton of Robert, and there are some very impressive committed members amongst our committee as well. For instance, Derek has always been helpful and supportive in helping Expose get venues for rehearsals and sectionals. The PMs also came to help with the stores during our concert. Daren also helped with the collation of the feedback forms. Such generous acts should not be taken for granted and we should be thankful for the presence of these gracious juniors.
P.S. Be careful when you speak to Pris now. You make get electronically insulted over email by some lunatic in case you say something inappropriate.
Thursday, January 25, 2007
精彩
I've always wanted a concert like this; quite similar to orchestra/wind symphonies, where most of the pieces is done by the entire group, instead of having large movements for entrances and exits for small groups and such.
Lots of thanks goes out to my friends in the small ensemble Expose! They have made music making such a pleasant and rich experience for me. I've always liked big sounds in music groups and this unique group has been able to provide that dynamic colour and tone variation in many ways. Not just the resounding fortissimo, the subtle piano and delicate handling of notes were such sweet moments in the process of making music!
To see all of you playing and grooving to Gelato, interpreting Mozart, romanticising Bizet, really inspires me. In that a music performance can be such a wonderful culmination of the efforts by various musicians of different strengths, to learn and understand what to play, where to play, and how to play, altogether. Synergy. It really reminds of the possibility of attaining the Tsu ensemble standard.
Fact is, it's highly unlikely that within this life, the group will ever get to Niibori's standard, simply by virtue that we are not professionals in the art. But, music practice and performance is not all about being world class standard; it really emcompasses a long and ardious journey of learning which must be savoured and enjoyed with patience, encouragement and PASSION.
And passionate we were, on 24th Jan 2007.
Friday, January 12, 2007
Moving as a group
It always boils down to attitude.
I've always emphasised the importance of "musical input" to my players, be it in shaping a phrase, articulating explicitly and clearly, group cohesion, balance etc. This is something I find in need of more awakening. This mode of playing music requires practice, and the rehearsals are there to give time to such matters; on the assumption that we need not spend time on correcting melodic and rhythmic discrepancies.
The other essence which needs work is the ability to play the part of an instrument work as it was intended. Most of us love haunting melodies and upbeat rhythms, but if everyone's doing that, then who's giving the basic necessities of the music work? I firmly believe that the supporting cast has a much more important role to play in a piece of work, more often that not.
Take for instance, GENUS. Compared to years back, we've come quite a long way and many of the previous pieces we're playing now are of a higher standard, in terms of interpretation and presentation. Much of it is due to the presence of our new conductor and the alumni who have also developed much over the years of playing. Any group that retains a fairly large number of experienced players is going to be more successful in the long run. And we all know that experience is closely related to effort and time.
EXPOSE never started out as a professional body and there's much chance it will never be, given that we don't have any full-time players around. We're just generally better in technique than the main group, more experienced but there's still much to learn for every single one of us. If we start thinking that we are of another league or expecting that we should be high up there on performance standards, I don't think there will be much to progress as a group. Expectations should be used positively to inspire and not to bind.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
Tuesday, January 09, 2007
Stylo
I also get to scribble Chinese words on the Windows journal. prints wonderfully too.
And just in time for my Fujitsu to retire at home!
Friday, January 05, 2007
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
bits and pieces
I will strive hard to show you the upward trend!!!! for my column of course!
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Do you guys find that Barber Lee like blows up more often? Well, one example is that I merely asked him to ask more questions during the game at SH's place and he said I said those words with some "attitude".
Is it?!?!?!
I thought I've become more patient leh. Attitude? Aiyo, where got???
Ok lah, maybe it's just that I'm good at triggering his mutant powers.
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"那薄如蝉翼的未来,经不起谁来拆."
真的到了那天, 我又会怎么样?
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埋伏
飞刀战是挺好的, 但可惜没什么大场面. 结局似乎有些仓促, 使整体感觉非常不完整. 缺陷美吗?