To the twirp who said GENUS will get a COP for playing Bach's E major violin concerto, I sincerely offer you a one time discount here which you will get nowhere at this low price.
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.
Monday, April 23, 2007
好多啊!
I don't feel like writing for GENUS. The main group that is.
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?
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
Astonishingly, he actually commented that the accordian was good. Ok, maybe I'm really prejudiced about the instrument sound and the interpretation done by the player. But, nah, the pieces were just acceptable and not all that astounding. I think the writer is a "full sound" freak(like myself perhaps), hence anything that produces tones which sustain goes well into his tummy. Probably why he imagines us to be strumming on stage. How annoying.
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.
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
Read the review article on Straits Times "Life" yesterday. The writer seemed a bit inclined towards classical/orchestral repertoire, hence the guitar-rendered versions were not very welcomed by him. And excuse him and me for saying mentioning it here, what the hell his mind or ears were doing when he wrote us to be "strumming" on stage?
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....*
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!!!
http://www.sistic.com.sg/opencms/opencms/events/index.html?content=821
Check out the concert!!!!
Video Game Symphony!!! I'm getting tickets early! Anyone interested?
Check out the concert!!!!
Video Game Symphony!!! I'm getting tickets early! Anyone interested?
Sunday, March 25, 2007
班长蜥蜴
Caught sight of this monitor lizard after some aunties screamed while passing by. Hey, the little fella is just basking!
GENUS 25 years
I must say it's this concert is one of those that "went by faster than the wind". Why? It seem like we had plenty of time to prepare, but somehow the concert dates approached rather quickly and before you know it, we're performing and the concert is over!
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.
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?
I spent nights arranging pieces, only to be met with cold hard statements like, "finally there's more to play, must be because we complained last week." or "My part is redundant." Hey yah, I'm not as musically talented as the general population of Singapore, so I'm damn slow when it comes to arranging by sight and even slower by ear but I get up at 6 plus to work, reach home at 10 plus, not to rest, but to begin staring at the computer screen which sometimes I fall asleep in front of.
What the hell!?!?
What the hell!?!?
Friday, March 16, 2007
Fabuloso
The bunch looking ready with Daren announcing their entrance
Where's Wee lian? 
Quintet at work!!!
Seeing some of the members performing at McCafe brings back some good memories for me. I remember myself doing these gigs as well, with very much enthusiasm and zest. It's nice to see juniors doing the same things, playing for audience, preparing small group items for small performances etc, all in the joy of enjoying some music making time together. It's valuable experience for every individual and brings guitar music closer to the public as well.
景变
在等学生时,四处游走拍下的照.觉得电话所拍的照, 好象比我的相机还要好!
心里还没拿定主意要不要去德国. 感觉上有些顾虑牵制着我. EXPOSE 去的成员不齐, 相信会掺些幼齿. 六月又得替学生复习, 带学生去爬山, 再加上理发课程. 觉得自己的思维好象老了很多, 却又带有几丝固执,任性.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
XP Highlights
1. A Leroy Anderson Portrait
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
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?
Ask and you shall recieve!
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
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
The monkeys at the reservoir can be quite daring. One small one even came up and touched my shoes! Out of curiosity I suppose.
Monkey business at Macritchie Reservoir
Grumpy one there
Paranoma shot!Once I wondered why people go to Macritchie to do their exercising.
I commented to my student that the happiest moment is sometimes that first sip of "Milo Peng" after a run. He couldn't agree more, with the lush greenery and cool breeze around. Got to know the auntie at the drinks stall, now entitles us to her "handmade" drinks which are supposed to taste better. Recommended her to go to Kimage to get her hair permed, she challenged me to find her something cheaper than 6 bucks, the service she's getting at her hairdresser's, which is quite decently done actually.
树林里弥漫着淡淡的树草甘香,带出了大自然一丝清鲜与温馨.
Monday, February 19, 2007
猪年:序幕
最近在街上凑巧看到了生肖在猪年里的运势. 肖蛇的好象犯太岁什么的.
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!!!
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!
Occasional surfs for guitar competitions. Happen to find this one, would be fantastic if we could take part.
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.
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
录音出炉了. 下载了却没什么时间听. 团员说呼吸太大声, 可能以后尝试不给呼吸的起拍.
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.
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.
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