Fund Raising Recording

I was most disgusted that UCC sound crew has once again lagged in turning up the miking system. It's rather apparent that for the first 40 seconds of Haru ga Kita, the crew was either sleeping or talking to his ass. When will they ever learn? The recording turned out not to bad, except that I have to turn up my audio set's volume quite high to hear what's going on clearly. I sincerely hope that is not the volume the audience were served with that actual day.

Haru sounded a little over-enthusiastic, mainly due to the lower voices whacking their silly quavers before the beat. Nonetheless, the overall presentation was ok, we never did do that wierd piano at the last 4 bars, sounded more like a moment of instability. The tracks were so tightly recorded that it almost sounded like we modulated to the second piece "Get Back". I quite liked the recording of that piece, sounded like a VERY professional Sec/JC group. I have a hunch we'll be able to catch this piece at SAJC's next concert. HO HO HO =)

The tutor's trio was fine, some parts sounding a little under-rehearsed, which happens to be the truth to it all. My salutes to Shuhann and Raj, for enduring through everything. Concerto en Sol was a good attempt by the committee's group, yet again saluted! Personally I felt the best ensemble piece had to be America. Though short, and not totally clean, I felt it enamated an substantial amount of musical substance, a feel that every player was at the same dimension for some moments. I know very well that the recording does not represent the third and fourth row of players very well(blessing in disguise perhaps?), but at least, what was captured was somewhat good enough.

Guitaresque was up next after the interval, Capricho Catalan was not quite well-balanced in my opinion. The piece went on quite effortlessly, something which I quantify as easy-listening. No stress on the player nor the listener! Granada was our perennial favourite to rehearse, there was much virtuosity to hear but alas! Ivan had demonstrated a spray of South Indian elements in the very Spanish piece we vowed to excel in. Segovia would have our quartet named after him if he heard the "ultimate" version during a rehearsal 2 weeks back from now. For posterity's sake that was 2006 大年初四. (Ivan demonstrated supreme music nirvana then.) Nontheless, we went through the piece without much ailments. Oh yes, I still recall that Shuhann had his nail chipped off just before sound test! KNN!

I must commend whoever was playing the alto 1 in Part of your world(Melissa?). I must say it's really one of the better sounds/tone I 've heard in the entire recording. There was also plenty of musical direction in the voice which I believe comes from diligent practising. So to those EXPOSE people out there who are reading this, it's time to get your act together and practise. Really, the amount of musicality you can deliver is just so much more if practising is done instead of SIGHT-READING on the spot every week. Moliendo cafe was nice and easy to listen to, despite a certain nitro booster pack added just about after the melody came in.

La Partida is as per rehearsed. ELO Medley kinda lacks that groove at places. We shouldn't have played the encore though. Haha, didn't sound as good.