Last month (21 Nov 2009), I went to the Singapore Conference Hall with my family for the SCO concert. That night was good expect that one or two songs may not suit to me, which was damm boring.....-_-;
Anyway, the concert night feathered the music item meant for 'snona' which is looked like the trupter but has no handle to hold. It's just like the long pipe tub that is one thing. OK, I'm fine with that insturment but do you know this one can not only play in chinese music, it also play in westen songs as well and ever pop songs.
Here's the night's concert:
1)Tributet to Homeland
2)Water Margin*
3)Invocation to the Pheonix*
4)Seeking Dreams in the Western Regions+
5)Chelsea Morining+
6)999 Stalks of Rose+
7)The Dark Sky-with Suona, Ka-qiang,Kou Qinzi and other orchestra
8)Love for the Yellow Earth(solo)
9)Dragon Lantern II+
*Suona Concerto
+With orchestra
The 'Tribute to Homeland is adapted from many folklore for 'labelled turnes' which refer to melodies of different regional and historical background. Mix with in rhythm techniques and style of Henan's opera singing. Thus it creates very good portrayal of the vibrancy and beautiful sound from suona. 'Chelsea Morning' is origined from composer cum singer, Joni Mitchell. It is very carefree and passionable music which is later arranged for the chinese orchestra. As for '999 Stalks of Roses' which is means in chinese "Cioa bian cioa sian cioa mia hua"(sorry if I type hui ei pai for chinese words) was writen by Hong Kong singer Tai Zhang Xiao. It is the love song about the yearning for loved one due to sparation in distance. The 'Water Margin Capriccio' is the inspiretion from Chinese novel, "Water Margin" which is story about the heroes of this book. This make into three different movements; First movement-Bleak Future in Adagio, Second movement-Chaotic Happening in Allegretto Leggicro, Thrid movement-Chivalrous Dead Spirits in Adagio Lento Affettuoso Ed Appassionato. It contains full of braving story with tragic and dramatic in suona concerto. Therefore it brings full of amazing sound and great melody for this piece. 'Seeking Dreams in the Western Reions' which is form of Central Asia to Western Regions and mainland China with graceing melody to pizzicato in music technique.'Love for the Yellow Earth' was composed by one of the suona player, Zhou Dong Chao who he won for the National Chinese Instrument Composition Competition. It is about the earth with people from homeland and ever bring this courage spirits of people who live in very harsh conditions and able to dare a dream for a better future.The 'Invocation to the Phoenix' which was composed in 1996 from the inspirtional of the oil base painting series, Phenix Bathing in Fire. From slow and prolonged paste to the full range of melodie with the orchestra. This based of the legend of the phoenix which symbolise the spirit of people full of exhibhiting and yearning for life.(Which is why.... I don't find that clear with this piece. Turst me....x-x) 'The Dark Sky' based from the Taiwanese folk song, 'Ti Or Or'(means the dark sky in Hokkien) which full of light-hearted turne and exquisite lyrics. And lastly, 'Dragon Lantern II' is about the festivities with the Chinese. And one of them, the Dragon Dance is known for the common sight for many Chinese. Full in reluse, with its tail swinging, in battle, and in flight. The dragon-lantern is also portray of the dragon lighting up in lanterns with is believed to bring good fortune and happiness.
I actually like 'The Dark Sky', '999 Stalks of Roses' and the 'Chelsea Morning' so far as the best. But the 'Invocation to the Phoenix', is after all quite boring if you don't get used to this as it make you more sleeping than enjoyment to listen. *sign* ><;
Wednesday, 2 December 2009
Saturday, 7 November 2009
SCO: Colours of Music (SPH 25th Anniversary Gala Concert)
Last month, there was the Halloween night when many people celebrated the night of the dead and ghost. But on that night( 31st Oct, 2009) was the big event for the Singapore Press Holding Lte (which is known as SPH) as for their 25th Anniversary. Thus, the Singapore Chinese Orchestra(SCO) would be houner to perform the music together with the photochoreograhy, James Westwater for the first time of the event.
SPH has been doing the media papers for over 25 years in history and still keep on growing for the lastest news update. From home covers to world news, maketing sockets to sports and enterment. And of cause, is still growing ever now and then.
For the two night concert(which was fall on Friday and Saturday) the orchestra group were performed the musical right at the Esplanade Concert Hall(that was where I went with my family on that Halloween eve).
Here were the list for the night's concert:
1)Molly on the Shore
2)Rumanian Folk Dances
3)Farandole
4)Vanishing Forest*
-The Lark Ascending(by solo violinist, Ling Yun Zhi)
5)Singapore Capriccio(by solo pianotis, Lim Yan)
6)Time Changes Light
7)Torrents of the River(by solo Guanzi, Han Lei)
8)Night Thought(by solo Jing Erhu, Li Bao Shum)
9)Engaging Moments-25 years of Photojournalism*
-Sea Source of Life
-People
(Chour by SYC Ensemble Singers and the River Valley Chamber Singers)
*Photochoreograhy by James Westwater
One of the feather for the night's concert was the "Molly on the Shore" and "Rumanian Folk Dances" which was based on the 6 pieces of the suits from Transylvania and Eastern Hungary like Dance with Stick and Quick dance. The "Farandole which was composed in 1872. A farm boy who falls in love with a young lady from Arles. But his parents were objected for him a match. And due her revelation of her lack of virtue, he eventual went suicided at the end. While "Singapore Capriccio" was composed in West meets East in Singapore styet, "Time Changes Ligths" was based the concept of concerto which is virtuosic treatment of the various insturments that inspirtional of nature of photography and the Chinese orchestra. The "Torrents of the River" which was based on the folk music of the north-eastern of China where the story of an ill-fate woman who was seprated from her husband by force into the army and later died in a foreign land. She went searched for him everywhere despite of hunger and chill till she cried farewell for her late husband at the riverbed. The "Night Thought" was from the Peking Opera which traditional from Kunqu area. This was taken from "Wishes for a Mortal Life".
The main photochoreograhy by Mr Westwater, himself, was based the pictures that captured throughout from one place to another in means through music. The first picture, "Vanishing Forest" which was showed about the main forest that seem about the disappear in many years to come. That way was forced on the environment matter because the forests are known as green lungs which is however some of them may destroyed through cultures and other human activities. The music, "The Lark Ascending" was combined together with the rainforest pictures to give a sense of the evoke the whole world and the treasures of beautiful forest. The second work, "Engaging Moments" which was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of SPH. Those photos taken by photojournalists for past of 25 years in the making, were selected by Mr Westwater and combined with the music by the SCO people into the 'dance of light' throughout the main screen. The first piece, "Sea-Source of Life" is based about the history making of Singapore from early 20 century to the present of the modern days. The second piece, "People" showed about the faces of the people and other citizens who have been seen in everyday life. From one person to group of people that worthwhile into the society of life in Singapore for many years and ever more years to come.
Lastly, just before end of the show, the Orchestra group were playing the "Molly on the Shore" once more for enchore. Oh dear, guess everyone in the concert seem to enjoy the music concert all the way that night before the short talk at 10 PM later after the concert. >_<
SPH has been doing the media papers for over 25 years in history and still keep on growing for the lastest news update. From home covers to world news, maketing sockets to sports and enterment. And of cause, is still growing ever now and then.
For the two night concert(which was fall on Friday and Saturday) the orchestra group were performed the musical right at the Esplanade Concert Hall(that was where I went with my family on that Halloween eve).
Here were the list for the night's concert:
1)Molly on the Shore
2)Rumanian Folk Dances
3)Farandole
4)Vanishing Forest*
-The Lark Ascending(by solo violinist, Ling Yun Zhi)
5)Singapore Capriccio(by solo pianotis, Lim Yan)
6)Time Changes Light
7)Torrents of the River(by solo Guanzi, Han Lei)
8)Night Thought(by solo Jing Erhu, Li Bao Shum)
9)Engaging Moments-25 years of Photojournalism*
-Sea Source of Life
-People
(Chour by SYC Ensemble Singers and the River Valley Chamber Singers)
*Photochoreograhy by James Westwater
One of the feather for the night's concert was the "Molly on the Shore" and "Rumanian Folk Dances" which was based on the 6 pieces of the suits from Transylvania and Eastern Hungary like Dance with Stick and Quick dance. The "Farandole which was composed in 1872. A farm boy who falls in love with a young lady from Arles. But his parents were objected for him a match. And due her revelation of her lack of virtue, he eventual went suicided at the end. While "Singapore Capriccio" was composed in West meets East in Singapore styet, "Time Changes Ligths" was based the concept of concerto which is virtuosic treatment of the various insturments that inspirtional of nature of photography and the Chinese orchestra. The "Torrents of the River" which was based on the folk music of the north-eastern of China where the story of an ill-fate woman who was seprated from her husband by force into the army and later died in a foreign land. She went searched for him everywhere despite of hunger and chill till she cried farewell for her late husband at the riverbed. The "Night Thought" was from the Peking Opera which traditional from Kunqu area. This was taken from "Wishes for a Mortal Life".
The main photochoreograhy by Mr Westwater, himself, was based the pictures that captured throughout from one place to another in means through music. The first picture, "Vanishing Forest" which was showed about the main forest that seem about the disappear in many years to come. That way was forced on the environment matter because the forests are known as green lungs which is however some of them may destroyed through cultures and other human activities. The music, "The Lark Ascending" was combined together with the rainforest pictures to give a sense of the evoke the whole world and the treasures of beautiful forest. The second work, "Engaging Moments" which was created to celebrate the 25th anniversary of SPH. Those photos taken by photojournalists for past of 25 years in the making, were selected by Mr Westwater and combined with the music by the SCO people into the 'dance of light' throughout the main screen. The first piece, "Sea-Source of Life" is based about the history making of Singapore from early 20 century to the present of the modern days. The second piece, "People" showed about the faces of the people and other citizens who have been seen in everyday life. From one person to group of people that worthwhile into the society of life in Singapore for many years and ever more years to come.
Lastly, just before end of the show, the Orchestra group were playing the "Molly on the Shore" once more for enchore. Oh dear, guess everyone in the concert seem to enjoy the music concert all the way that night before the short talk at 10 PM later after the concert. >_<
Tuesday, 13 October 2009
SCO: The Best of Chinese Melodies
Last month(26/6/09) was the SCO concert at the Confernce Hall. I was there with my parents for the concert. This theme concert was based the some of the well known Chinese music pieces which were played over certain of years including feather the very old insturments from the family tree group like 'Zhu hu' which is the oldest and lowest turn insturment. The thing was that, the concert was performated only in two days. And we went there on the second day of the concert.
(Note: some of the concerts are held only in two or three days for many orchestra groups)
The list for the concert night:
1)The Surging of Turbulent Clouds
2)Green Lake in Sping Morning
3)Flowers Blooming Everywhere
4)Welcome the Beloved Army
5)A Beautiful Quit
6)The Bustling Docks
7)North Shaanxi Suite
8)The Rising Sun
The concert was conducted by Quek Ling Kiong, member of the SCO group.
Just let you know guys, one of the songs find that quite well remember somewhere. That is 'The Rising Sun'. But those who had not heard before, then I will tell you about bit of this music piece. 'The Rising Sun' was composed in 1964 which expressed the broad-mind of a warrior and his poundness feeling while embracing through the rising sun over the sea. This was combined into three diffenent themes in one piece. The opening theme was the sun that rising from the west. On the first part of the piece, 'My Hometown is no doubt a great place' which was originated theme song from the movie, 'Red Sun'(if you watch this before hand, you will know this song). The second part was the movement of hard-working people and playfulness of the innocent children. At the end of the piece, the famous theme, 'The East is Red' which was celebrating the future of the China. Whlie 'Crane in the Clouds' was composed for the musical documentary in 1980, the 'Green Lake in Spring Morning' was the composed by Nie Er in 1934 about the Kumming, Yunnan province. 'The Surging of Turbulent' was adapted from the Peking opera Azaalea Mountain. The main original pieces was made of series of opera turnes about the heroine. 'Flowers Blooming Everywhere' was based on the folk song of Shanxi about the farmers' spirit in transforming a barren ravine into a new farming village through hard work and perseverance. The 'Welcome Beloved Army' was written in 1964 which was based from the Liuqin Opera and Linqin Ballad of the Shandong people. This piece was about the welcome home of the Liberation Army. 'A Beautiful Quilt' was composed about the Zhuang women in a village place. 'The Bustling Docks' was composed in 1970 during the period of Culture Revolution in China. The prosperity by reflection caused by the fair trade and opening policy in the inital stage. And the 'North Shaanxi Suite' was about livelihood of the people with distinctive Chinese characteristics. This was original composed in 1949.
So much of enjoyment through music, was the dilightful peace that I had so far. Next round, I maybe go back for the next concert very soon!! ^_^
(Note: some of the concerts are held only in two or three days for many orchestra groups)
The list for the concert night:
1)The Surging of Turbulent Clouds
2)Green Lake in Sping Morning
3)Flowers Blooming Everywhere
4)Welcome the Beloved Army
5)A Beautiful Quit
6)The Bustling Docks
7)North Shaanxi Suite
8)The Rising Sun
The concert was conducted by Quek Ling Kiong, member of the SCO group.
Just let you know guys, one of the songs find that quite well remember somewhere. That is 'The Rising Sun'. But those who had not heard before, then I will tell you about bit of this music piece. 'The Rising Sun' was composed in 1964 which expressed the broad-mind of a warrior and his poundness feeling while embracing through the rising sun over the sea. This was combined into three diffenent themes in one piece. The opening theme was the sun that rising from the west. On the first part of the piece, 'My Hometown is no doubt a great place' which was originated theme song from the movie, 'Red Sun'(if you watch this before hand, you will know this song). The second part was the movement of hard-working people and playfulness of the innocent children. At the end of the piece, the famous theme, 'The East is Red' which was celebrating the future of the China. Whlie 'Crane in the Clouds' was composed for the musical documentary in 1980, the 'Green Lake in Spring Morning' was the composed by Nie Er in 1934 about the Kumming, Yunnan province. 'The Surging of Turbulent' was adapted from the Peking opera Azaalea Mountain. The main original pieces was made of series of opera turnes about the heroine. 'Flowers Blooming Everywhere' was based on the folk song of Shanxi about the farmers' spirit in transforming a barren ravine into a new farming village through hard work and perseverance. The 'Welcome Beloved Army' was written in 1964 which was based from the Liuqin Opera and Linqin Ballad of the Shandong people. This piece was about the welcome home of the Liberation Army. 'A Beautiful Quilt' was composed about the Zhuang women in a village place. 'The Bustling Docks' was composed in 1970 during the period of Culture Revolution in China. The prosperity by reflection caused by the fair trade and opening policy in the inital stage. And the 'North Shaanxi Suite' was about livelihood of the people with distinctive Chinese characteristics. This was original composed in 1949.
So much of enjoyment through music, was the dilightful peace that I had so far. Next round, I maybe go back for the next concert very soon!! ^_^
Sunday, 30 August 2009
Blue days..... over H1N1 illness
These days, the H1N1 got some nerve wacking for everyone in Singapore including the whole world. Speaking about the vires, most of us would rather nothing more than being Kasiue!(meaning nothing to lose)Anyway, somehow this problem seem getting down very slowly now expect of the dead troll that is. Quite scare about it but what to do.....? Hmmm..... looks like everyone in this city has to take part for the pervention couse. During pass two months, every clinites, hospital and ever home centian for the old and disable people have to take the tempreture for every visitors and ever in schools must take some precontion on every students down there. Great, looks like we a bit like Kasiue. That is why as some Singaporeans say, it's better to be safe than sorry. So I must glad that our govoument really know when we able to prepare for the couse. Thanks to that stupie vires.... When are we going be safe?? We not sure when, but let's hope that the worst is over soon....
Saturday, 20 June 2009
June session:SYCO Annual Concert 2009 and SCO:Jazz you up!
This month was really great ever thought we have now have some problems with H1F1 vires and Haze days(if any by chance).
The concert by youth orchestra and main Chinese orchestra was really happen the most ever for young kids should have spend some times of listen to the old Chinese music.The only thing was that I end up went to the Conference Hall with my whole family for the Jazz music last Saturday right after the youth's concert last week.
The Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra(SYCO) was formed back then in 2003 and was first played in 2004 (after year later).This year SYCO's concert, Young Voice was really good but only at the end of the concert was quite messing somewhere at the end of the concert.The list of item music for the SYCO concert:
Water of the Yellow River
Suite for Chinese String Instruments
Sights and Sounds of China
-Little Cabbage
-Green Willows
-Going to West Gate
-Gracing the Horse
Singapore Overture
Fishermen's song of the East Seas
The list of the item music by Singapore Chinese Orchestra0(SCO):
*The New Millennium of the Dragon Year
-1st movement:The Sun
*The Phoenix
The White-Haired Girl Suite
-1st movement:Smouldering Anger
-2nd movement:The Blowing North Wind and Rred Ribbon
-3rd movement:Dachun Joining the Army
-4th movement:Escaping from Hell
-5th movement:Celebrating the Victory
(combine music with SYCO)
*Note:Performated by soloists
'Water of the Yellow River' is usually played on few insturments to make the waves of the Yellow Rivers while the 'Suite for Chinese String Instruments' is divided into three parts: rubato,largo and presto.The 'Sights and Sounds of China' was originally based on the folk songs: 'Little Cabbage' was a song about a boy who was mistreated by his step-mother and was longing for his mother as he missed her so much.'Green Willow' was based from the animation and folk song known as Yangzhou though it's lyric was meaningless.'Going to West Gate' is one of the folk song that featuring people from their homeland in povertised huangtu plateau were forced to leave from their town and traveling to west of the country in order to make for their living. There are three diffenent version for this song, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia. One of them, Shanxi piece, was story about the couple who were unwilling to let go from each others as one of them was forced to go to the West. And the 'Gracing the Horse' is a Yunan folk song and one of the famous music in China.It was about the ridder who rids on his horse with his wipper in Yunan country side.The 'Fishermen's song of the Eastern Seas' was not only poupler folk music but also has been played this piece since 1959. This composed piece was divided into four parts: First section-Dawn, Second section-The Fishing Fleets, Third section-Wining a Battle Against the Strong Sea and Fourth section-A Happy Return with Great Harvest. These were part of the 'Fishermen's song of the Eastern Seas' and ever my dad liked this music very much.'The Phoenix' was based influence of the Chinese traditional music and was combined together with the Western music.'The New Millennium of the Dragon Year-The Sun' was comporsed for the New Millennium known as 21st Century as it was Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calender. This music was played along the traditional drums and western drums. The last piece,'The White-Haired Girl Suite' was adapted from the symphonic work of the same title, 'White-Haired Girl'. It was composed for the ballet story about a poor farmer Yang Bailao who was pressed for the payment of debts landlord Huang Shiren and could not rescue her daughter Xi'er from being taken away. This was composed of Huabei, Hebei and Shaanxi folk music. This was composed in 1974 which was during period of China's culture revolution.It was played in five movements: Smouldering Anger, The Blowing North Wind and Red Ribbon, Dachun Joining the Army, Escaping from Hell and Celebrating the Victory.Although the last piece was kind of messing somewhere but the Singapore Overturn was so far the best from the rest from the list. Beside that, the 'Sights and Sounds of China' was also very good music. At least the youths were did very well in their performation. And what else everyone should know is that the Ministy of Education(MOE) has joined in the collaboration with SCO as the part for the National Project of Excellence(NPOE) with the SYCO. Hopefully students will be identify for their talent in music so that they will able to perform in their near future.
Following the week, on last Saturday(13th June, 2009) was the Jazz You Up performated by SCO and the Jazz group from USA known as Chris Brubeck's Triple Play. This was their second time for Triple Play to play on stage together with the Chinese Orchestra. Their first performation in Singapore was really great so this time they came here to play with them again along with their poupler music such as 'Take Five' and 'Unsquare Dance'. Anyway, I was keen excited about listen to the Jazz music with orchestra so that was my first time to be there at Conference Hall.
Here were the list of the items for that day:
1)Strike Up the Band
2)The Mighty Mrs. Hippy*
3)Brother Can You Spare a Dime?*
4)Grassland Fastasy*
5)Koto Song*
6)Unsquare Dance*
7)Blue Suite For Harmonica and Orchestra*
8)Trombone Concerto Movement 1-Paradise Utopia
9)Summer Palace*
10)Prelude in D minor
11)Take Five*
12)Blue Rondo ala Turk*
*Preformation with Chirs Brubeck's Triple Play
NOTE:
Performation by soloists following:
Take Five by Han Lei(Guazi),Wong Sun-Tat(Erhu),Yu Jia(Pipa)
Koto Song by Xu Hui(Zheng) and Tan Chye Tiong(Dizi)
Most of the songs were composed and/or arranged by Christ Brubeck, himself expect for the first song,"Strike Up the Band" which was originated by George Gershwin.(Eric Watson was then latter adapted to this song) "The Grasslands Rhapsody" or known as "Grassland Fantasy" was originated the Mongolia folk song Pastoral which was why they placed in with the blues and the Chinese folk song as the main music piece because of the melodious Bossa Nova theme."Blues Suite for Harmonica and Orchestra" was the played with the harmonica instulmer which plays through the mouth(by placing between the lips onto the harmonica) together with the orchestra."Trombone Concerto Movement 1-Paradise Utopia" which is played by solo trombone with aggressive, lyrical, witty and flamboyant qualities."Summer Palace" which was originated played by Hong Kong pianist, Kong Hong Wei, later adapted by local composer, Law Wai Lun for the orchestra. So far, the "Unsquare Dance" which composed by Chirs' father, Dave Brubeck, was most likely very interesting but quite rare to hear that because its unusual note sacle, 7/4 and gave alot of confuess for most audiences and dancers during the earlier days. That was why Chirs wrote the lyries for the piece as it was mix the western music with the sumbarn rhythme. "Take Five" was played by Dave's band, Dave Brubeck Quartet which was known well fro groundbreaking composition since in the 70s. With Triple Play's version, takes a completely unique featuring jaw harp as well as guitar, trombone, electric bass and harmonica. This was written by Chris' uncle, Paul Desmond, the musical.(Note sacle for the piece is 5/4). Looks like I had enjoyed myself throughout the concert till the end. I do really wish to look forware for the Chris Brubeck's Triple Play concert with the orchestra soon! ^__^
The concert by youth orchestra and main Chinese orchestra was really happen the most ever for young kids should have spend some times of listen to the old Chinese music.The only thing was that I end up went to the Conference Hall with my whole family for the Jazz music last Saturday right after the youth's concert last week.
The Singapore Youth Chinese Orchestra(SYCO) was formed back then in 2003 and was first played in 2004 (after year later).This year SYCO's concert, Young Voice was really good but only at the end of the concert was quite messing somewhere at the end of the concert.The list of item music for the SYCO concert:
Water of the Yellow River
Suite for Chinese String Instruments
Sights and Sounds of China
-Little Cabbage
-Green Willows
-Going to West Gate
-Gracing the Horse
Singapore Overture
Fishermen's song of the East Seas
The list of the item music by Singapore Chinese Orchestra0(SCO):
*The New Millennium of the Dragon Year
-1st movement:The Sun
*The Phoenix
The White-Haired Girl Suite
-1st movement:Smouldering Anger
-2nd movement:The Blowing North Wind and Rred Ribbon
-3rd movement:Dachun Joining the Army
-4th movement:Escaping from Hell
-5th movement:Celebrating the Victory
(combine music with SYCO)
*Note:Performated by soloists
'Water of the Yellow River' is usually played on few insturments to make the waves of the Yellow Rivers while the 'Suite for Chinese String Instruments' is divided into three parts: rubato,largo and presto.The 'Sights and Sounds of China' was originally based on the folk songs: 'Little Cabbage' was a song about a boy who was mistreated by his step-mother and was longing for his mother as he missed her so much.'Green Willow' was based from the animation and folk song known as Yangzhou though it's lyric was meaningless.'Going to West Gate' is one of the folk song that featuring people from their homeland in povertised huangtu plateau were forced to leave from their town and traveling to west of the country in order to make for their living. There are three diffenent version for this song, Shanxi, Shaanxi and Inner Mongolia. One of them, Shanxi piece, was story about the couple who were unwilling to let go from each others as one of them was forced to go to the West. And the 'Gracing the Horse' is a Yunan folk song and one of the famous music in China.It was about the ridder who rids on his horse with his wipper in Yunan country side.The 'Fishermen's song of the Eastern Seas' was not only poupler folk music but also has been played this piece since 1959. This composed piece was divided into four parts: First section-Dawn, Second section-The Fishing Fleets, Third section-Wining a Battle Against the Strong Sea and Fourth section-A Happy Return with Great Harvest. These were part of the 'Fishermen's song of the Eastern Seas' and ever my dad liked this music very much.'The Phoenix' was based influence of the Chinese traditional music and was combined together with the Western music.'The New Millennium of the Dragon Year-The Sun' was comporsed for the New Millennium known as 21st Century as it was Year of the Dragon on the Chinese calender. This music was played along the traditional drums and western drums. The last piece,'The White-Haired Girl Suite' was adapted from the symphonic work of the same title, 'White-Haired Girl'. It was composed for the ballet story about a poor farmer Yang Bailao who was pressed for the payment of debts landlord Huang Shiren and could not rescue her daughter Xi'er from being taken away. This was composed of Huabei, Hebei and Shaanxi folk music. This was composed in 1974 which was during period of China's culture revolution.It was played in five movements: Smouldering Anger, The Blowing North Wind and Red Ribbon, Dachun Joining the Army, Escaping from Hell and Celebrating the Victory.Although the last piece was kind of messing somewhere but the Singapore Overturn was so far the best from the rest from the list. Beside that, the 'Sights and Sounds of China' was also very good music. At least the youths were did very well in their performation. And what else everyone should know is that the Ministy of Education(MOE) has joined in the collaboration with SCO as the part for the National Project of Excellence(NPOE) with the SYCO. Hopefully students will be identify for their talent in music so that they will able to perform in their near future.
Following the week, on last Saturday(13th June, 2009) was the Jazz You Up performated by SCO and the Jazz group from USA known as Chris Brubeck's Triple Play. This was their second time for Triple Play to play on stage together with the Chinese Orchestra. Their first performation in Singapore was really great so this time they came here to play with them again along with their poupler music such as 'Take Five' and 'Unsquare Dance'. Anyway, I was keen excited about listen to the Jazz music with orchestra so that was my first time to be there at Conference Hall.
Here were the list of the items for that day:
1)Strike Up the Band
2)The Mighty Mrs. Hippy*
3)Brother Can You Spare a Dime?*
4)Grassland Fastasy*
5)Koto Song*
6)Unsquare Dance*
7)Blue Suite For Harmonica and Orchestra*
8)Trombone Concerto Movement 1-Paradise Utopia
9)Summer Palace*
10)Prelude in D minor
11)Take Five*
12)Blue Rondo ala Turk*
*Preformation with Chirs Brubeck's Triple Play
NOTE:
Performation by soloists following:
Take Five by Han Lei(Guazi),Wong Sun-Tat(Erhu),Yu Jia(Pipa)
Koto Song by Xu Hui(Zheng) and Tan Chye Tiong(Dizi)
Most of the songs were composed and/or arranged by Christ Brubeck, himself expect for the first song,"Strike Up the Band" which was originated by George Gershwin.(Eric Watson was then latter adapted to this song) "The Grasslands Rhapsody" or known as "Grassland Fantasy" was originated the Mongolia folk song Pastoral which was why they placed in with the blues and the Chinese folk song as the main music piece because of the melodious Bossa Nova theme."Blues Suite for Harmonica and Orchestra" was the played with the harmonica instulmer which plays through the mouth(by placing between the lips onto the harmonica) together with the orchestra."Trombone Concerto Movement 1-Paradise Utopia" which is played by solo trombone with aggressive, lyrical, witty and flamboyant qualities."Summer Palace" which was originated played by Hong Kong pianist, Kong Hong Wei, later adapted by local composer, Law Wai Lun for the orchestra. So far, the "Unsquare Dance" which composed by Chirs' father, Dave Brubeck, was most likely very interesting but quite rare to hear that because its unusual note sacle, 7/4 and gave alot of confuess for most audiences and dancers during the earlier days. That was why Chirs wrote the lyries for the piece as it was mix the western music with the sumbarn rhythme. "Take Five" was played by Dave's band, Dave Brubeck Quartet which was known well fro groundbreaking composition since in the 70s. With Triple Play's version, takes a completely unique featuring jaw harp as well as guitar, trombone, electric bass and harmonica. This was written by Chris' uncle, Paul Desmond, the musical.(Note sacle for the piece is 5/4). Looks like I had enjoyed myself throughout the concert till the end. I do really wish to look forware for the Chris Brubeck's Triple Play concert with the orchestra soon! ^__^
Final Fantesy:Distant Worlds(Singapore Festival Art)
For those who went to the Singapore Esplanade Concert Hall last month(22nd and 23rd of May, 2009) for the concert, should read this post this time after the Singapore Festival Arts was over and I haven't post for quite some times so this time I would like to make a REAL comman about one of the progammes of this year festival.I'm talking Final Fantesy:Distant Worlds. YES, I mean for this concert event held by Singapore Festival Art progamme.....>@<
What's the best thing about the concert night on that day was really great! Well, too bad my sister didn't book on the second day for the concert as it was already fully book so we end up bought the tickets for the first day's concert which was on Friday, 22nd of May.
That day, I went together with my sisters, Esther(older sister) and Judy(the younger sister) to the Esplanade by MRT station from Hougang(from Northeast line) to City Hall interchange(North-South line) then walked through the underpass turrnal(which is known as City Link) before reaching the Esplanade. The programme was started at 7:30 PM and my sisters wanted to buy the CD of the Final Fantesy seriers so I just went up to the second floor and waited for them for awhile.By the time they gone to the booth, there were running out of CDs so one of them had to go up to the third floor to try her luck.Before concert started, just nice she bought it in nick of time otherwise....well, some super 'kasuie' people would have gotten the CDs before her.
Never mind about that, when we went into the Concert Hall, we seated at the second top corrner just right facing the main screen and the stage.Not the one of the first floor where seats were cause this might not see clearly if you seat on the middle roll.
What really best thing about the music concert most of the music item were all based from the well known game, Final Fantesy seriers. Especially from FF7 seriers,FF8 and FF1,2 and 3.Although some music I haven't heard them before like 'Maria and Draco' from FF6 and 'Memoro de la Stono - Distant Worlds' from FF11(online ver.), I liked one of music which was really interesting.....the Chocobo item song which runs under the series of Final Fantesy. The most cool item that players would not forget was the recomposed of the same song by added into a bit of Jazz was from FF10, 'Swing de Chocobo'. OK.....most of this piece is the same old thing that's all I know about.(NOTE: don't flamed on me about this...)00;
What really surprised most of audience was that a composer from Japan was here for the concert! And that was Mr.Nobuo Uematsu. Mr Nobua or some fans called as Nobua sasen(means in greeting theme as Mr/Miss/Mrs) was not only that he could speak abit of English(which we had already forgiven him), he also down-earth person too just like us in normal life.He was just simply gentleman who happened likes to eat our locate Chicken rice after all.^^'
At the end of the show, there was on called going on and the Singapore Festival Orchestra once more played the last two items before closing end of the concert and one of them was 'One-Winged Angel' from FF7, everyone's most favour song.Just happened, Nobua sasen went up on stage to join in with rest of the choirs from Victoria Chorale and The Vocal Consort. He was not bad in singing through out the part of the song which seem to be pleause surprised.
Right after the programme, there was long quene of people at the autograph section waited for the conductor and Mr. Nobua, himself. Wow..... looked at them it seem like three of us had never see such quene before as many people were rushing out from exit door just before end the show.^_^;
See for more inform about the concert tour:http://na.square-enix.com/music/dw_ff/
What's the best thing about the concert night on that day was really great! Well, too bad my sister didn't book on the second day for the concert as it was already fully book so we end up bought the tickets for the first day's concert which was on Friday, 22nd of May.
That day, I went together with my sisters, Esther(older sister) and Judy(the younger sister) to the Esplanade by MRT station from Hougang(from Northeast line) to City Hall interchange(North-South line) then walked through the underpass turrnal(which is known as City Link) before reaching the Esplanade. The programme was started at 7:30 PM and my sisters wanted to buy the CD of the Final Fantesy seriers so I just went up to the second floor and waited for them for awhile.By the time they gone to the booth, there were running out of CDs so one of them had to go up to the third floor to try her luck.Before concert started, just nice she bought it in nick of time otherwise....well, some super 'kasuie' people would have gotten the CDs before her.
Never mind about that, when we went into the Concert Hall, we seated at the second top corrner just right facing the main screen and the stage.Not the one of the first floor where seats were cause this might not see clearly if you seat on the middle roll.
What really best thing about the music concert most of the music item were all based from the well known game, Final Fantesy seriers. Especially from FF7 seriers,FF8 and FF1,2 and 3.Although some music I haven't heard them before like 'Maria and Draco' from FF6 and 'Memoro de la Stono - Distant Worlds' from FF11(online ver.), I liked one of music which was really interesting.....the Chocobo item song which runs under the series of Final Fantesy. The most cool item that players would not forget was the recomposed of the same song by added into a bit of Jazz was from FF10, 'Swing de Chocobo'. OK.....most of this piece is the same old thing that's all I know about.(NOTE: don't flamed on me about this...)00;
What really surprised most of audience was that a composer from Japan was here for the concert! And that was Mr.Nobuo Uematsu. Mr Nobua or some fans called as Nobua sasen(means in greeting theme as Mr/Miss/Mrs) was not only that he could speak abit of English(which we had already forgiven him), he also down-earth person too just like us in normal life.He was just simply gentleman who happened likes to eat our locate Chicken rice after all.^^'
At the end of the show, there was on called going on and the Singapore Festival Orchestra once more played the last two items before closing end of the concert and one of them was 'One-Winged Angel' from FF7, everyone's most favour song.Just happened, Nobua sasen went up on stage to join in with rest of the choirs from Victoria Chorale and The Vocal Consort. He was not bad in singing through out the part of the song which seem to be pleause surprised.
Right after the programme, there was long quene of people at the autograph section waited for the conductor and Mr. Nobua, himself. Wow..... looked at them it seem like three of us had never see such quene before as many people were rushing out from exit door just before end the show.^_^;
See for more inform about the concert tour:http://na.square-enix.com/music/dw_ff/
Friday, 17 April 2009
SCO: Treasures of Japan
On last Friday night(17th of April,2009), my whole family and I went to the Esplanade for the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's (SCO) concert, 'Treasures of Japan'. This concert had this list of Japanese music composed by both Japanese and Chinese composers.Usuall for Japanese music, is played on type of insultments: Shakuhachi,Koto,Japanese erhu,Wadaiko(it's a kind of drum set used by the Taiko players) and other insultments.
Here were list items for concert:
1)Spring of Japan
2)Dance of the Fimament*
3)Monk Jianzhen Sailing Eastward
4)Hi-Ten-Yu*
*Note: composed by Isao Matsushita
The "Dance of the Firmament" is usuall based on the fundamental Buddhist comcept of the Five Buddhist Aphorisms(known as 'Sanskrit: Panca Skandha') which is fused into both Japanese and Chinese culture. There are shiki(Skt,rupa which is a term for all forms of matter), ju(Vedana for impressions and perceptions derived from the phenomenal world ), so(Samjna for mental conceptions and ideas of the entitles of the world ), gyo(Samskara for mental processes and volition) and shiki(Vijnana, consciousness of mind that inegrates volition). This works for three parts for the human being in Buddhist notion:body,speech and mind(known as Sin-Ku-I).
The "Monk Jianzhen Sailing Eastward" is a story based about a high priest and a teacher of Buddhist in China went down to Japan for teacher without being fuss in 733 B.C. "Hi-Ten-Yu" is a drum performation in a ritual of Japan. It was to be believed to connect heaven with earth. Usuall played by Wadaiko drums traditional. And my favour music, "Spring of Japan" which is played on Dizi together with orchestra for the unique Japanese scale to express the romantic and joyful spirit of Japanese folk and it's indescribable delightfulness. But as the programme came to the end of the concert, there was on called not once, but twice.(if I'm not wrong.....) And that Taiko soloist really know how to play that kind of such a big set of Wadaiko, I guess that not so easy to play the Japanese drum if you want to try it. He got such a big body build but quite short through I never see him for my first time. By end of the concert, it was 9:40 PM and my family wanted to have light dinner somewhere, so I went out with them after concert for dinner that late night!
Here were list items for concert:
1)Spring of Japan
2)Dance of the Fimament*
3)Monk Jianzhen Sailing Eastward
4)Hi-Ten-Yu*
*Note: composed by Isao Matsushita
The "Dance of the Firmament" is usuall based on the fundamental Buddhist comcept of the Five Buddhist Aphorisms(known as 'Sanskrit: Panca Skandha') which is fused into both Japanese and Chinese culture. There are shiki(Skt,rupa which is a term for all forms of matter), ju(Vedana for impressions and perceptions derived from the phenomenal world ), so(Samjna for mental conceptions and ideas of the entitles of the world ), gyo(Samskara for mental processes and volition) and shiki(Vijnana, consciousness of mind that inegrates volition). This works for three parts for the human being in Buddhist notion:body,speech and mind(known as Sin-Ku-I).
The "Monk Jianzhen Sailing Eastward" is a story based about a high priest and a teacher of Buddhist in China went down to Japan for teacher without being fuss in 733 B.C. "Hi-Ten-Yu" is a drum performation in a ritual of Japan. It was to be believed to connect heaven with earth. Usuall played by Wadaiko drums traditional. And my favour music, "Spring of Japan" which is played on Dizi together with orchestra for the unique Japanese scale to express the romantic and joyful spirit of Japanese folk and it's indescribable delightfulness. But as the programme came to the end of the concert, there was on called not once, but twice.(if I'm not wrong.....) And that Taiko soloist really know how to play that kind of such a big set of Wadaiko, I guess that not so easy to play the Japanese drum if you want to try it. He got such a big body build but quite short through I never see him for my first time. By end of the concert, it was 9:40 PM and my family wanted to have light dinner somewhere, so I went out with them after concert for dinner that late night!
Saturday, 21 February 2009
SCO:Chinese Opera Meets Animation/Folklore and Legends
Since then last post, I haven't update yet due to my hoildays and house spring cleaning. But anyway, I'm going to post up the latest post now.
On 7th Feb,2009(two weeks ago), I went to Esplanade together with my parents to see the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's(SCO) performation(Chinese Opera Meets Animation). This time they were played the music together with the animation that was on the screen. Just before I went for their concert, I haven't see animation with the main orchestra on stage before so this was my first time to see that progamme.Here were the main list for the night's concert:
1)Orchestra Prelude(intro)
2)The Empty City Strategem-done by Huang Jun*
3)Ocrhestra Interlude I
4)Dream in the Spring Chambers-done by Chang Hong*
5)Ocrhestra Interlude II
6)Wu Song Taming the Tiger-done by Yang An and Chen Min*
7)The Flight of Lin Chong-done by Zhang Zhenxing and Li Jiajia*
8)Orchestra Prelude(2nd intro after intermission)
9)Concubine Yang's Drunken Stupor-done by Yang Mai and Yu Jin*
10)Orchestra Interlude III
11)Orchestra and Sand painting*
12)Legend of White Snake-done by Ruan Yun Ting(an artist and sand painter)*
*NOTE:All the animation were show in flat screen during the concert including of sand painting performation.
All the intro and the interlude were went through well together with the movie screen each time before the next show started.In"The Empty City Strategem", Wei general Sima Yi leads his troops into the streets of the Shu during the period of the Three Kingdoms. Ma Su, part of Zhuge Liang's troops fail to hold the fort. Sima Yi leads his troopss in pursuit and arrives at Xi Cheng. Zhuge Liang opens his gate wide without any troops in sight and calmly plays his 'zither' at the top of the gate tower. Sima Yi suspects this to be an ambush and abandons the attack. This was based on the Beijing Opera with the same name. The main animation was simple and short.Main theme was in plain and quick-tempo with colourfully characteristics in a traditional Chinese ink brush painting.The "Dream in the Sping Chambers" was a story about Mdarm Zhang's dream that she was waiting for her husband to be returned and their intimacy in bed but he was killed during the war thus he didn't made home for her and she became a widow.This work used in 2D and 3D graphics,freeze frames and photographs for portray Beijing opera singing and movement."Wu Song Taming the Tiger" was about main charather named Wu Song who went out from his home to pay a visit his brother.He just then stopped by to drink some wine at Jingyang Rigdge before going to across the rigdge in drunk. But he was told not to go there after three cups of wine as there was a tiger at the end of the rigdge.But he went off to the rigdge instead of heel advice. As he was reached at the other side and rest down there, the tiger jumped out from nowhere and somehow he managed to kill the beast with his skillful and valiant at the end.The animation was done in 3D while the background was only in 2D with ink brush painting and water colour painting. Later, "The Flight of Lin Chong" was based from one of the main story for Kun opera, 'The Chronicles of the Treasure Sword'. Once was a chief instructor of 800,000-strong imperial guards, Lin Chong was framed by main betrayed Gao Qiu who sent his assassinators to attack him. He took a detour as he able to escape from the guards and was finally forced himself to seek refuge at the Mount Liang to become a bandit.These animate creaters used the 2D hand-drawn animation combining with 3D animation effects for the main story.Adding mono-colour and using simple character model with action sequences gives the highlight of the protagonist's image of a highly-skilled and resolute martial arts exponent.Using traditional ink brush painting for illustration of the snow covered landscape as part of the story. Then the "Concubine Yang's Drunken Stupor" was story about this Concubine named Yang Yuhuan who had a date with Emperor Xuanzhong of Tang Dynasty at the Hundred Flower Pavilion. Hours later however, the eunuch arrived and announced that the Emperpor has departed for Western palace instead. She knew that she had fallen out of the Emperpor's favour and resorted to drink and gazed at blooming flowers for enterainment alone by herself. This piece of the Beijing opera is one of the most famous "drunken" sequence among the rest the operas. Using 3D animation with blending 2D animation and captured interpretation of Concubine Yang's dance movements along with 3D animation background for sets of moods.
After that, the Orchestra and Sand painting was performated on stage as laying out together from one picture from the start to the end.This lady worked out on 'drawing' onto white screen with sand and then later change from one picture to another before coming to end when she drew out a famous of Wall of China. Lastly, was the "Legend of the White Snake" as this story has been pasting for many generations as a old folk's talet. A white snake spirt changed into a beautiful maiden after years of meditation. She later chanced upon a gentle yet heartless scholar, Xu Xian at the lake. Thus they became fall in love within. Then Xu Xian began to mistrust Madam White Snake as he suspected of getting the better of romantic love and the battle between sexes causing to have a tragedy sparked by a patriarchal society's suppression of alternative ideals. In later part of the story, the monk, Fa Hai and Xu Xian merge into a single character.This sand painter used sand to create a story.The character styling is vivid and combining perfectly with the various colours and lighting effects. In perfectible grasp of sands as an artistic medium to bring modelling capabilities of the sand to full potential to create a rich visual experience onto the main screen.
Well I liked the last film which was using sand at most of the time. The rest of the show were very good and the orchestra was doing very well.Without the orchestra, there would be pointless without feeling of the main opera as it was originate done on the theater stage before for many years.
*NOTE:Mind you... the sand painter is a Chinese illustrator, a comic artist and independent director for films, Ruan Yun Ting. If you have any information about her, just let me know about her and I will post this blog later.
On last Saturday(21st of Feb,2009) I went to Concert Hall for the Chinese Orchestra's concert, Folklore and Legends. This time with the guest condutor,Choo Hoey who was famous for performating many concert with other orchestra is now becoming retirement. He was in Singapore for two-day concert with the SCO so that was my first time to see him at the concert.
Here were the list for the night's concert:
1)Festoon Drum of Fengyang
2)Impression of Malaysia
3)Legend of Luhuitou Village
4)Impressions of Russian Folk Song*
5)Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles
6)Four Scottish Dance*
7)Molly on the Shore*
NOTE:These songs might have played full on the first day of two-day concert(20th Feb,2009).
The "Festoon Drum of Fengyang" was rearranged from well known An Hui folk song of the same title which is a kind of folk song, dance and drum.From the local Yangko tune,has a strong accented rhythms. It was original first piece music in Fengyang therefore this song known as "Festoon Drum of Fengyang".
The "Impression of Malaysia" which was about the main colourful customs and culture of Malaysia and the long-house lodging of the yiban tribes.Thus this composer,Qian Zhao Xi,composed this piece based on the Malaysia folk tunes and rhythm. The interesting piece,"The Legend of the Luhuitou" was based about a touch love story when one of the village of Li went down for hunting and saw a golden deer in the forest. He was then bravily chased it along the valley and mountains until reached the southern end of the mountain range. As this hunter was about to release his arrow, the dear suddenly transformed into a beautiful Li maiden. He was astonishment as he dropped his bow and arrow and slowly took his flute out and performed together with her in love song.In later part, they resided at the place and bought barren hills under cultivation.The "Impressions of Russian Folk Song" was based the popular pieces of Russian folk songs which the composer,Kwok Hang Kei learnt from his Russian teacher in his youth days. After almost half of the century, he began to rearrange with some of the songs as the "Impressions of Russian Folk Song":
1)Lonely Guitar
2)Peaceful Country
3)Little Apple
4)Lotus in the Snow
5)Kamarinskaya
The "Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles" was based the main history of the Singapore when Sir Stamford Raffles went there for a short stay.As he seemed to bear a witness to the whole history, the people had struggled through many diffcult years and worked very hard to achieve a better standard of living. Thus this statue, is the main testimony to all these developments.
And the last two pieces,"Four Scottish Dances" which was based a inspirey of the Scottish dance and it was first played in BBC Light Music Festival in 1957. And the "Molly on the Shore", one of the composing pieces and the last piece for Percy Grainger which was based from the main song by Charles Stanford, "Temple Hill" and "Molly on the Shore". Althrough he had done his first piece for his mother, Rose as her birthday gift, this song was known for its rhythmic intensity and highly subtle usage of the original themes.Thus it was one of Grainger's signatures, the large number of chromatic lines and high level of veriation in the instrumentation givien "Molly on the Shore" unprecedented energy. The only thing was that why the music played went cut short as I though the orchestra people going to have two more pieces to play. But, I guessed that they had a long played on the first night of two-day concert so on the second night went shorther. That was what I had thinking.
Anyway, maybe next time, I should take a chance to listen in full version of the songs if any.
OK.... that's all I had enough in writing now. Unless, if I have other things to write, I will post new one to you guys. Later! ^_^
(Have a great year ahead for 2009! Sorry for denying.... x_x;)
On 7th Feb,2009(two weeks ago), I went to Esplanade together with my parents to see the Singapore Chinese Orchestra's(SCO) performation(Chinese Opera Meets Animation). This time they were played the music together with the animation that was on the screen. Just before I went for their concert, I haven't see animation with the main orchestra on stage before so this was my first time to see that progamme.Here were the main list for the night's concert:
1)Orchestra Prelude(intro)
2)The Empty City Strategem-done by Huang Jun*
3)Ocrhestra Interlude I
4)Dream in the Spring Chambers-done by Chang Hong*
5)Ocrhestra Interlude II
6)Wu Song Taming the Tiger-done by Yang An and Chen Min*
7)The Flight of Lin Chong-done by Zhang Zhenxing and Li Jiajia*
8)Orchestra Prelude(2nd intro after intermission)
9)Concubine Yang's Drunken Stupor-done by Yang Mai and Yu Jin*
10)Orchestra Interlude III
11)Orchestra and Sand painting*
12)Legend of White Snake-done by Ruan Yun Ting(an artist and sand painter)*
*NOTE:All the animation were show in flat screen during the concert including of sand painting performation.
All the intro and the interlude were went through well together with the movie screen each time before the next show started.In"The Empty City Strategem", Wei general Sima Yi leads his troops into the streets of the Shu during the period of the Three Kingdoms. Ma Su, part of Zhuge Liang's troops fail to hold the fort. Sima Yi leads his troopss in pursuit and arrives at Xi Cheng. Zhuge Liang opens his gate wide without any troops in sight and calmly plays his 'zither' at the top of the gate tower. Sima Yi suspects this to be an ambush and abandons the attack. This was based on the Beijing Opera with the same name. The main animation was simple and short.Main theme was in plain and quick-tempo with colourfully characteristics in a traditional Chinese ink brush painting.The "Dream in the Sping Chambers" was a story about Mdarm Zhang's dream that she was waiting for her husband to be returned and their intimacy in bed but he was killed during the war thus he didn't made home for her and she became a widow.This work used in 2D and 3D graphics,freeze frames and photographs for portray Beijing opera singing and movement."Wu Song Taming the Tiger" was about main charather named Wu Song who went out from his home to pay a visit his brother.He just then stopped by to drink some wine at Jingyang Rigdge before going to across the rigdge in drunk. But he was told not to go there after three cups of wine as there was a tiger at the end of the rigdge.But he went off to the rigdge instead of heel advice. As he was reached at the other side and rest down there, the tiger jumped out from nowhere and somehow he managed to kill the beast with his skillful and valiant at the end.The animation was done in 3D while the background was only in 2D with ink brush painting and water colour painting. Later, "The Flight of Lin Chong" was based from one of the main story for Kun opera, 'The Chronicles of the Treasure Sword'. Once was a chief instructor of 800,000-strong imperial guards, Lin Chong was framed by main betrayed Gao Qiu who sent his assassinators to attack him. He took a detour as he able to escape from the guards and was finally forced himself to seek refuge at the Mount Liang to become a bandit.These animate creaters used the 2D hand-drawn animation combining with 3D animation effects for the main story.Adding mono-colour and using simple character model with action sequences gives the highlight of the protagonist's image of a highly-skilled and resolute martial arts exponent.Using traditional ink brush painting for illustration of the snow covered landscape as part of the story. Then the "Concubine Yang's Drunken Stupor" was story about this Concubine named Yang Yuhuan who had a date with Emperor Xuanzhong of Tang Dynasty at the Hundred Flower Pavilion. Hours later however, the eunuch arrived and announced that the Emperpor has departed for Western palace instead. She knew that she had fallen out of the Emperpor's favour and resorted to drink and gazed at blooming flowers for enterainment alone by herself. This piece of the Beijing opera is one of the most famous "drunken" sequence among the rest the operas. Using 3D animation with blending 2D animation and captured interpretation of Concubine Yang's dance movements along with 3D animation background for sets of moods.
After that, the Orchestra and Sand painting was performated on stage as laying out together from one picture from the start to the end.This lady worked out on 'drawing' onto white screen with sand and then later change from one picture to another before coming to end when she drew out a famous of Wall of China. Lastly, was the "Legend of the White Snake" as this story has been pasting for many generations as a old folk's talet. A white snake spirt changed into a beautiful maiden after years of meditation. She later chanced upon a gentle yet heartless scholar, Xu Xian at the lake. Thus they became fall in love within. Then Xu Xian began to mistrust Madam White Snake as he suspected of getting the better of romantic love and the battle between sexes causing to have a tragedy sparked by a patriarchal society's suppression of alternative ideals. In later part of the story, the monk, Fa Hai and Xu Xian merge into a single character.This sand painter used sand to create a story.The character styling is vivid and combining perfectly with the various colours and lighting effects. In perfectible grasp of sands as an artistic medium to bring modelling capabilities of the sand to full potential to create a rich visual experience onto the main screen.
Well I liked the last film which was using sand at most of the time. The rest of the show were very good and the orchestra was doing very well.Without the orchestra, there would be pointless without feeling of the main opera as it was originate done on the theater stage before for many years.
*NOTE:Mind you... the sand painter is a Chinese illustrator, a comic artist and independent director for films, Ruan Yun Ting. If you have any information about her, just let me know about her and I will post this blog later.
On last Saturday(21st of Feb,2009) I went to Concert Hall for the Chinese Orchestra's concert, Folklore and Legends. This time with the guest condutor,Choo Hoey who was famous for performating many concert with other orchestra is now becoming retirement. He was in Singapore for two-day concert with the SCO so that was my first time to see him at the concert.
Here were the list for the night's concert:
1)Festoon Drum of Fengyang
2)Impression of Malaysia
3)Legend of Luhuitou Village
4)Impressions of Russian Folk Song*
5)Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles
6)Four Scottish Dance*
7)Molly on the Shore*
NOTE:These songs might have played full on the first day of two-day concert(20th Feb,2009).
The "Festoon Drum of Fengyang" was rearranged from well known An Hui folk song of the same title which is a kind of folk song, dance and drum.From the local Yangko tune,has a strong accented rhythms. It was original first piece music in Fengyang therefore this song known as "Festoon Drum of Fengyang".
The "Impression of Malaysia" which was about the main colourful customs and culture of Malaysia and the long-house lodging of the yiban tribes.Thus this composer,Qian Zhao Xi,composed this piece based on the Malaysia folk tunes and rhythm. The interesting piece,"The Legend of the Luhuitou" was based about a touch love story when one of the village of Li went down for hunting and saw a golden deer in the forest. He was then bravily chased it along the valley and mountains until reached the southern end of the mountain range. As this hunter was about to release his arrow, the dear suddenly transformed into a beautiful Li maiden. He was astonishment as he dropped his bow and arrow and slowly took his flute out and performed together with her in love song.In later part, they resided at the place and bought barren hills under cultivation.The "Impressions of Russian Folk Song" was based the popular pieces of Russian folk songs which the composer,Kwok Hang Kei learnt from his Russian teacher in his youth days. After almost half of the century, he began to rearrange with some of the songs as the "Impressions of Russian Folk Song":
1)Lonely Guitar
2)Peaceful Country
3)Little Apple
4)Lotus in the Snow
5)Kamarinskaya
The "Reverie at the Statue of Sir Stamford Raffles" was based the main history of the Singapore when Sir Stamford Raffles went there for a short stay.As he seemed to bear a witness to the whole history, the people had struggled through many diffcult years and worked very hard to achieve a better standard of living. Thus this statue, is the main testimony to all these developments.
And the last two pieces,"Four Scottish Dances" which was based a inspirey of the Scottish dance and it was first played in BBC Light Music Festival in 1957. And the "Molly on the Shore", one of the composing pieces and the last piece for Percy Grainger which was based from the main song by Charles Stanford, "Temple Hill" and "Molly on the Shore". Althrough he had done his first piece for his mother, Rose as her birthday gift, this song was known for its rhythmic intensity and highly subtle usage of the original themes.Thus it was one of Grainger's signatures, the large number of chromatic lines and high level of veriation in the instrumentation givien "Molly on the Shore" unprecedented energy. The only thing was that why the music played went cut short as I though the orchestra people going to have two more pieces to play. But, I guessed that they had a long played on the first night of two-day concert so on the second night went shorther. That was what I had thinking.
Anyway, maybe next time, I should take a chance to listen in full version of the songs if any.
OK.... that's all I had enough in writing now. Unless, if I have other things to write, I will post new one to you guys. Later! ^_^
(Have a great year ahead for 2009! Sorry for denying.... x_x;)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)