Don't Know Much

It was on the radio, and I thought of someone.
L Ronstadt Aaron Neville Don't Know Much by chilavert

Classic favourite

It's been more than 10 years, but it's still one of my all time favourites.

Simple yet classic.

Everyday I Love You

by Boyzone

I don't know, but I believe

That some things are meant to be

And that you'll make a better me

Everyday I love you

I never thought that dreams came true

But you showed me that they do

You know that I learn something new

Everyday I love you

'Cause I believe that destiny

is out of our control

(Don't you know that I do)

And you'll never live until you love

With all your heart and soul

It's a touch when I feel bad

It's a smile when I get mad

All the little things I am

Everyday I love you

If I asked would you say yes?

Together we're the very best

I know that I am truly blessed

Everyday I love you

And I'll give you my best

Everyday I love you

Morbid curiosity

It took several recommendations before I reluctantly clicked the link to play this song.

Initially, I thought it was overrated. I mean, many people I know were so moved by the rendition it seemed rather exaggerated to me. When I first heard the song, I wasn't in the best mood or frame of mind. In fact, I was feeling very hungry and deprived of lunch. The song left me wondering why people are raving about it.

Then, today, left alone in the office, I listened to the song again. Then I realized why I might have been reluctant to sample the song in the first place.

I think I was afraid it would uncover the wounds that took so long to heal, the hurt that took so long to erase and the tears that took so long to stop.

I knew it was foolish to click the link to the song. Stirred crap from the past. I blame it on morbid curiosity.

Anyway, here it is. Listen at your own risk.

Someone Like You

by Adele

Berliner Philharmoniker

I just came back from one of the best orchestra concerts I've attended in my life.


Berlin Philharmonic Orchestra is here in town to play for the first time. Under the baton of Sir Simon Rattle, they are performing 2 nights of classical music, and I had the privilege to attend the first night.

I'm still speechless from the concert. Plainly because my mind was blown away, and has yet to quite return. The quality of performance was just... this whole other level. The music was (naturally) brilliant, but what made the performance very enjoyable was the musicians and the conductor. Especially the flautists, oboists, bassoonists and violinists, they looked like they were thoroughly enjoying playing in their own happy world. And Sir Simon Rattle was... let's just say, now I know why he's been highly recommended.

The programme tonight was:
• Hadyn's Symphony No.99 in E-flat Major (Hob.1/99)
• Berg's Three Pieces for Orchestra Op.6 (1929 version)
• Brahms' Symphony No.2 in D Major Op.73

My favourite had to be Brahms' Symphony. Already I am a fan of Brahms, and Berliner had to play the symphony so flawlessly, I was starry-eyed throughout the entire piece. The dynamics and the energy was simply... brilliant. Sir Simon Rattle graciously obliged to an encore, of which I do not know the name of the song, but I can only say it was fantastic!

After a Berliner experience, classical concerts will never be the same again. (well, Academy of St. Martin-In-The-Fields was awesome too, but Berliner is still a notch up...) I'm so grateful to be granted this once-in-a-lifetime experience!

Now let me go gather my mind blown-away....

～みはる～

The Rose

Another wave of nostalgia.

The Rose
Bette Midler

Some say love it is a river that drowns the tender reed
Some say love it is a razor that leaves your soul to bleed
Some say love it is a hunger, an endless aching need
I say love it is a flower, and you it's only seed

It's the heart afraid of breaking that never learns to dance
It's the dream afraid of waking that never takes the chance
It's the one who won't be taken, who cannot seem to give
And the soul afraid of dying that never learns to live

When the night has been too lonely and the road has been too long
And you think that love is only for the lucky and the strong
Just remember in the winter far beneath the bitter snows
Lies the seed that with the sun's love
In the spring becomes the rose

～みはる～

Stop

A friend got me in a 'songs from the past' mood.

Apart from being nostalgic, this song does give much to think about.
It might be a good idea to STOP right now and take a breather :)

Stop
Spice Girls

You just walk in, I make you smile
It's cool but you don't even know me
You take an inch, I run a mile
Can't win you're always right behind me

And we know that you could go and find some other
Take or leave it or just don't even bother
Caught in a craze it's just a phase
or will this be around forever

Don't you know it's going too fast
Racing so hard you know it won't last
Don't you know what can't you see,
Slow it down, read the sign so you know just where you're going.

Stop right now, thank you very much,
I need somebody with the human touch
Hey you always on the run
Gotta slow it down baby, gotta have some fun
(Always be together,
Stay that way forever)

And we know that you could go and find some other
Take or leave it 'cause we've always got each other
You know who you are and yes, you're gonna breakdown
You've crossed the line so you're gonna have to turn around

Don't you know it's going too fast
Racing so hard you know it won't last
Don't you know, what can't you see
Slow it down, read the sign so you know just where you're going

Stop right now, thank you very much
I need somebody with the human touch
Hey you always on the run
Gotta slow it down baby, gotta have some fun.

Gotta keep it down honey, lay your back on the line
'Cause I don't care about the money
Don't be wasting my time
You need less speed, get off my case
You gotta slow it down baby, just get out of my face.

Stop right now, thank you very much
I need somebody with the human touch
Hey you, always on the run
Gotta slow it down baby, gotta have some fun.

～みはる～

Angel

It's been a long time since my last post.
A lot of things happened. Been kept busy.
In the midst of these madness, this song speaks to me.

Angel - Sarah McLachlan

Spend all your time waiting for that second chance
For the break that will make it ok
There's always some reason to feel not good enough
And it's hard at the end of the day
I need some distraction oh beautiful release
Memories seep from my veins
They may be empty and weightless and maybe
I'll find some peace tonight

In the arms of an Angel fly away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
You're in the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here

So tired of the straight line, and everywhere you turn
There's vultures and thieves at your back
The storm keeps on twisting, you keep on building the lies
That you make up for all that you lack
It don't make no difference, escaping one last time
It's easier to believe
In this sweet madness, oh this glorious sadness
That brings me to my knees

In the arms of an Angel far away from here
From this dark, cold hotel room, and the endlessness that you fear
You are pulled from the wreckage of your silent reverie
In the arms of an Angel; may you find some comfort here

You're in the arms of an Angel
May you find some comfort here

～みはる～

King of Pop: Michael Jackson

Yesterday, I woke up to a rude shock.

The King of Pop, Michael Jackson, is dead.

For a sudden moment, I felt the sun vanished from the music world.
It was unreal.
Michael Jackson can't be dead. He's THE icon of pop music for the last 40 years.
Even though he's not actively making music today, he's there. He's Michael Jackson.

But, no. Cardiac arrest took him away.
It's just... surreal. That he's no longer here anymore.

While I hadn't been his ultimate fan, I do like his songs.


Yes, he's odd. He's eccentric.
But he is Michael Jackson.
And that equates to an individual with talent for song and dance that remains unsurpassed in the pop music world today.


That equates to an individual whose voice and moves changed the dimension of pop culture.


There's no other artiste today that I can think of, who can be placed at the same pedestal as Michael Jackson. He was a phenomenon. And I'm glad to have grown up in the age where he was there, constructing a whole new dimension of pop music.
May the King rest in peace.



～みはる～

Big Big World

Of late, I see/hear some of my friends unhappy and down with life's trials and tribulations. And while I think of them and life in general, this song popped into my mind... which I thought was rather apt.

My thoughts are always with you (especially you, G).

I'm a big big girl
In a big big world
It's not a big big thing if you leave me
But I do do feel, That I do do will
Miss you much, Miss you much

I can see the first leafs falling
It's all yellow and nice
It's so very cold outside
Like the way I'm feeling inside

I'm a big big girl
In a big big world
It's not a big big thing if you leave me
But I do do feel, That I do do will
Miss you much, Miss you much

Outside it's now raining
And tears are falling from my eyes
Why did it have to happen
Why did it all have to end

I'm a big big girl
In a big big world
It's not a big big thing if you leave me
But I do do feel, That I do do will
Miss you much, Miss you much

I have your arms around me
Warm like fire
But when I open my eyes......
You're gone

I'm a big big girl
In a big big world
It's not a big big thing if you leave me
But I do do feel, That I do do will
Miss you much, Miss you much

I'm a big big girl
In a big big world
It's not a big big thing if you leave me
But I do feel I will
Miss you much, miss you much

～みはる～

Fergie - Big Girls Don't Cry

Was strolling along city centre with SC when a sweet little girl's voice stopped our tracks. At an open-air bar snuggled in a corner in front of an imposing shopping mall, a live band of three guitarists were strumming to the song of a beautiful voice of a girl no older than ten. We were enthralled by her voice and their pop tune - I fell in love with the song that so fit my mood at that moment in time:

Big Girls Don't Cry
Fergie

The smell of your skin lingers on me now
You're probably on your flight back to your hometown
I need some shelter of my own protection, baby
To be with myself and center
Clarity, peace, serenity

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry

The path that I'm walkin', I must go alone
I must take the baby steps 'til I'm full grown, full grown
Fairy tales don't always have a happy ending, do they?
And I foresee the dark ahead if I stay

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this had nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misees their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry

Like the little school mate in the school yard
We'll play jacks and Uno cards
I'll be your best friend and you'll be mine, Valentine
Yes, you can hold my hand if you want to
'Cause I want to hold yours too
We'll be playmates and lovers
And share our secret worlds

But it's time for me to go home
It's getting late, dark outside
I need to be with myself, and center
Clarity, peace, serenity

I hope you know, I hope you know
That this has nothing to do with you
It's personal, myself and I
We've got some straightenin' out to do
And I'm gonna miss you like a child misses their blanket
But I've got to get a move on with my life
It's time to be a big girl now
And big girls don't cry
Don't cry, don't cry, don't cry

～みはる～

David Garret

The new definition of dreamy cool man.



I'm still in awe.

～みはる～

River Flows In You

A friend introduced this song to me, which I find very calming and serene:

River Flows In You by Yiruma

An excellent stress-reliever.

～みはる～

Child Prodigy

*Ok, I'm going to swamp this post with lots of videos, so be warned.*

When my friend first recommended me to watch this video, I rolled my eyes and said, "It's just another kid trying to sing in another one of your reality pop idol competitions."

I was so WRONG.



Connie Talbot is not just another 7-year-old trying to sing in a competition.
Connie Talbot is an angel sent to spread the joy of music.



It's no surprise why people cry listening to her.
Connie has a voice purer than the mountain stream, sweeter than the heavenly harp, and so beautiful that no words can describe. She has the voice of an angel.



And what do you get when Connie meets Ee Eun?
It's God's angels delivering the gift and joy of music.



A blind 5-year-old pianist and a sweet 7-year-old singer.

Music is a gift of joy.

～みはる～

Superstar in the making

Can you believe she is 9?



Valerie Kim is definitely a superstar in the making. At only 9, she commands the presence of a professional violinist. Can you imagine at this rate what she'll be like in 5 years? Phenomenal!!



Oh wait, she masters piano too!

Now who doesn't agree that this girl is history in the making??!

～みはる～

The Beauty of Beethoven

Went to the final SSO concert for the 07/08 season last Friday.

Themed 'The Beauty of Beethoven', it was a gala concert featuring violinist Leila Josefowicz and conductor Maestro Eri Klas.

Repertoire:

• The Creatures of Prometheus: Overture, Op.43
• Violin Concerto in D Major, Op.61
• Symphony No.7 in A Major, Op.92

Actually, I went for the symphony. I'm not sure whether it was because I was sitting a little far from the stage or it was the flaw in their performance, but I find that I enjoyed Brahm's Symphony No.1 in the previous concert much more than this Beethoven's 7th. The first movement was paced a little too slow for my liking. However, I liked the 2nd and 4th movements: the expression, dynamics and speed were just right.

The first song, The Creatures of Prometheus, was surprisingly enjoyable although a little short. Leila Josefowicz solo-ed the violin concerto, and throughout her performance, only 2 things roll in my head: technique and violin. Her technique was near-perfect and precise, thus every note was clearly and beautifully delivered. And Leila owns a damn good violin. When she played, the most beautiful sound rang in the concert hall. You can tell that is one very well made antique. Unfortunately, I didn't enjoy this piece too much, because I find it rather bland in expression and in true blue Beethoven style, the same pattern is repeated way too many times. Before long, I could almost tell when a passage is going to be repeated. However, Leila graciously obliged us an encore, where she played a series of high technique passages.

While it was a lovely concert, I didn't enjoy it as much probably because I was pretty tired from work. I had been up since early morning, and it was rather tiring after a long day.

This would probably be my last orchestra concert for some time. Living expenses had skyrocketed lately, and my student salary is taking a big hit, so I'll most likely lay off such luxuries for a while.

～みはる～

Poetry Passion Power

I'm becoming an Esplanade Concert Hall regular.

Just after the SSO concert last week, I had the privilege of attending another concert, played by Yong Siew Toh Conservatory Orchestra last Wednesday. PB had a complimentary ticket to spare and graciously invited me to make full use of the ticket (Thank you PB!).

I haven't listened to other orchestras apart from SSO, so this is quite an eye opener. YSTCO is comprised mostly of the Conservatory's undergrads, and for that evening, they were conducted by Maestro Wang Ya-Hui. The theme for the concert was Poetry Passion Power.

Repertoire:

• Barber - Adagio for Strings Op.1
• Korngold - Violin Concerto in D major Op. 35
• Tchaikovsky - Symphony No.4 in F minor Op.36

I must say I was pleasantly surprised. I went in without high expectations, and came out thoroughly entertained. Maestro Wang was really good, and this was especially evident when they played Tchaikovsky's Symphony. It was very dynamic and expressive, at the same time, ended with much pomp and dignity. Korngold's Violin Concerto was led by soloist Qian Zhou, and it was quite a beautiful rendition. That said, I still prefer Tchaikovsky's Violin Concerto in D over Korngold's.

The audience was not as enthusiastic as last Friday's SSO's, and it seemed they gave pretty lukewarm response to what I deemed great performance. So it came to my surprise that the orchestra obliged us with encore TWICE. And SSO didn't oblige us any regardless the thunderous applause. Hmm.

In any case, I enjoyed the concert alot. My only complaint would be the players were not acutely sensitive to Maestro Wang's conducting. They could have done better. But it was good nonetheless.

Hopefully there'll be more enjoyable concerts to come!

～みはる～

Virtuoso

Happened to come across this video.
One word.
WOW.



Itzhak Perlman takes my breath away.

～みはる～

Dvorak - Humoresque No.7

A stunning duet between the violin and the cello, played by Itzhak Perlman and Yo-yo Ma. This is the most beautiful rendition of Dvorak's Humoresque I've heard ever.



～みはる～

In The Shadow of Beethoven

Finally, I get to listen to Brahms' Symphony #1 in C minor, LIVE!

Last Friday, I towed Sis and WW to the concert hall for an evening of symphony orchestra. And I must say, apart from having a pain in the neck (from sitting too close to the stage), I'm so glad I went to this concert.

Repertoire:

• Wagner - Tannhauser: Overture and Bacchanale (Paris version)
• Brunch - Concerto for Clarinet and Viola in E minor
• Brahms - Symphony No.1 in C minor

Maestro Claus Peter Flor conducted the concert and I'm very glad he did. Under his baton, I enjoyed every song rendered that night. The dynamics were incredibly flowing and simply beautiful.

I loved the graceful expression of Wagner's Tannhauser Overture. The harmony is so flowing, graceful and dynamic. I don't know how to put it in words, but it's like watching the entire opera with my ears. Also, I didn't expect to enjoy Brunch's Concerto for clarinet and viola so much. The melancholic duet between the viola and clarinet was simply marvelous. The pairing of the instruments is simply appropriate and the hollow alto sound alternated between melancholy and gentleness so sweet I could actually see imaginary maple leaves falling in an autumn sky. It was simply the loveliest music I've heard from these two not-so-high-profile instruments.

Of course, my ultimate enjoyment of the night was Brahms' First Symphony, also famously called Beethoven's Tenth. Maestro Flor conducted without a score and his interpretation of the symphony was more dynamic than the recordings I've heard so far. The first and final movements were fast and ferocious, whereas the second and third movements were gentle, sweet and graceful. I was trembling in resonance (I was like 3 rows away from the stage) when the final movement was played with such ferocity. Thoroughly, completely enjoyed every bar of it.

I'm so so so so happy I decided to go for this concert. And I hope the next one will be just as exciting!

～みはる～

Harp recital

The lunchtime concert this week features a harp recital by two professional harpist; Yu-Hsin Huang and Gulnara Mashurova.

The not-so-knowledgeable me didn't know harp could play solo. Rather, I didn't know harp can make such beautiful music. When both of them sat down and started plucking the strings, I was mesmerized by the sweet sounds of harp.

They played on humongous harps like these.

I thoroughly enjoyed the relaxing sounds of harp as they waltzed through the repertoire:

• JS Bach - Sixth French Suite
• Enrique Granados - Spanish Dance No. 5
• Isaac Albeniz - Cordova
• Carlos Salzedo - Tango & Rhumba
• Carloz Salzedo - Chanson Dans La Nuit
• Bernard Andres - Parvis

I particularly loved Bach's Sixth French Suite. The Allemande movement was impressive and simply lovely.

After the wonderful performance, they kindly obliged to answer questions that the audience have. And there I learnt that professional harps like these have 47 strings made of nylon and metal, weigh about 88 pounds, have 7 foot pedals and requires tuning several times a day.

The next time I listen to an orchestra, I'll be sure to listen carefully for the beautiful sounds of harp.

～みはる～