As I finally make myself comfortable, I realize I haven't been updating... When was my last post again...?
It's the last week of school. However, it's no cue to slacken. Maybe I can take a breather. A day off, perhaps? Especially since the term was dramatically rounded off with two events: the submission of the first half of the dreaded Listening Journals, and no less importantly, the birthday of my dear mentor, Dr Z.
Today in particular has been terribly hectic. After theory ended at 10, it was basically a mad rush until 2 to do three things: 1. Teleconference with princess via eBuddy to make sure the journal was going well without hiccups; 2. Finish up my damned Orchestration; 3. Coordinate the biggest event in town, Dr Z's Birthday Medley.
Basically, the orchestration class (all composers) banded together today to present to Dr Z something special - we each wrote a variation on the tune 'Happy Birthday'. There were five variations in all, some long, some short.
The order of playing was: 1. Firdaus 2. Muhsin 3. Fei Yang 4. En Ning 5. Me
Dr Z was so pleased with the present, he even burned a CD of the birthday variations to show his two sight singing classes later in the afternoon. Woots.
After Orchestration, I accompanied Muhsin to Campus 1 (where, incidentally, princess was having class) to inform the admin office about some screw-up in his application. We met princess, who'd ended early, and parted ways. Princess and I stopped by Fortune Centre for a snack of delicious fruits before heading back to school for Sight Singing. Listened to music on her laptop while I waited for her to end, then it was back home for some teaching. Thank God the train wasn't crowded. I'd totally plonk her in a cab and take her home, but she would have none of it...
After princess was on her way, I shopped around a bit. Bought some jeans and shoes. Feel really good about it.
When I was reaching home, I received this sms from Dr Z:
'Thank you for your lovely birthday present to me. I knew that there is some sparks in you as a composer. Put the same creativity in your composition :)'
Aww. I shall have a great night's sleep tonight...
The Prof :: 9:29 AM
Friday, February 20, 2009
This post is dedicated to my friend, who sent me something truly horrible to behold...
The cello really has come a long way since the violin family was first unveiled in the 16th century. From being relegated to the basso continuo and other supporting roles, the cello now enjoys a prominent role in the modern orchestra and chamber groups, and a rich literature, both classical and modern.
When played, the cello has a sound which is truly unique among instruments of the orchestra. No other instrument has such a mixture of weight and singing quality as the cello does. In fact, the highest (A) string of the cello has a name of its own...
Chanterelle. French for singing string.
I'm not actually being derogatory here... at least not intentionally. Of course, each instrument is unique in its own way, in terms of sound and mechanics. But what I'm trying to say here is that cello literature only sounds good on the cello.
At this point, my readers would probably be trying to find counter-examples to prove their point, only to fall flat. Nice try...
In fact, the main gist of my post is about to follow. I hereby proudly present:
The Top 5 Sins Against Cello Literature
These are my top five picks of transcriptions of cello pieces for various other instruments. None of them actually sound good, of course, but the quality varies from pretty decent to really bad.
#5 - Haydn Cello Concerto in C major
Sergei Nakariakov is one of today's top trumpeters who, incidentally, has quite a few cello pieces in his repertoire, among them Tchaikovsky's Rococo Variations as well. This rendition of the Cello Concerto no. 1 in C major, on the flugelhorn, is actually very decent, but the natural limitations of the trumpet make it unable to execute some of the concerto's interesting features, such as the second subject of each movement in double stops. Overall a fine performance.
#4 - Bach Cello Suites
I have a friend who insists that the Bach suites CAN actually sound good on the viola. Let me officially state my opinion on that for posterity:
Screw off, you viola joke.
I understand that horn players frequently practise the Prelude from Suite no. 1 for pedagogical reasons - the leaps of 5ths and 6ths make for good embouchure training. However, the limitations of the horn are clear: except for a few movements (for example the famous Sarabande from Suite no. 5), the horn WILL struggle with the polyphony of the work.
#3 - Bach Bourree
These people should be forgiven for their ignorance on this one. Few people actually know that this very famous dance by J. S. Bach is actually a cello piece. It's from the Third Cello Suite in C major, no less. And now they transcribe it for violin, and add piano accompaniment?
Blasphemy.
#2 - Saint-Saens Le Cygne (The Swan)
I found this rendition on bassoon and pipe organ on YouTube. I think it's probably the best attempt for a non-cellist. This is where the singing quality of the cello is really at its height. The pipe organ is a bit misplaced, but the bassoon makes a great attempt to sing. Being a conical instrument, it tends to get a bit difficult for the bassoon to expand the lyrical feeling as it gets to the top of the phrase. In fact most of the woodwind/brass instruments which could make a barely-passable rendition of The Swan are all conical: saxophone, euphonium, French horn...
...
...
...
And the most horrible crime against cello literature ever committed...
#1 - Elgar Cello Concerto
This is what my fool of a friend sent me. And the sad part is, he actually thinks it sounds good.
I mean, the Elgar cello concerto is, to a lot of people, the Holy Grail of the cello literature. It is probably the best-loved cello concerto today, though probably not the most well-written in my opinion. Precious loves this concerto too.
I mean, I do play the Bruch and Mendelssohn violin concertos on the cello (I can do the octaves pretty well, you know =P) but I do that as a joke. And if you seriously think this is good, well then I'm sorry to say you are alone in your opinion. All the Jacqueline du Pre lovers are now your enemies, for one. And that's just the beginning.
Firstly, you can't spread the chords correctly on the double bass, thanks to the tuning in 4ths instead of 5ths. And if you have the gall to play the chords at pitch, then where is your courage when it comes to the high, high E? (Yes, it's technically impossible of course...) My opinion of the high E is that it's pretty decent, but nowhere near the effect and emotional intensity achieved with a ear-splitting high E (for the record, it's an E7), well into violin range.
This definitely falls short.
The Prof :: 7:39 AM
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
At 2 o'clock, I have choir rehearsal...
Yes, my first choir rehearsal. The decision has been made, and I am leaving the NAFA orchestra, at least for the remainder of this semester. Badly need a change of environment, as well as more time for composition...
... and dating...
But actually something very bad happened, which really made my decision for me.
As you know, I signed up to perform on the 25th. That's right, the strings have two platform slots this semester, one on 25 Feb, the other on 25 March.
This coming platform was actually to be my precious's debut in her new school, and also to be our debut as NAFA's finest cello/piano duo. (And the worst one, too, since we're really the only one at the moment.) All eyes would be on us...
Didn't turn up for performance class today, because firstly I wasn't playing, and secondly the competition was over anyway. As it turned out, Herr Nazi was consolidating the players for the coming platform...
... and dropped me from the list.
To add insult to injury, my friends have confirmed that he said the following:
'I don't think he should be representing us.'
.........
Well, I don't think he deserves my service in orchestra any longer. Those words really hurt. And they made me realize that what an undeserving master the Nazi has been, and it's really time to say goodbye...
... so without further ado, I'd just like to thank all my friends in the orchestra for wonderful times shared, and I will really miss playing with you guys. I hope you will miss me as much as I miss you...
<3
The Prof :: 8:07 AM
Monday, February 16, 2009
1st movement. Black Friday
Grave, senza caffè
Friday the 13th. 6 and a half hours of rehearsal at Singapore Indoor Stadium, and the worst part was this...
No coffee.
I almost died that day.
2nd movement. Hectic Valentine
Andante chottomate
A very hectic Valentine's Day it was for me and my precious this year. Both our mornings were spent teaching, after which we met at Esplanade and spent an enjoyable early afternoon reading over each other's shoulders. I loved the card she made me.
You make me feel so special.
T'was my idea to have lunch at Chocz, where we enjoyed chocolate fondue. To my great relief, the place was near-deserted when we arrived at about 1.30pm, as were most of the restaurants in Esplanade.
And a good thing too, because with all those rehearsals, I seriously don't have the energy or time to figure out where to eat, much less make a booking days in advance... Heck, I almost didn't have time to shop for your penguin.
After lunch, something happened which threatened to make that day the worst Valentine's Day ever.
Her mum wanted to meet us.
I'll admit I was really unhappy about precious wanting to cover up the fact that we're a couple... for the simple reason that 'meet-the-parents' usually doesn't happen til after a couple goes official, and for the trouble we went through (read: trauma inflicted on me), we could at least be officially recognized for it...
But by the time the concert came round, our cover was eventually blown, so no more complaints.
Left for the concert at about 4.30pm from school, with four cans of coffee from Carrefour. Muahahahaha...
The concert was pretty fine. We didn't get tired out with a whole day's rehearsal unlike Friday. The actual thing was so-so. The lights were pretty disturbing as usual. The whole cello section fell asleep during one song. We missed about two bars before I woke up and cued us all in. We also fumbled the high D# in My Funny Valentine. I was probably the one who played out of tune. =/
Reached home at near to 1am a very tired young man.
3rd movement: Uncertain Future
Finale. Con poco Sibelius.
After this concert, it's time to put down the bow and take a long, hard look at my future.
Princess made a splash at Composers' Seminar today, which she sat in for since Piano Performance was cancelled. <3
I'm proud of you, my love.
So far, most of my friends have been of the opinion that it's time for me to take a break from orchestra and join choir for the last term of school.
However, one dissenting voice in the crowd, from the unlikeliest of people, makes me hesitate.
Why?
Basically I told LTH about my decision. And he advised me against quitting. It's strange that of all people I would actually listen to him, but I also realized that he's actually the closest thing to the instrumentalist/composer double major I strive for, and he really understands the pain I'm going through.
He said some things I don't see eye to eye with, however.
He told me to remain in orchestra and do even better, and then I will receive my due reward.
I TOTALLY DISAGREE.
It isn't difficult to see that Mr Biased Old Nazi will still have only one person in his eye, however much I improve and work. And over the course of these one-and-three-quarter years, I have toiled and shed blood, sweat and tears for a master who is unappreciative of my effort.
It's probably far easier to quit and let him feel the pain of not having me around. Then he'll realize how important I truly am to this orchestra.
Even if he doesn't swallow his pride and want me back (which he isn't likely to, anyway), he'll still learn a lesson and treat everyone more fairly.
One person does not a cello section make.
But... one person can a cello section break. (At least temporarily.)
He said that Naziface isn't an evil person, and that he has seen far worse in his lifetime. That much I know. Also, favouritism is human nature.
But this guy's blatant favouritism transcends the boundaries of social acceptability...
In any case, I have about two days to make my decision. Maybe I can stretch it to a week or so. I want to try negotiating with the authorities to let me play for the Nelson Mass but not for the April concert.
Above all, I'm heartened by the fact that you're there for me whatever my final decision is...<3
The Prof :: 8:58 AM
Thursday, February 12, 2009
My arms, back, neck and shoulders are aching. My right foot is still hurting. And my finger bled when rehearsing with precious earlier.
... Is this the wound of love...?
Didn't caffeinate properly today and overslept... Managed to make it to class on time though. Multimedia was fun. We watched some Broadway on the computer.
Music is meant to enhance the action, not steal the limelight from it.
Homework date with precious was probably the day's highlight. (Except a little issue with people who aren't sensitive to our need for time alone together...) We spent the afternoon at Esplanade, sitting down and reading... reading... reading.
How can a date be so horribly unromantic yet so blissfully enjoyable?
Didn't manage to find anything on Malcolm Bilson though.
I wonder... does RK think before setting questions?
On the way back to school, we stopped by Haagen Dazs for a treat to beat the heat (hey, it rhymes) and satisfy my precious's impeccable sweet tooth. Rum and raisin ice cream. Perfect. So good we could each eat a double on our own. Smooth and creamy, yet not weighty, accentuated by the subtly sweet, pleasing flavour of the rum. Precious definitely wants to eat it again. I think we will be spending more dates at Esplanade.
I took a gamble during IVT and confessed that I was not ready to present. ET was not pleased. Oh well. But that's okay, isn't it? I can still get my A... I sincerely hope.
Ran through Le Cygne with precious after IVT/History. The rapport between us was, well, amazing, especially since she was seeing the score for the first time.
A great duo is born. Only this time the genders are reversed.
I'm Jacqueline du Pre.
She's Daniel Barenboim.
Orchestra rehearsal ended early today thanks to some efficient run-throughs, and Frances being totally lenient and ok with everything we did. Lots of friends came and watched the rehearsal. Precious watched the second half.
...........
You made my day today, my love... I'm sure I've already said this before, but it really means so much to me, to be admired by the one special to me.
No matter what you think of your own playing today, I'm firmly convinced that we work well together, and I really love playing with you, for the simple reason that you are sensitive to my playing, a feat which few accompanists are truly capable of.
Together, we will bring the house down on the 25th.
Le Cygne. Allegro Appassionato. One casting the limelight on the cello, the other requiring superhuman feats of teamwork.
Both require a fantastic pianist.
And you are that pianist.
I love you.
<3
The Prof :: 9:45 AM
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
The ball of my right foot is hurting. Did I suffer a microfracture?
...
Today was the first rehearsal with Frances Yip and the electronic instruments. It was fun, but quite tiring because 1) it was a three-hour rehearsal. And on top of that, we'd already rehearsed for two hours in the afternoon. 2) the lower strings were right next to the drum set.
Frances was quite nice, but could be blunt at times.
The drummer was fun.
The keyboardist was not too intelligent.
Will wrap this up swiftly because I have yet another full day ahead of me, and I'm really not going to be alright after it, chiefly because I have a ton of work to do.
Music and Multimedia 10am-12pm, and I haven't done any of the homework, which is steadily piling up.
Instrumental and Vocal Teaching 4-6pm, and I haven't started on my presentation.
Orchestra rehearsal 730-1030pm. Ouch.
Brief respite from all this craziness in the afternoon, though, as I get to take precious on our second assignment date. That makes me happy thinking of it.
...
In addition to the pain in my foot, I'm also down with a bad case of the sniffles today. Lord give me strength to tackle the difficult days ahead.
That'll be it for now. I need my coffee.
The Prof :: 8:21 AM
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
On my exploration list this week: Joe Hisaishi and Radiohead
Looks like the Lord has been setting me some trials lately. I aced some of them and fumbled some of them SO BAD.
Today was the Chinese ensemble concert. Precious didn't turn up. (More on that in a bit.) Was an easy day for us, because we only had three ensemble items, one of which was plucked strings. The rest of the programme was solos (four of them) so we spent most of the time backstage.
Next year, it's my turn to play Sunshine over Tashkurgan.
After the concert, we put away the chairs and stands by ourselves. I dropped two chairs (the heavy, black, LFT variety, thank you) on my right foot. Owwie. If not for my leather shoes, I'd probably have a crushed toe now.
No double pedaling mental practice for two weeks.
Thank God I only escaped with a bruise under my toenail... and TSH wants rehearsals to resume next Thursday. Zzz...
...but the next concert isn't for another two months! Give us a break... not to mention you still owe us a 30-minute OT ang pow from two weeks ago...
...What's this guy's problem?
I found poor precious huddled over a table at the prata shoppe after everything. She was feeling none too well. So, like any self-respecting dude would do, I took her to the taxi stand at Peace Centre (Sim Lim would have been better though) and got her home in a jiffy.
No trains and buses. I won't allow it.
...
You were the one who said actions speak louder than words... and your actions that night spoke volumes to me... the way you clung to me, your head resting on my shoulder... said all those precious words, all that wondrous music to my ears...
'I need you... I trust in you.'
I love you. And I will cherish this feeling forever...
...
Thank God she arrived quickly and safely. And I pray that she'll be alright later in the day. I shall thus round this post up, else I'll be the one who's not alright... Theory bright and early 9am, followed by orchestra 2-4pm, 7-10pm.
Ugh.
Lord give me strength.
The Prof :: 10:40 AM
Friday, February 6, 2009
It's 1.15am, more than 13 hours after the competition, so the excitement has already died down somewhat. So this post won't be terribly exciting...
First of all, I'm happy. Really happy. I did my best and gave a great performance. I wasn't hoping to win. In fact, I knew I hadn't a chance in hell of winning, what with the dirty politics and all. So I basically brought the journey to a brilliant conclusion today.
I felt I played well.
The fact that my friends all said I played really well confirmed it, and gave me a sense of achievement and satisfaction.
Some people even told me they felt that I should have won. Now, this was priceless, even though I know it's not true.
I'm rather disappointed in the Composition department people... I can't believe that only C.T. turned up to give me support. What's wrong with you guys? I needed your support, which was why I made the announcement on Monday. Oh well, at least it was good.
Last but not least, to the jewel of my heart... You have no idea how happy you made me when you were so indignant about me placing 4th... but as I said... the 'placing' was a formality, really. What really mattered was who got first. It was, of course, either Gabriel or Min Jin... However much you think I should have won, I couldn't have stood a chance against these two giants.
But, thank you for giving me confidence during bouts of self-doubt... It is the greatest feeling in the world to know that I am admired by the one special to me...
...I love you.
Honest opinion of mine, I'm not sure I fully deserved my 4th. But then again, I'd probably have easily been auto-5th if not for the fact that Pamela screwed up big time. Politics at work? It's hard to tell. Comment reserved.
Without further ado, here are the comments from the judges...
First one's from Volker Hartung, who actually gave me decent comments. Well projecting!!! Priceless, priceless. His last comment, however, is troubling - Keep going, but get performance training. What's he trying to say? That Mr Song isn't good enough?
Second comment sheet was by Lynette Seah, who gave lots of *gulp* constructive comments. However, I do agree with her about my totally craptastic intonation. It probably comes with getting my cello set up twice in the past month. In fact, after last Wednesday, after my cello got knocked down, I never found my intonation...
Third one, the unnamed one, was by Chan Wei Shing - yes, Sihan's uncle. He wrote surprisingly little for someone who knows the piece. (Does that mean I was good or bad???) Tempo somewhat a little on the slow side - but that's what my teacher told me to do! Oh, and look at this... Nice cadenza!!!
My cadenza was the selling point of my performance. Yes, I wrote it myself. Yes, it was very well written. And yes, a miracle of God happened today during the performance because usually by the time I reach the cadenza, I'm pretty tired, and the cadenza is technically demanding. I can see the future of the history textbooks:
'One of the most highly-regarded cadenzas for the first movement was written by a Singaporean cellist, Tan Wen-Bin...'
Wouldn't that be neat?
...
At this point in time, it's time to put the bow down and take a long, hard look at the future. No doubt I will be concentrating on PS, and what's important in life...
...like spending time with my precious jewel...
Ah, but I will not be bidding my beloved Haydn C major concerto goodbye just yet. I may have performance opportunities in the future, with this concerto. It's likely that I will be invited to perform it in April. Hmm. Third movement, anyone?
The Prof :: 9:12 AM
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
Two days to Haydn. (It's 2am, so Haydn is technically tomorrow.)
Had cello lesson with Mr Song and am actually feeling less prepared than ever.
With such a short time to go, I'm still overworked and under-rested. Both orchestra and Chinese ensemble are pulling out the stops on us!!! My schedule for the past two days was this:
I think I'm really falling sick... Shall stay in today and get my stuff sorted. And rest. Really rest.
By the way, the order for the strings was balloted today and by sheer bad luck, I am the last one up. Before me is Min Jin. Talk about suck. Oh well.
The only competition I'm up against... is myself. My aim is to do well and give a good performance. Then I will have won, in my heart, and in the hearts of my friends.
The Prof :: 9:58 AM
Monday, February 2, 2009
'In first place...
'... for the first time in NAFA history...
'... a non performance major takes the top spot... in first place, we have Tan Wen-Bin with a very fine performance of the Haydn C major cello concerto!'
...
......
.........
Yes, of course it's a wishful fantasy. But don't we all have our own little fantasies from time to time? Or even, all the time?
The crowd goes wild...
But why am I laying bare my innermost fantasies like this? Well, I guess it's because I know that a fantasy will only be a fantasy. A mere figment of my imagination.
My knees go weak with shock. My accompanist has to help me to my feet as I stagger onto the stage, looking at the judge's beaming face in disbelief...
At this crucial juncture, I'm feeling the politicking more than ever. It disillusions me, it really does. It makes me think that music is getting corrupted, and even makes me wonder whether it's really worth traveling this path after all.
The audience is still cheering as I receive the envelope from the judge... but then I notice something wrong. They aren't cheering... they're booing!
This is my first time preparing for a competition. And so far, it's been a more unpleasant experience than a pleasant one.
... Naziface comparing me unfavourably with MJ at every single opportunity... Heck, he probably signed her up so that I would get kicked out...
... The Doc scolding me for practising too much... I guess if he had a say in things, he would vote me out so I can concentrate on PS...
... Sometimes I really hate my life.
Amidst the tumult, I start to make out the words they are screaming. 'What?! He's a compo major! How can they possibly let him win...?!' Trembling, I throw the envelope to the floor, and run off the stage, into the inky blackness of the backstage... where I rightfully belong...
But, there have been the rewards, too...
... My friends have been awfully supportive of my decision to take part. The Chinese instrumentalists, in particular, have been wonderful. It is because of you people that I make an effort to stay in the ensemble, despite my workload...
... It's been one heck of an exciting journey, despite the rough terrain, obstacles, and various setbacks. Writing my own cadenza. My 7-hour practice marathon. Paying for masterclasses with Yu Laoshi. Getting my cello set up. Basically being meticulous in my preparations...
... Most importantly, I've emerged a better musician from it all. My teacher said so. And I feel I've really grown from this journey...
The backstage seems to go on endlessly as I keep on running, tears flowing down my cheeks as cruel words ring forth in my mind...
'You should be composing! ...Go and change major!'
'Just look at her, she projects like a rocket! You've improved so much, but she's still way beyond you, I'm sorry. You don't have a chance...'
'I heard that you are taking part in the concerto competition. Is it true?'
And then...
... I wake up.
...
The stage is set, really. There's nothing I can do about it. According to RA, Herr Nazi is back on Wednesday so he will be sitting on the panel, which means I have not a chance in hell to go through.
So, I treat this round with deadly seriousness. Basically, I will go onstage as though I am playing for the finals, because...
The preliminaries are the finals for me.
It's a bit sad, but I take comfort in the fact that my friends will be there, rooting for me. All that matters now, is to give a great performance on Friday.
For my friends.
For my special someone.
For myself.
For the Lord, too.
In summation, I would like to formally invite you, the reader of this post, to the strings preliminary round of the concerto competition, Friday, 6th February, 11am-1pm. Venue *should* be the Recital Studio. Hope you can turn up, because I will be needing your support!
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