The feet are aching
From having to travel miles after miles
Yet which each inch travelled
One grows and develops
The mind is needing rest
For it has been working for much of the day
And now in its inactivity
It strives to savour the better moments
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Sunday, November 25, 2007
My wishes
Life brings untold challenges
And a journey I could not quite comprehend
I wish for wisdom
To steer through the jungle ahead
And good luck to lead me
To where my heart longs to be
And a journey I could not quite comprehend
I wish for wisdom
To steer through the jungle ahead
And good luck to lead me
To where my heart longs to be
Week 47 of year 2007 on the double bass
18 Nov 2007, Sun: I started with playing arpeggio. I realised that my mind isn't that focused on practising today, so I kept the practice session within 45 minutes. I worked particularly on a particular four-bars section from the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major. I really have to work it even more slowly the next time I practise this section to get the intonation focused.
21 Nov 2007, Wed: I played G major scales, then attempted a simple sight-reading piece. Afterwhich, I practised the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor, and worked on the articulation of first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.
22 Nov 2007, Thu: It is double bass lesson day. MJ coached me on playing the double bass solo from the third movement from Mahler's First Symphony. I like how he has maintained a nice phrasing and a consistent tempo. I need to work on my sense of tempo and rhythm.
Afterwhich, he demonstrated how to play the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. This shall be something for me to work on for the upcoming weeks.
The remaining of the lesson was spent working on the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I have to be careful to ensure constant bow-speed even when I am changing bow direction.
23 Nov 2007, Fri: I sight-read a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One, working on both rhythm and intonation.
Thereafter, I practised the second movement of Sonata in g minor.
24 Nov 2007, Sat: I did a sight-reading and study of a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One. Other than working on both the rhythm and the intonation, I attempted to play the study at increasing tempo. As I was feeling tired from the day, I stopped after I worked on the study for slightly more than half-an-hour. It may be better to practise when I have a reasonably good level of concentration, than to practise long hours but without focus.
21 Nov 2007, Wed: I played G major scales, then attempted a simple sight-reading piece. Afterwhich, I practised the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor, and worked on the articulation of first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E major.
22 Nov 2007, Thu: It is double bass lesson day. MJ coached me on playing the double bass solo from the third movement from Mahler's First Symphony. I like how he has maintained a nice phrasing and a consistent tempo. I need to work on my sense of tempo and rhythm.
Afterwhich, he demonstrated how to play the second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. This shall be something for me to work on for the upcoming weeks.
The remaining of the lesson was spent working on the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor. I have to be careful to ensure constant bow-speed even when I am changing bow direction.
23 Nov 2007, Fri: I sight-read a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One, working on both rhythm and intonation.
Thereafter, I practised the second movement of Sonata in g minor.
24 Nov 2007, Sat: I did a sight-reading and study of a study from Bottesini's Method for Double Bass Part One. Other than working on both the rhythm and the intonation, I attempted to play the study at increasing tempo. As I was feeling tired from the day, I stopped after I worked on the study for slightly more than half-an-hour. It may be better to practise when I have a reasonably good level of concentration, than to practise long hours but without focus.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
A tag
I was tagged by my friend, JY. Here's my attempt to answer the questions.
1. 2007年最难忘的事是什么?
There is quite a number of unforgettable incidents, and a couple of them are related to playing the double bass. For examples: the d'Bassists concert at Esplanade Concourse and its preparations; and the preparations for the DipABRSM exams particularly with my dear piano accompanist, J.
2. 2008年的愿望是什么？
More avenues and chances to express and contribute my unique life force. (see quote by Martha Graham)
3. 你会为朋友赴汤蹈火吗？
Yes, if it is within my means and does not hurt anyone.
4. 你向往的国家？
Scotland is lovely. Singapore can be a lovely place too if I can live at my own pace.
5.你最快乐的时光
When I am feeling in-sync.
**
No one will be tagged for this, unless anyone decides to pick the tag on his/her own.
1. 2007年最难忘的事是什么?
There is quite a number of unforgettable incidents, and a couple of them are related to playing the double bass. For examples: the d'Bassists concert at Esplanade Concourse and its preparations; and the preparations for the DipABRSM exams particularly with my dear piano accompanist, J.
2. 2008年的愿望是什么？
More avenues and chances to express and contribute my unique life force. (see quote by Martha Graham)
3. 你会为朋友赴汤蹈火吗？
Yes, if it is within my means and does not hurt anyone.
4. 你向往的国家？
Scotland is lovely. Singapore can be a lovely place too if I can live at my own pace.
5.你最快乐的时光
When I am feeling in-sync.
**
No one will be tagged for this, unless anyone decides to pick the tag on his/her own.
Thursday, November 22, 2007
Inner anguish
Inner anguish
That can make the inner world collapse
And the temporary relief
Is a moment of solitude
And the resonating vibrations
From the deep double bass
That can make the inner world collapse
And the temporary relief
Is a moment of solitude
And the resonating vibrations
From the deep double bass
Wednesday, November 21, 2007
Explore Singapore!
Discover many fun ways to experience our island’s colourful past, rich heritage and vibrant cultures.
Check this link for more details: http://www.museums.com.sg/explore/
Monday, November 19, 2007
Awfully tired
Tiredness can overwhelm
And drain a person out
If tiredness can make a person feel more alive
That is fulfilment
If it does not
It leads one to further doubts
And drain a person out
If tiredness can make a person feel more alive
That is fulfilment
If it does not
It leads one to further doubts
Saturday, November 17, 2007
Tour of the Changi Airport Terminal 3
From 12 Nov to 9 Dec 2007, the Changi Airport Terminal 3 is opened for public to view before Terminal 3 starts operation. Terminal 3 is scheduled to open on 9 Jan 2008.
Meantime, it is free to view the public-area of Changi Airport Terminal 3. However, entry to the Transit Mall would require each visitor to obtain a ticket. For adults, each guided-tour ticket would cost $3. For those who prefer self-guided tour, the ticket is $1. If budget allows, I would recommend that visitors choose the guided-tour because the guided tour gives a good overview of the Terminal. In addition, after the guided tour, the visitors could enter the Transit Mall again on the same day to do their own self-guided tours.
For those of you who would like to have a look of Changi Airport Terminal 3, do check out the photos posted on this post.
The guide told us that the design of the Terminal 3 strives to bring comfort and convenience to its users. I love it for being spacious. I was also intrigued by the skylights. These skylights found on the ceiling of the Departure Hall are fitted with an intelligent computer-controlled system. They help to allow natural light to shine into the building, while making sure that not too much heat enters the building. Do find out more about these skylights if you are on the tour.
As you can see from the photos, glass is one of the main materials used for Terminal 3. Glass seems to help remove the physical barrier between the public-area and the transit-area, for with glass as the material, people from both sides can see each other through the glass.
There are plenty of plants in Terminal 3. Notice the Green Wall? I read that the green wall of Terminal 3 is a five-storey high and 300 metres wide vertical garden made up of climbing plants. I think it is lovely to have plants around to bring visitors closer to Nature.
By the way, Terminal 3 can now be accessible by both public bus services and the MRT service. In addition, one can take the airport's Skytrain to travel to Terminal 3.
The opening hours for the Terminal 3 Open House are as follow:
10.00 am – 5.00 pm (Weekdays)
9.00 am – 6.00 pm (Saturday and Sunday)
For more information on Terminal 3, please visit http://www.changiairport.com/t3
This post is dedicated to my readers. Enjoy!
Week 46 of year 2007 on the double bass
11 Nov 2007, Sun: It feels good to be back practising on the double bass. I started out with practising scales, followed by one study. I decided to practise just sight-reading rhythms and work on playing the given rhythms as accurately as possible.
Practice feels more complete when I worked on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E and the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.
13 Nov 2007, Tue: I decided where possible, I shall start with practising scales or studies. I started with practising a study from Michael Moore's Melodic Playing in the Thumb Position. Afterwhich, I practised the first and second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I need to fine tune the intonation and my sense of rhythm.
14 Nov 2007, Wed: The night's practice started with practising arpeggios of the G major scale. Afterwhich, I played selected passages from various works largely from memory.
15 Nov 2007, Thu: It is getting more exciting to study the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I spent most of the double bass lesson working on this. A lot of work is required on both the right and the left hands. It was certainly much easier to play on my tutor's double bass that he had put in the music school because of its set-up, and I could not help but wish for a better double bass.
In addition, I would need to continue to develop a way to play the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor with legato bowings, while keeping the long lines.
My tutor thinks that I should re-sit for the DipABRSM as soon as possible (the earliest being next May), and I have my reservations even though I do hope to move to LRSM.
17 Nov 2007, Sat: The vibrations from the double bass seem to have positive effects on me physically. I felt my nerves being calmed for the moments that I was playing. I practised the first and second movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major, and then played the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor from memory.
**
I am keeping to the target of practising on at least four of the days of each week, and hoping that one day I would get closer to better playing and a better double bass.
Practice feels more complete when I worked on the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E and the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor.
13 Nov 2007, Tue: I decided where possible, I shall start with practising scales or studies. I started with practising a study from Michael Moore's Melodic Playing in the Thumb Position. Afterwhich, I practised the first and second movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor and the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I need to fine tune the intonation and my sense of rhythm.
14 Nov 2007, Wed: The night's practice started with practising arpeggios of the G major scale. Afterwhich, I played selected passages from various works largely from memory.
15 Nov 2007, Thu: It is getting more exciting to study the first movement of Dittersdorf's Concerto in E. I spent most of the double bass lesson working on this. A lot of work is required on both the right and the left hands. It was certainly much easier to play on my tutor's double bass that he had put in the music school because of its set-up, and I could not help but wish for a better double bass.
In addition, I would need to continue to develop a way to play the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor with legato bowings, while keeping the long lines.
My tutor thinks that I should re-sit for the DipABRSM as soon as possible (the earliest being next May), and I have my reservations even though I do hope to move to LRSM.
17 Nov 2007, Sat: The vibrations from the double bass seem to have positive effects on me physically. I felt my nerves being calmed for the moments that I was playing. I practised the first and second movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major, and then played the first movement of Eccles' Sonata in g minor from memory.
**
I am keeping to the target of practising on at least four of the days of each week, and hoping that one day I would get closer to better playing and a better double bass.
Friday, November 16, 2007
An Andy Warhol Exhibition
If you speak about Pop Art, it is impossible not to mention the pop artist, Andy Warhol. To mark the 20th anniversary of Andy Warhol, there is an upcoming exhibition featuring 116 iconic prints by the late Andy Warhol.
Details of the exhibition are as such:
A Is For Andy
17 - 18 November 2007
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Venue: 72 - 13 Mohamed Sultan Road
Free Public Admission
Presented by Cannonball Art Fund
http://www.aisforandy.com
The exhibition is opened to members of the public for very llimited time, so if you are keen to view works by the late Andy Warhol, please make this weekend free.
**
Update on 18 Nov 2007: Veron has a post on this exhibition. Check it out: A is for Andy: An Andy Warhol Exhibition
Details of the exhibition are as such:
A Is For Andy
17 - 18 November 2007
10 a.m. - 10 p.m.
Venue: 72 - 13 Mohamed Sultan Road
Free Public Admission
Presented by Cannonball Art Fund
http://www.aisforandy.com
The exhibition is opened to members of the public for very llimited time, so if you are keen to view works by the late Andy Warhol, please make this weekend free.
**
Update on 18 Nov 2007: Veron has a post on this exhibition. Check it out: A is for Andy: An Andy Warhol Exhibition
Wednesday, November 14, 2007
A life in crisis?
Maybe it is a phase of life?
There is so much going through within
Yet I have no faith to share
Blogging about my inner world seems to lose relevance
And I wonder if it is therapeutic at all
I search for hope
And have to look hard to see the traces
There is so much going through within
Yet I have no faith to share
Blogging about my inner world seems to lose relevance
And I wonder if it is therapeutic at all
I search for hope
And have to look hard to see the traces
Tuesday, November 13, 2007
Rainbow to marvel at and to share
Last Friday, in the evening, after work, I spotted a rainbow. Strangely, the colours of the spectrum somehow lightened my mood, and brought a little sense of hope.
I could not help that evening but to slow my pace down so that I could view the beautiful rainbow in the skies as I walked towards the nearby MRT station.
It was a delight, and I suppose I could follow Mr Endoh's example to share the rainbow with all readers. Afterall, it is usually on a rare occasion that we would get to see a rainbow. What is more, to take the time to appreciate it.
Sunday, November 11, 2007
Week 45 of year 2007 on the double bass
Week 45 is declared a week when I take a break from playing the double bass. I had only practised on one of the days of the week.
4 Nov 2007, Sun: Practised C major scales to work on intonation. Afterwhich, I practised playing in the key of C major notes in the intervals of third, fourth, and fifth.
4 Nov 2007, Sun: Practised C major scales to work on intonation. Afterwhich, I practised playing in the key of C major notes in the intervals of third, fourth, and fifth.
Saturday, November 10, 2007
Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!
Today is Tony Osborne's 60th birthday!
Tony Osborne's 60th birthday! Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature. Cheers to more years of great compositions and music by Tony Osborne.
d'Bassists wishes Tony Osborne a Happy Birthday, and thanks to XM for his help, we have a video recording specially for Tony Osborne. Check it out here: Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!
Tony Osborne's 60th birthday! Tony Osborne is an important double bass educationalist and composer who has made significant contributions to the double bass literature. Cheers to more years of great compositions and music by Tony Osborne.
d'Bassists wishes Tony Osborne a Happy Birthday, and thanks to XM for his help, we have a video recording specially for Tony Osborne. Check it out here: Happy Birthday Tony Osborne!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)