Week 14 of year 2007 on the double bass

1 Apr 2007, Sun: My favourite Luthier has got my bow rehaired within less than a day. Since I have my bow back, I could practise in the night! Though my practice session wasn't long, it was at least 15 minutes.

I managed to play the 1st, 2nd and 4th movement of Marcello's Sonata in G major. I realised I am now trying to get used to my rehaired-bow. It looks like I have to practise more often so as to season my rehaired-bow.

Perhaps I was eager to try out my new bow, I also had the inspiration to play almost three-quarters of Faure's Sicilienne from memory. I hope I can memorise all my programme for the DipABRSM exams by Aug 2007.

4 Apr 2007, Wed: I am liking the rehaired bow more and more. It somehow felt smooth to play on the double bass using the rehaired bow. However, I felt the sounds produced using the rehaired bow did not sound as bright and resonating as my bow before the rehair. Was all these perceptions merely psychological? I don't know.

Whatever it is, I have managed to play all four movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major against the metronome. After that, I played the entire Faure's Sicilienne. It felt indeed smooth using the rehaired bow.

To end the night of practice, which went close to one hour, I played Keyper's Romance and Rondo.

Somehow, the vibrations and sounds of the double bass soothes me a little.

5 Apr 2007, Thu: I had double bass lesson on this day. I played Marcello's Sonata in G major, Faure's Sicilienne and Keyper's Romance and Rondo all in one single lesson. I felt that I could improve on my rendition. My playing needs to be more consistent.

My tutor, MJ, pointed to me that I have misunderstood the rhythms for one section of Faure's Sicilienne and so I have to unlearn things, and learn the right rhythms. In addition, it also looks like I have to put aside time to practise vibrato on the double bass so as to bring out the sound that I would like to achieve for Faure's Sicilienne.

I would still need more work on the third movement of Marcello's Sonata in G major. I would like it to sound like a movement with depth and introspection, and to do that, I need to be more focused in my playing.

As for Keyper's Romance and Rondo, my tutor commented that I must learn not to work my fingers too hard to play those semiquavers-passages. I need to learn to believe that I can take things easy and still play those fairly challenging passages. My tutor also asked that I play the Rondo movement of Keyper's Romance and Rondo at a slower tempo and focus on clarity and precision of the playing. That is quite a sound advice.

6 Apr 2007, Fri: Good Friday, a public holiday, fell on this day. In the late morning and the early afternoon, I spent time practising Marcello's Sonata in G major and Keyper's Romance and Rondo against the metronome. I felt glad that I have time to practise.

7 Apr 2007, Sat: I decided to play something that I have yet to play for the entire week for I fear making myself feel bored from an overdose of Marcello's Sonata in G major even though I quite like that sonata.

I have spent at least 40 minutes playing through the entire Pachelbel's Canon, transcribed to G major, scored for a double bass quartet, arranged by David Heyes. It certainly sounds much brighter to play Pachelbel's Canon in the G major version than in D major on the double bass. I realised that I prefer the clarity of the sounds produced when this work is being played in the key of G major.

Some of the passages were much more difficult to play in G major, but I suppose more practice would help. On the other hand, several passages became slightly easier to play in G major than in D major. I suppose I lose some, I gain some.

To help me remember where are the more challenging passages that I would need to work on for future practice sessions, I have used a pencil to mark out them out. I look forward to polish up on my rendition of the G major version of Pachelbel's Canon.

Yeah! I have achieved my set targets for week 14 of year 2007.

Cheers and more

On 24 Mar 2007, I had a bit of a sun-tanning session at Plaza Singapura while I was there supporting my youngest brother as his team was participating in the Cheerobics 2007 (Open Category) competition. The sun did me good, I hope. I became a little more darker after that day.

Back to Cheerobics 2007, a cheerleading competiton, I found one of the items put up by members from Denvers' to be inspiring and touching.

In most cheerleading performances, most of those people who get to be carried up onto the air (also known as the flyer) would be the lighter ones. But Denvers have proven to us that anyone and everyone can enjoy the fun and joy of cheerleading. Everyone deserves a fair chance. Denvers did so by choosing to lift up a not-so-light member of its team up above ground level. At that moment, I could not help but cheer. The magical moment proved to me that nothing is too difficult to overcome.

Competence and techniques count, not the superficial physical attributes. Cheers to Denvers for showing us the possibilities.

So folks, next time if you think that cheerleading is only for a prescribed group of people, think again. It is meant for anyone, including yourself. Of course, do ensure you get the relevant training before you attempt the stunts. Meantime, please check this clip right below out and you would know how uplifting it can be to be lifted up above ground level. Click on and experience the triumphs, the joys and the inspiration.



Source: Video-clip posted on YouTube by infusedpizza

Also view the entire clip of Denvers' Team A's performance here: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y1qCbf4R8mw

Here's the URL to catch the entire Denvers' team in their action:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OQJ_Y5_kA8A

While searching for related articles, I came across this link. It has some noteworthy reads.

Special words of congratulations to my brother and his team from Denvers. Well done! I am proud of you folks.

**

The very much coveted trophies await their winners.

Also view:
The Electric New Paper: Photo Gallery
http://sports.webshots.com/album/558340200pPowUe
Cheerobics 2007, NTU Aces team (Youtube video of the winning team)
http://www.ntu.edu.sg/corpcomms2/news/CNAonline_24Mar07_NTUaces.pdf

A unique theatrical experience: 0501

Yesterday, I caught 0501, a site-specific play at the Victoria Theatre with my friend, Mystic. Instead of sitting on the audience seats of the Victoria Theatre, I have found myself sitting on the stage, and it turned out to be indeed a unique and interesting experience for me last night.

Taken at the Victoria Theatre

Here's the synopsis of 0501:

A site-specific play on the stage of Victoria Theatre, audiences sit on the cavernous stage as each performer/designer tells his/her tale. This visceral performance fuses lights, sound, storytelling, installation and object puppetry into a unifying experience that is as provocative as it is inspiring. Don't miss this unique theatrical experience as only 200 tickets are available for each night. (view source)

To gain more insights to this production, I am now reading the notes that the performers have put up on the 0501 website: http://www.fingerplayers.com/0501/index.htm

Meantime, if you would like to be one of those privileged ones to catch this production, do so by tonight. Details are as follow:

0501
05 Apr - 07 Apr 2007 (Thu - Sat)
8PM
Victoria Theatre, Singapore
Ticket Price: S$30
(*Real dogs will be used on stage and in close proximity to the audience.)
Duration: Approximately 1 hour
Language: English and Mandarin
Tickets available from Sistic

Synthesis

Chen Wen Hsi's Black Mountain, undated.

After reading Part I and II of my posts titled Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi Centennial Exhibition on Yesterday.sg, complete your experience by reading Part III right here: Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi Centennial Exhibition, Part III

In the above post, you will get to view Chen Wen Hsi's works "that sought to express, rather than represent..."

More on Chen Wen Hsi and his art

Grazing. By Chen Wen Hsi.

It is Good Friday today. While I don't celebrate Good Friday, I would like to recommend you to check out Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi Centennial Exhibition held at the Singapore Art Museum. This exhibition will be held till 8 April 2007, so if you have yet to catch it, do check out either today or on the following two days.

If you are still deliberating, I hope that my latest post on Yesterday.sg on this exhibition would entice you to visit the exhibition. Here's the link: Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi Centennial Exhibition, Part II. Do support my posts.

What's New: D'Bassists' Blog

In the hope to publicise for and create greater awareness of the double bass quartet, D'Bassists, that I am part of, a blog has been set up.

Check out D'Bassists' blog here: http://dbassists.blogspot.com

The gibbons on the S$50 note and more

Many people in Singapore could have own a copy of one of Chen Wen Hsi's artwork without realising it.

Unconvinced? Please take out your wallet, and look for a S$50 note (from the Portrait Series). Turn to the back of the note, and look for a pair of gibbons on it.

The image of those two gibbons is actually a part of an artwork by the late artist, Chen Wen Hsi.

To find out more, please read my most recent post on Yesterday.sg: Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi Centennial Exhibition

Explore Singapore! series: Betel chewing and head hunting

Source: Explore Singapore! TV Series - Asian Civilisations Museum

In the above video clip of Explore Singapore! TV Series, treat yourself to some gamelan music. Also, you will get to learn about "betel chewing" and head-hunting. You would also get to see a Qing dynasty dragon robe in this clip.

I think Simple American, Little Miss May, JY and Kunstemaecker may like this clip.

Also see:
Explore Singapore! TV Series - Asian Civilisations Museum
Explore Singapore! series in bite-size clips

At a lost

At a lost
Yet I can't seem to communicate

The pains
Of growing up






.
.
.




May these be
Just the inevitable parts
Of the metamorphosis

My post on Yesterday.sg

Even though I have blogged about my brunch at the Chinese Swimming Club about a week ago, I urged that my readers should also read a post by yours truly on the same subject posted on Yesterday.sg.

Aside from some reorganisation of the materials, in my most recent post on Yesterday.sg, I have included two black-and-white photos that would give readers a better clue to how the Chinese Swimming Club had looked like several decades ago.

Don't miss my most recent post on Yesterday.sg: Friends' of Yesterday's Brunch at Chinese Swimming Club.

For Mystic

Weissbier Tiramisu

Earlier on the first day of April 2007, I have had a lovely brunch at Paulaner Bräuhaus with one of my good friends, Mystic.

I consider Sunday the first day of the week, and breakfast the first meal of the day. With a delightful brunch, I am certain that I have had started my week on a positive note.

To thank Mystic for being so kind to be my company for brunch for the day, and being so patient to listen to all my ramblings when we visited the Singapore Art Museum after the brunch, I shall post a photo of Mystic's favourite dessert from Paulaner Bräuhaus for her viewing pleasure. Wishing her good memories of the day, and a good week ahead.

It may be quite a while before I write about the brunch at Paulaner Bräuhaus. I will work on a post on my visit to Convergences: Chen Wen Hsi's Centennial Exhibition held at the Singapore Art Museum first.

Whatever it is, please stay tune to this blog. I will be posting the above-mentioned two posts sooner or later.

Food and Heritage: A lovely combination

On Yesterday.sg today, there is a post titled Museum Grub. If you are tired with your usual eating places (in Singapore), and have yet to venture where good food and heritage do combine, you may wish to check out the Made In China @ Hua Song Museum.

Its address is as follow:
Made In China @ Hua Song Museum
Haw Par Villa
262 Pasir Panjang Road
Singapore 118628
Tel: 67777819

For more information on Coolchef's visit to Made in China @ Hua Song Museum, do check out:
http://yesterday.sg/detail/museum_grub/
http://culinarywizard.blogspot.com/2007/03/museum-grub.html

After reading Museum Grub, I can't help but wish to consider it as a possible place to take Simple American and his family to should they visit Singapore. I think he would love the idea of combining lovely Chinese cuisine and museum-visiting under one single roof.




For those who are interested in Hua Song Museum itself, you may be pleased to find a post that I have written on the museum in June last year: In praise of the Chinese.

Week 13 of year 2007 on the double bass

25 Mar 2007, Sun: In order to improve my rendition of Pachelbel's Canon in D major scored for a double bass quartet (arranged by David Heyes), I took about 20 minutes in the night to practise Canon in D major. I managed to have a better sense of how to play the last 24 bars for the first double bass.

26 Mar 2007, Mon: My parents were overseas, and I had my entire home to myself until one of my brothers returned home pretty late at night. I love the sound of peace at home. No sounds from the loud television. Somehow, the sound of peace gave me motivation to practise about an hour on the double bass, despite a very tiring day that day.

I practised all the four movements of Marcello's Sonata in G major and also spent some time playing Faure's Sicilienne. Somehow, I feel comforted by the sounds and vibrations from my double bass, affectionately referred to as my husband.

28 Mar 2007, Wed: There was no orchestra rehearsal for the evening. However, Emily, XM, QH and myself came together as a double bass quartet and played Pachelbel's Canon in D major arranged by David Heyes. With QH playing the fundamentally important bassline this evening, the ensemble sounded better than our double bass quartet rehearsal last week. I think I have rehearsed close to two hours on the double bass for the evening.

It was fun to hear at several points in the music how the various double bass parts relate to one another.

After the rehearsal, we had dinner at a nearby restaurant, Munchie Monkeys. I think Emily was looking forward to it even before the start of the rehearsal.



29 Mar 2007, Thu: I call Thursdays my double bass lesson day. My tutor demonstrated to me yet again how a penetrating and resonating double bass sound should sound like. I tried to imitate that sound and was only half-way close at times. Much later after the double bass lesson, I came across a blog-post titled Sound and Motion in Double Bass Playing written by Nicholas Hart. I want to achieve that lovely, resonating sound soon.

About 10 minutes of the lesson was spent on sight-reading. I still need more work on it. Does any one have tips to improve sight-reading skills?

The remaining part of the lesson was spent working on my rendition of the Marcello's Sonata in G major. I managed to play the entire sonata, but more work is needed to achieve the sound and quality of my rendition that I have aimed for. My tutor, MJ, instructed me to practise this sonata with the help of a metronome for practice purpose. I love double bass lesson because there is so much to learn.

He allowed me to use his bow to play the 2nd movement of Marcello's Sonata in G major and it felt so much easier to play with his bow. I wonder if it was his way to encourage me to consider getting a better bow? But if I were to get a better bow, the one that he had spoke to me about, that bow would cost almost as much as my current double bass, affectionately known as my husband.

30 Mar 2007, Fri: I had taken leave from work so that I could have more time to practise on the double bass. However, I did not foresee that a painful series of cramps would strike me throughout the day. My concentration level was affected when the pain got too much for myself to bear.

Anyway, I managed to spend quite a fair bit of time to practise on the double bass. I was practising intermittenly. Mustering endurance to endure the pain, I managed to play the 2nd and 4th movement of Marcello's Sonata in G major. I also managed to almost all the sections from Berkeley's Introduction and Allegro. I also managed to play Faure's Sicilienne.

31 Mar 2007, Sat: The pain that had struck me on 30 Mar 2007 has subsided. Thank goodness. With relief from the pain, I was able to muster enough concentration to practise.

As my tutor has specifically requested that I practise Marcello's Sonata in G major against a metronome, I gladly obliged and practised all four movements of the sonata against a clicking metronome. The drilling from the nearby lift-upgrading works was competing with the clicking sounds of the metronome for my attention. I won't mind the clicking of the metronome, but I very much mind the sound of the drilling.

I practised Faure's Sicilienne and my rendition was slightly more confident that that on 30 Mar 2007. However, the critic in me expected a better rendition. This means more practice.

It pleased me that I managed to play the entire Berkeley's Introduction and Allegro although I did so section by section. At the very least, I hope I could be familiar enough with this work so that I can get my tutor's inputs to work more in depth on this during one of my double bass lessons.

To end the day's practice, I played Keyper's Romance and Rondo. I should also practise Romanace and Rondo against the metronome one day.

**
In conclusion, I have reached my target (of practising at least 4 times a week, at least 15 minutes each time) yet again this week.

I am not sure if I could reach my target next week as I have just sent my bow for rehair. I have a spare bow but I don't quite like to use that bow. Anyway, I shall hope that next week would be a productive week too.

Too painful to bear

The pain from the cramps
Too painful to bear
From the abdominal area
It spreads to the head

Feeling weak
Judgement slurred
Such that I took the train
To a wrong direction

Couldn't endure
Such that I fear
I might faint any moment
Or land myself in a fall

I felt being robbed
Of my focus
Concentrating seems more challenging
When the pain attacks

While painkiller helps a little
I am reluctant to count on it
Until the pain gets
Too painful to bear...