MSO Tributes to John Williams

Melbourne Symphony Orchestra 's performance of Star Wars and Beyond ~ A Celebration of John William was certainly the best orchestra concert that I enjoyed most ~ And I thank God for this special opportunity to have this chance to enjoy the music so much ! The Saturday of 12th of March 2011, would be memorable and I really wish to have this opportunity again.

Firstly, John Williams has always been one of the master of film music that I respected. An American composer, conductor and pianist, he was educated in Julliard and had won numerous awards, including 5 Academy Awards and 4 Golden Globes. Notable in his works are the famous theme scores for the films : Star Wars, Jaws, Superman, Jurassic Park, E.T., Harry Potters 1& 2, and Catch me if You can. And truly, I enjoyed every single notes, every single pieces that was performed, all pieces were high and standards and really fantastic !

I grew up watching Jurassic Park, I watched E.T., even Star Wars and my mom used to play the soundtracks which meant I had been accustomed to the tunes and have grown up loving his music to such a degree that, it is never boring for me to listen to Catch Me if You Can's soundtrack and Harry's Wondrous World for 8 years ! And having this chance to listen to the live orchestra for these pieces played right before my eyes took all my breath away !

John William has this typical characteristic in his music which defines how much he loves it. The sweet beautiful melody, the clever usage of 'leitmotiv' and how he painted the characters of each different scores, proved how much genius he is. Main influences of his music are the prominent figures such as Strauss, Wagner, Prokofiev and Stravinsky and I would never forget the beautiful mournful tone from the solo violin for Schindler's List and would always praised the 20th century compositional idioms that he used in the opening for E.T.

Apart from that, MSO was so lucky to have the great maestro Anthony Inglis as the conductor. He is currently the Music Director of the National Symphony Orchestra in London and has vast outstanding repertoires throughout his career. His versatility as a conductor, his eloquent of speech, the warmth and his deep understanding of John's music was obvious through his deliverance. The way he created the usual rigid atmosphere of the concert hall into high valued theater representing Star Wars with the costumes were entertaining, as if the conductor had transformed into the characters itself. And, I do personally love his English accent !

Trust me, though it sounded odd.. as I listened to the delicate tunes from John's music.. the music and the harmony melts my heart so much.. that.. the feeling and the emotion were incomparable... even to the feelings that I felt when I had my first date. That is how much strong I love certain music and John William's is one of my beloved.

He cares

It would be a waste not to share something good. And of course, no one but ourselves who experienced would understand best.

Especially in times of troubles, when you felt crushed, or when you had lost or even failed countless times. And thoughts like ' maybe I am not meant to be ' or ' perhaps I am just as bad ', would crept into your minds and made the rest of the day a gloomy day.

That was what had happened on the 10th of March, 2011. For those of my entrusted friends, they knew what happened, for I informed them, yet my pride never let them knew the exact feeling that I kept. I knew I failed, and yes I am not giving up, but, sometimes you did yearn at least a comfort. But no one would knew if you never asked for it.

And yet, one of my ex-colleague, and a good friend of mine, suddenly rang up out of the blue and offered to buy me a meal for lunch, which he never did before. Without even thinking, I thanked him and waited eagerly for the meal and I appreciated his effort and cares so much. And to tell the truth, I was about to forgo my meal for that day... Just a little hint of what had happened : losing $150 for nothing did made me a little bit down and I didn't have much money left..

Just when I had finished my meal, another friend and sister of mine, came suddenly and bought me my favorite plum tea. She never came before and she never did this before. And.. that was the moment when I came to a realization that... this were not a coincidence at all.. And my first instinct made me pondered and asked this question : " Are You comforting me, Lord ? "

It all made sense. I believe that, Alan & Winishe were sent and used by God to comfort me, though they may not believed it.

Even when the problem seems so small, even when you secretly bottled up everything inside, Your Creator, who knows the number of your hairs (Luke 12:7), will always cares what we are going through.

See I have engraved you on the palms of My hands;
your walls are ever before Me
Isaiah 49:16

See, I have engraved you on the palms of my hands; your walls are ever before me. Isaiah 49: 16

Gothic Calligraphy Homework

It has been aeons... since the last time I really put myself to a certain degree of 'serious' artwork..

Though not exactly up to standard, finally I have managed to get a grasp of writing for A- Z Gothic lettering. Next, I can't wait to learn the Italic writing ~

Doing art work, which rarely did since I took Bachelor Music, was used to be my life for years.. I mean, painting and drawing are my first exposure to arts when I was a little girl. And I used to paint a lot..when I did my School back in Indo and.. during VCE years (Art & Design courses).. But since, I concentrated on music.. I didn't have time and motivation to paint anymore... and yup, I do miss it.While doing this project, the lettering was the hardest to tackle... all the words are supposed to be straight, rigid and in proportion... Mine doesn't ... Yet, I enjoyed during the decoration the most ~ The feeling of using my painting brush again was simply.. 'Zen' .. like what my friend, Len, always mentioned. Painting with brushes, especially in black, is just my forte.. and.. I love it !!!! Hopefully and hopefully... I will get inspired more to pick up painting again.

Catch me If You can

First viewed the film on 10th February 2003 for the first time.
Have had read the novel twice in year 2002 and 2007.
One the 13th June 2010, I have watched it again for the forth time.
‘Till today,the impression never cease.. Do you concur?

Directed and produced by Steven Spielberg, starring Leonardo DiCaprio as Frank William Abagnale Junior & Tom Hanks as FBI agent Carl Hanratty, released on December 25, 2002, ‘Catch Me if You Can’ is a comedy-drama film based on the life of Frank Abagnale. Set in the 1960’s the film chronicle the life of Frank, who before his 19th birthday, successfully conned millions of dollars by posing as a Pan American World Airways pilot, dead-heading to many destinations in the cockpit jump seat, and he impersonated as a Georgia doctor (complete with a forged Harvard Medical School degree). Furthermore, he created a phony document of Harvard Law Transcript and then he legitimately passed his bar exam and masqueraded as a Louisiana attorney, which is awesomely impressive... His primary crime was cheque forgery, becoming so skilful that the FBI eventually turned to him for help in catching other cheque forgers.

Frank Abagnale is now one of the world’ most respected authorities, working with the FBI’s Financial Crime Unit on counterfeiting and secure documents, including check swindling, forgery and embezzlement. He has been a consultant, lectured and instructed hundreds of seminars worldwide and continues to offer his services for free to the FBI. Moreover, he has published several books, manuals and articles and has designed secure checks that are utilized by businesses worldwide

One of the factors that the film gets my attention is the setting. A near-flawless palette of period looks from the ‘50s and ‘60s times. The sequence of 'cat and mouse' chase between Frank Abagnale & Hanretty, also has succesfully created a lasting impression through its witty, clever scenarios, the humour that it contains and the mockery within. Especially the Soundtrack, which I still listen too for over 7 years, the collection and tone of music assembled dealt greatly with 1960’s pop culture. The fusion of several older generation songs with a similarly retro style of jazz in the underscore is obvious. John William’s composition for this particular film represents the perpetual chase. “The Float” is shifty with attractive rhythmic romp that is cyclical in its vibraphone and woodwind rhythms. It exhibits an excellent saxophone solo with ominous dramatic undertones.

Personally, I love “ Broken Home” the most, where the music volume has been reduced to melancholy solitude carried by a slow solo harp and lonely shadows of the solo sax and piano performances that graced the score's beginning. Perhaps, the whole OST has summarised a well-documented music album with indeed, a well genre-constrained score. The music simply never bores me. And it has been proven so strongly as I have listened to the soundtrack over and over again for more than 7 years.

Both reading the biography and watching the movie is inseparable. It would not be complete without doing both activities. Indeed, it has become one of my favourite movie to watch. While, the book itself is not to be missed, and if you decided not to read the book, you miss all the details.

Sources:
• Editorial Review, Filmtracks – Catch Me If You Can, written on 14th December 2002, revised on the 10th January 2009. Copyright © 2002-2010, Christian Clemmensen (Filmtracks Publications).
http://www.filmtracks.com/titles/catch_me.html

• Frank W. Abagnale, with Stan Redding , Catch Me If You Can – The True Story of a Real Fake, Bantam Book, USA 1980.

• Margaret A. McGurk, DiCaprio, Hanks have fun, so catch them if you can – The Cincinnati Enquirer, Friday, December 27,2002.
http://cincinnati.com/freetime/movies/mcgurk/122702_catchme.html

• Susan Goodwin & Becky Bradley, American Cultural History, Lone Star College – Kingwood.1960 – 1969.Copyright © 1999 [Kingwood College Library]
http://kclibrary.lonestar.edu/decade60.html

• The Wikipedia Encyclopedia. Catch Me If You Can.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Catch_Me_If_You_Can

Chinese New Year Eve 2011

I always love Chinese New Year Eve, as it is the best time to gather all families and relatives in Melbourne. For 2011, we celebrated the night for the first time at home. Except, the Yee Sheng (鱼生), all foods were home-cooked by the mothers of the families. Sadly, this year, my cousins : Shalyn 's family and Nith 's were not able to join us. Hope to see you guys soon. Looking forward to celebrate this with friends as well. And, I miss all my other extended families, cousins which are scattered all over many different locations. Wish you all a Happy Chinese New Year 2011. Giong Hi !

祖大家新年快乐。恭喜发财

Nasi Tumpeng

29th January 2011, House Warming at Robert & Nina 's residential home =p

The hosts had been very generous in providing us the meals. We had Indonesia's famous Nasi Tumpeng. Which usually, is only served to celebrate important event. The philosophy of Tumpeng signifies the geographical condition in Indonesia, especially Java to be fertile island. The tall cone shape of the rice symbolized the mountain in Java as tall and magnificent. This unique dishes was served as a means to signify blessings for the house. This was followed by prayers and blessings by the invited pastor and many friends who love and supports this family.

All foods were delicious, including Nina's home-cook 'Bak mi', or Indonesian noodles. The guests had great time enjoying themselves in the house. The house-warming was a success. And not to forget, Himelda's Indonesian style cheesecakes and her signature Tiramisu were really wonderful :)

'Après Un Rêve'

Gabriel Faure (1845-1924)'s ''Après Un Rêve' is one of my favorite French vocal music.

Truly lyrical, beautiful, melodious and deep.....moreover, it speaks of dream, night, mystery and fantasy.. Though I have known for this song from the vocal accompaniment 4 years ago with my friend, a vocalist.. I had naught understand fully the meaning of this lyric back at that time... instead... the meanings flow naturally now..maybe it is due to the maturing process that is happening....it is probably the most suitable music to immerse in during solitary times, especially during peaceful slumber accompanied by the warm voices of the gentle rain.....

' Après Un Rêve'

Dans un sommeil que charmait ton image
Je rêvais le bonheur, ardent message;
Tes yeux étaient plus doux, ta voix pure et sonore
Tu rayonnais comme un ciel éclairé par l’aurore;

Tu m’appelais, et je quittais la terre
Pour m’enfuir avec toi vers la lumière;
Les cieux pour nous entr’ouvraient leurs nues;
Splendeurs inconnues, lueurs divines entrevues...

Hélas, hélas, triste réveil des songes !
Je t’apelle, ô nuit, rends-moi tes mensonges;
Reviens, reviens radieuse
Reviens, ô nuit mystérieuse

Translation:

'After A Dream'

In a slumber charmed by your image
I dreamed of happiness, ardent mirage;
Your eyes were more tender, your voice pure and clear.
You were radiant like a sky brightened by sunrise;
You were calling me, and I left the earth
To flee with you towards the light;
The skies opened their clouds for us,
Splendors unknown, glimpses of divine light...
Alas! Alas, sad awakening from dreams!
I call to you, oh night, give me back your illusions;
Return, return with your radiance,
Return, oh mysterious night!

Dealing with today's Problems

I have been failing my drive tests too often that, I have reached to the point where... I am devoid of any emotions left.

What concerns me the most, is the money. I have spent lots of sums of money for the sake of getting a license, and I don't think I have had ever spent even that much for clothes. My mind told me that, perhaps I am not even meant for the license. Perhaps I don't have the talent for driving at all.... Though it feels sucks.. I just have to resign to the fate and ..the only thing I know is, well.. just pay the money for another try.

I did not have anyone to call too when I finished the test, except notify my best friend via text messages. My feet brought me straight to the place that I used to put my commitment & energy there.. yes, my former work place don 1.

As I sat down and waited for my meal, I felt slightly nostalgic feeling towards this place. The atmosphere, the vibe, the pace.... Though it is still as it is; small, old, smells of teriyaki sauce, not as clean and bright as my office, woody and a little.. dodgy ? .. I still have that sense of belonging and pride to this place. At least this is a remaining place that I still have some kind of triumphant feel, indescribable in words. At least this place acknowledged me to a certain degree.. And I know, I have decided to move on from this place, never coming back, but still, maintaining the relations.

My brief visit comforted me. Perhaps meeting my ex managers were the reasons, or was I looking back to the olden days. Yet, life moves on and Don1 have taught me that, I did able to climb to the top, no matter how many times I struggled there in the past. It was a success and I have to do the same at my current life situation, especially for my present job.

Harry Potter & The Deathly Hallows - Soundtrack

The score for Deathly Hallows: Part 1 is composed by Alexandre Desplat, a notable French composer.

The first review of the soundtrack was released on October 31^st, 2010. The soundtrack received many positive reviews. ‘Obliviate’, the Prelude of the Deadly Hallows portrays the sad, mournful story, appropriate for the projection of the movie. It is neither a mysterious fantasy theme, nor a triumphant battle score, it is unique and full of depth, reflecting the progression of the emotions that the film contains.

At the time I watched the film for the first time in cinema; I noticed the melancholy tones and how the background music attracted me so much. When I found out that the composer was Alexander Desplat, it made sense to me. Having been listening well to Desplat‘s Curious Case of Benjamin Button, I could identify the uniqueness of Desplat’s composition; the sombre timbre, the many uses of dark tones, the beautiful melancholy tunes. And after I watched Deathly Hallows: Part 1, for the second time, I decided to purchase the soundtrack.

One month has passed, as I listen to the soundtrack all the time and I have fallen in love with it. ‘Obliviate’ sets the scene for a sad, mournful story and perhaps, highly appropriate to introduce this film. The music lends quiet emotional depth in ‘Harry & Ginny’, some tense, robust action with outstanding precision in many other tracks. In ‘Ron’s Speech’, the emotion in this music is high above success. It is so much serene and beautiful that I couldn't help but really feel it. Through the music, it depicts Desplat's genuine understanding towards the characters in the film; the painful transition from children to adult that the characters have to face, the struggles, and the deepest feelings, the dark forces, have all been illustrated with the entire soundtrack.

Nevertheless, John William’s scores for Harry Potter‘s first two movies received much credit as well. And Harry’s Wondrous World, ceaselessly, has been my favorite for 8 years and will always be.

No doubt, these soundtracks serve as my faithful companions when I was alone, in my room, which illustrates the mood of the story for Harry Potter series vividly. And honestly, some of the music suit my moods very much.

Kitchen Workshop Buffet

25th January 2011 - 18.00 pm @ Kitchen Workshop, Crown Entertainment Complex.

Having mon premier Unilodge Company dinner buffet ~ A cozy effective way to get together with the managers & other staff members, while having a chance to have your ideal way of dining experiences.

Instead of rushing to the food counter and taking as much food ravenously, I did it step by step and never against the order by starting from:
1. Appetizer - Tomato & Basil soup with croutons, garnished with Parmesan cheese
2. Salad - Garden salad with French Dressing, Beetroots, Tomatoes, Pasta Salad, etc.
3. Entree - Cordon Bleu Veal with Chat Potatoes, with many others available here and there.
4. Main Courses - Grilled Pepper Fish, Roasted Chicken, & Roast Beef.
5. Dessert, observable from the photograph.

And, please don't get me wrong. When it comes to buffet, my ideal rule is to take as little portion as much for each food that I would devour upon. Take your time, eat gracefully, and no rush ! Thinking in mind, that this is a time for food tasting. Be careful on the portion on each dishes would allow me to safe more rooms for my stomach, in conducting the maximum gastronomic activity as possible, and at the same time, to watch over my weight. Plenty of people would have the pleasure to be represented as my witnesses.

The overall ambiance of the dining room was all right, despite the limit of food varieties compared to Sante, but I do think that the quality of the food here is pretty satisfying. The only thing that I found it disappointing was the roast beef - hard, not enough taste.. anyway,
Love the grill pepper fish the most. I ate double portion & it's simply Enchante !