Muse by ACJC and AJC 0 Innova 0(IJC 6-5 pens)

how not to start your new concert season


1)forget about your ticket,or your date for that matter.passed this test
2)be late.or nearly late.forced to take a taxi
3)giggle.you can piss a few atas idiots off


morning:sianz
afternoon:wad the hell is the CCA carnival for when you have all the J1s looking bemused and still dunno wad to decide
evening:football.our AJ heroes fell on penalties,haiz =(
night:AC Band concert.back at it again,for this concert season


somehow they have a penchant for grande complications this time round.that means stuff with more than 2 movements(you weren't supposed to clap when they pause),highly sophisticated arrangements that demand absolute concentration(and a bit of humour as well just to prevent one from going insane from all the intensity) and they are much more assured given that they are going to Sydney for their big night in June .This is my art magazine editor take on Muse 2006, traditionally the first event of the Concert Season and one of the most prestigious ones


Chinese Spring Overture by Lee Huan Chi-brings me back memories of the long past chinese new year.kinda the sort which you'd play during CNY concerts in school


Second Suite for Band by Alfred Reed-this one was surprisingly confusing,not because of the complicated arrangement,but the part where there were 4 separate pieces that might actually seem unrelated.but that's your contrasting subject if you so wish to say,because it alternates between the delicate and the heavy handed,and this actually served as the bridge for all the even more weighty stuff ahead,as would be outlined later


Fantasy Variations by (NOT James Barnes)-okok,Matt the MC kinda told me the supposedly correct composer(an Italian violinist) but apart from that it's a very light-heavy weight because of it's light airy feeling when you listen to such feel good tunes.beautifully balanced and ends with a flourish


Turandot by Giacomo Puccini-I missed the opera some years back,but it kinda paid back by this dramatic opera piece.tells the fairy tale story of the princess who beheads suitors unworthy of her riddles before some brave soul shows up and clinches it.I particularly like the harp(what a rare appearance =)) and the dramatic celebratory finale.this is what music is for in the first place


Make A Joyful Noise by James Swearingen as interpreted by ACSBR SB-okok that's just about the only piece this band was going to play before the break.we kinda need a breather after the beautiful Turandot,and we got it with something vibrant.not so much a concert piece,but at least it was also allows one to break out into a smile in the atas atmo of esplanade


(the following in blue is what the ACSI SB played)


National Emblem by E.E. Baglui-your typical millitary band march,as interpreted by a concert band


Lawrence of Arabia by Maurice Jarre-I love the rousing start with the heavy percussion that reminds one of a desert atmosphere.other than that,if there were anything a tad disappointing,this is it.it didn't take long to realise that they didn't factor T.E Lawrence's extraordinary life in the desert during WWI until towards the end.if I should say anything,that would have done with more gusto


English Folk Song Suite/Sea Songs by Vaughan Williams-the navy has a richer song tradition than the Army.where the land troops can play mostly marches but nothing much in the olden times,it's the sailors that actually entertain more with all their rousing(and sometimes rowdy) songs.and they are more imaginative.hence the part where they have the 1st 2 movements 2 folk songs in their own right,and 3 of them squeezed into the third.oh too bad the Royal Navy don't really play that anymore,but with such good renditions by the AC Band,they still live on on the land


Emperata Overture by Claude Smith-before their seniors return,the ACSI Band decide to give this parting gift.actually it seemed like a corruption of imperator,so it was quite surprising that it was another majestic piece in its own right


First Suite in EB for Millitary Band(s) by Gustav Holst-no holds barred.actually that sounded as if it was more for a concert piece than for any SYF millitary band central judging thingy.but who cares given that it was quite a well orchestrated piece that delicately fuses into a pretty symphony


1812 Overture by Pete Tchaikovsky-this is the showpiece of the night.the solemn start is a bit understated,but towards the middle,things start to perk up,not least a rendition of L'Marseillaise(the French anthem).to end the night on a high,the cannons by the big bass drums give way to a grand cacophony of song,joy and church bells.the bells finale is a the best way to end the night off with a great bang!


updates on the konzerthaus kalender


RJ Band:heard it's tomorrow(and today).I might have to give it a miss
VJ Band:I might miss that too
RJ CO:Sunday 7/5.lovely Sunday evening out,apart from that it'd be an eyeopener having not seen them play previously
VJ Choir:I'll need Rachie's confirmation before buying.but from their trend,they traditionally have Choir Tuesday in May(2nd week)..haha interesting but the only problem is the $42 ticket yet again.looks like I'd be teased again by PooH ;)
AJ Choir:11/5.a public holiday eve to be exact.I shall oblige by promoting that around
AJ Band:they're flying solo this time on 30/5.let's crash the party folks
AC Choir:confirm muz go one.but the Monday date may prove to ba an obstacle yet again
HC Band/Choir:EH JOCE!!!where's the updates?
TJ Band:Shortie will take care of that.hope she didn't forget me yet
NJ Band/Choir/malarkey:okok I'm not quite impressed by their performing arts.maybe I shall plant money for their 20/5 funfair instead
SA Dance/whatever:I need a bit of help here