為什麼古典音樂給人沉悶的感覺？
日常生活中，我們最容易聽到怎樣的古典音樂？那些悠揚悅耳的旋律、名曲，例如 Pachelbel 的《Ｄ大調卡農》？很多人喜歡工作時聽古典音樂電台鬆弛神經，我遇過的牙醫都喜歡一邊播古典音樂電台一邊在我的牙裡舞刀弄槍。三藩市古典音樂電台 KDFC 的口號是「輕鬆，舒適，古典」 (Casual, Comfortable, Classical)，終日播著非常順耳的作品。
這些音樂，好聽點說是寧靜和諧，難聽點說便是牆紙，左耳入右耳出。既然不會引起注意，自然不會留下印象。那麼古典音樂有甚麼好聽？不是沉悶是甚麼？
問題是，這些只佔古典音樂的一小部份而已。
每當聽到別人說「我喜歡古典音樂呀，很舒服」，我都會感到有點憤怒和被侮辱，有點像聽到洋人對我說：「我喜歡中國菜呀，Panda Express（美國流行的中國菜快餐店）的宮保雞很好吃」之類的反應。
大家熟悉的貝多芬《命運交響曲》，怎也不會和「舒服、悠揚、鬆弛」等形容詞扯上邊吧？我十月到洛杉磯時卻難得地見識了「舒服、悠揚、鬆弛」的《命運交響曲》：晚會開始時的酒會，賓客閒談聚舊，以「宮保雞」式古典音樂作背景應是很好的選擇。奇就奇在，自己帶備唱片的搞手居然播出足本版《命運交響曲》！
我一邊聽著那四顆「命運叩門」的「登登登凳」在不斷重複，一邊觀察著這荒謬的場面：貝多芬在狂呼「命運，你玩我呀？」的同時，賓客們絲毫感受不到那種狂怒。是一個癲狂症病人在自說自話，還是賓客們聾了？
12.30.2007
12.23.2007
摸底
最近組織新 band ，在原有的鼓手、結他手和女主音班底下作新嘗試：我加入作鍵琴手，而女主音兼作低音結他手。
第一次排練總是困難的，首先要互相摸底，知道實力如何也容易討價還價；其次是要調校至他們三人已建立好的溝通頻率，加深認識；還要懂得客氣，謹慎地提出意見而不咄咄逼人，觀察對方是否願意聽你的說話，為求不是各人自顧自地自我感覺良好就此作罷。
兩小時的排練結束，算是對各團員性格和能力有點概括的印象，但要把歌曲弄至滿意的水平，當然要多一兩次的排練。這個時候，緬懷舊隊友是少不免的，也會把新舊作比較。
我懷念深情投入的營養姐姐 J 、三言兩語便解決問題的大作曲家 A 和不停講說話的總統 T ...
過去總是美好的，因為人只會記得以往的成功，淡化了過程的艱辛（見郝明義的好書《工作DNA》）。平心而論，雖然現在解決問題的速度較慢，但計進以前那些亂唱的「休息時間」，現在排練的時間不見得比以前多。
我想到的問題是：
阿巴多 (Abbado) 從卡拉揚 (Karajan) 接掌了柏林愛樂，拉圖 (Rattle) 又從阿巴多手中接棒，他們面對這黃金樂團，是怎樣摸底、認識、溝通和磨合的？
第一次排練總是困難的，首先要互相摸底，知道實力如何也容易討價還價；其次是要調校至他們三人已建立好的溝通頻率，加深認識；還要懂得客氣，謹慎地提出意見而不咄咄逼人，觀察對方是否願意聽你的說話，為求不是各人自顧自地自我感覺良好就此作罷。
兩小時的排練結束，算是對各團員性格和能力有點概括的印象，但要把歌曲弄至滿意的水平，當然要多一兩次的排練。這個時候，緬懷舊隊友是少不免的，也會把新舊作比較。
我懷念深情投入的營養姐姐 J 、三言兩語便解決問題的大作曲家 A 和不停講說話的總統 T ...
過去總是美好的，因為人只會記得以往的成功，淡化了過程的艱辛（見郝明義的好書《工作DNA》）。平心而論，雖然現在解決問題的速度較慢，但計進以前那些亂唱的「休息時間」，現在排練的時間不見得比以前多。
我想到的問題是：
阿巴多 (Abbado) 從卡拉揚 (Karajan) 接掌了柏林愛樂，拉圖 (Rattle) 又從阿巴多手中接棒，他們面對這黃金樂團，是怎樣摸底、認識、溝通和磨合的？
分類 -
音樂
12.19.2007
破長梯
友人側田說他在麻省理工的老細很嚴苛，要求他的研究生每天十時到四時（午飯時間除外）一定要在辦公室裡出現。如果他進來辦公室找不到你，五分鐘後回來仍然不在，他就會質問你到了哪裡，把你當成存心欺騙上司的員工。
買杯咖啡、上廁所總要時間吧，況且大學工作最吸引的不是自由和彈性嗎？走到室外工作也可以吧？友人說這位教授性格有點古怪，他不許就不許。這次友人請假回灣區兩星期，教授對他說：下學期你一小時假都不能請。友人還要找工作面試呀，這麼小小的彈性都沒有，你叫他怎樣為畢業打算！
我估計，如果不只是因為教授脾氣怪，他這樣做恐怕有原因，可能以往出現過甚麼都不做的研究生，期限到了卻甚麼也交不出，教授才逼現在的學生有紀律吧。但終歸不是好方法，除了令學生怨聲載道，友人也有暗方破解：他多報了一兩班不用讀書的「合格／肥佬」課，有必要時對教授說「我要上課」，教授也無可奈何，友人便趁此空檔辦事了。
遇見過一些終日「奪命追魂 call」的女孩，任何時候男朋友不接電話等於他在做不見得光的事，苛刻程度與上述古怪教授無異，不禁令人搖頭嘆息。
買杯咖啡、上廁所總要時間吧，況且大學工作最吸引的不是自由和彈性嗎？走到室外工作也可以吧？友人說這位教授性格有點古怪，他不許就不許。這次友人請假回灣區兩星期，教授對他說：下學期你一小時假都不能請。友人還要找工作面試呀，這麼小小的彈性都沒有，你叫他怎樣為畢業打算！
我估計，如果不只是因為教授脾氣怪，他這樣做恐怕有原因，可能以往出現過甚麼都不做的研究生，期限到了卻甚麼也交不出，教授才逼現在的學生有紀律吧。但終歸不是好方法，除了令學生怨聲載道，友人也有暗方破解：他多報了一兩班不用讀書的「合格／肥佬」課，有必要時對教授說「我要上課」，教授也無可奈何，友人便趁此空檔辦事了。
遇見過一些終日「奪命追魂 call」的女孩，任何時候男朋友不接電話等於他在做不見得光的事，苛刻程度與上述古怪教授無異，不禁令人搖頭嘆息。
12.12.2007
末日裡的天堂
如果沒有南方介紹，這張看起來平平無奇的唱片，既不是大廠，曲目又沒有在封面寫清楚，我分分鐘錯過了呢。
近年專攻古樂派的梅洛娃 (Viktoria Mullova) 和著名鋼琴二重奏孖女的姐姐拉貝克 (Katia Labeque) 合作，可以有怎樣的火花？梅洛娃演奏舒伯特、史達拉汶斯基和拉威爾會是甚麼樣子的？特別是錄音裡的拉貝克姊妹一定打孖上，可沒有聽過姐姐獨立行事。唱片雖然貴了點，但既然南方用來作發燒碟，想必物有所值，我對這唱片甚有期待。
首次接觸舒伯特的小提琴鋼琴二重奏作品，《幻想曲》可嚇了我一跳：想不到以簡單旋律和古典結構馳名的舒伯特，竟然寫出這樣炫技的作品！這首《幻想曲》是舒伯特為一位小提琴高手度身訂造，以高超技巧揉合晚期舒伯特（還只有三十歲！）的「末日裡的天堂」風格，使它雖然難度直迫貝多芬的《克羅采奏鳴曲》(Kreutzer)，仍然有安詳和諧的感覺。梅洛娃的純淨音色正好配合這種感覺，加上拉貝克姐姐的清脆琴音，俐落得很舒服。正！
拉威爾的小提琴奏鳴曲我當然熟悉，以「過來人」的身份欣賞別人演奏，自有一番體會。梅洛娃和拉貝克姐姐在第一樂章竟然營造了詭異的氣氛，小提琴鬼氣迫人，鋼琴好像在躲避鬼的追逐；和我的理解差天共地，但聽起來合情合理。第二樂章的「藍調」好像浪漫精緻得過了頭，也許正是拉威爾在法國聽到的「橘越淮而為枳」的美國藍調，但梅洛娃的音色掌控好得無比。第三樂章的「無窮動」自是炫技了。
碟內還有史達拉汶斯基的《意大利組曲》和舒曼太太的《浪漫曲》，風格多變但同樣精采。
12.01.2007
奧秘
大家一定看過一種「遊戲書」，通常都是尋寶故事，每頁有不同劇情，頁的盡頭是選擇，讀者要根據指示，決定下一步跳到那一頁繼續故事。而結局有多種，視乎讀者聰明和幸運的程度，好的找到寶物，差一點的可以保命但空手而回，最差的甚至中途喪命，要從頭再玩。
這種互動的遊戲十分刺激，一定會一口氣看完，似乎命運就掌握在你手中，人人看這本書都有獨特的路線。但結局其實都是三數個，而且不是預先計劃好嗎？究竟每位讀者在這個遊戲裡的命運，是早已預定的，還是讀者自己選擇的？
舉一個簡單的例子。假設你還有一步就到結局，這是最後一個選擇：
你被包圍了，你要跳窗，還是從樓梯逃走？
跳窗：奇蹟沒有發生，你從高處墮下，死在路中心。
樓梯：剛跑到地下，你被包圍警員同時開火，中彈身亡。
兩種結局都是死亡，可以說，是作者的「旨意」，你走到最後一道選擇之前，你已經被預定「死亡」了。誰還可以說你一直掌握自己的命運？
我們可以爭辯：作者才不會這麼無聊，既然有選擇，結局當然是不同的。又或者說：作者不會這樣狠心吧，應該有「惻隱之心」吧？那，這樣又如何？
跳窗：奇蹟發生了，你從高處墮下，跌進垃圾堆中，成功逃脫。
樓梯：剛跑到地下，你被包圍警員同時開火，中彈身亡。
兩個選擇都看不出結局好壞，顯然是賭運吧。結局看來真是掌握在讀者的手（和他的運氣）！但無論選擇如何，結局不是作者預先定好了嗎？
「預定論」和「自由意志論」的衝突，對作者和讀者以外的人才有意義。假若讀者只有一次閱讀此書的機會，他是不可能在遊戲的中途知道結局的。再進一步說，讀者連結局寫好了沒亦無從得知，就算作者隨意更改結局，這位讀者亦不可能知道！
「預定論」和「自由意志論」，超越了這位讀者的「認知範圍」。讀者受時空之限，無論科學如何昌明，腦袋如何發達，這仍是「奧秘」。
讀者可以做的，只是繼續跳到下一頁。
延伸閱讀：
從風雨而飛《一個因與果的矩陣》
這種互動的遊戲十分刺激，一定會一口氣看完，似乎命運就掌握在你手中，人人看這本書都有獨特的路線。但結局其實都是三數個，而且不是預先計劃好嗎？究竟每位讀者在這個遊戲裡的命運，是早已預定的，還是讀者自己選擇的？
舉一個簡單的例子。假設你還有一步就到結局，這是最後一個選擇：
你被包圍了，你要跳窗，還是從樓梯逃走？
跳窗：奇蹟沒有發生，你從高處墮下，死在路中心。
樓梯：剛跑到地下，你被包圍警員同時開火，中彈身亡。
兩種結局都是死亡，可以說，是作者的「旨意」，你走到最後一道選擇之前，你已經被預定「死亡」了。誰還可以說你一直掌握自己的命運？
我們可以爭辯：作者才不會這麼無聊，既然有選擇，結局當然是不同的。又或者說：作者不會這樣狠心吧，應該有「惻隱之心」吧？那，這樣又如何？
跳窗：奇蹟發生了，你從高處墮下，跌進垃圾堆中，成功逃脫。
樓梯：剛跑到地下，你被包圍警員同時開火，中彈身亡。
兩個選擇都看不出結局好壞，顯然是賭運吧。結局看來真是掌握在讀者的手（和他的運氣）！但無論選擇如何，結局不是作者預先定好了嗎？
「預定論」和「自由意志論」的衝突，對作者和讀者以外的人才有意義。假若讀者只有一次閱讀此書的機會，他是不可能在遊戲的中途知道結局的。再進一步說，讀者連結局寫好了沒亦無從得知，就算作者隨意更改結局，這位讀者亦不可能知道！
「預定論」和「自由意志論」，超越了這位讀者的「認知範圍」。讀者受時空之限，無論科學如何昌明，腦袋如何發達，這仍是「奧秘」。
讀者可以做的，只是繼續跳到下一頁。
延伸閱讀：
從風雨而飛《一個因與果的矩陣》
11.29.2007
樸實無華
鋼琴家布蘭度（布蘭德爾／Alfred Brendel）明年退出演奏生涯了。
在世的鋼琴家當中，我最敬重的就是布蘭度。但我愛上他的演奏，還是不久以前的事。
我是同時間認識舒伯特和布蘭度的。我早知道他們的名字，說到認識，卻是去年十二月被野田妹刺激之下，才買了布蘭度的舒伯特鋼琴奏鳴曲錄音。接著不能自拔地抑鬱了半年。
在我的世界裡，布蘭度演繹的抑鬱的舒伯特，才是真正的舒伯特。
布蘭度的曲目範圍，大部份是海頓、貝多芬、莫札特和舒伯特等古典德奧作品。他的理念是讓聽眾直接認識作曲家和樂章的偉大，而不是賣弄演奏者。故此他的演奏風格樸實無華，沒有誇張的強弱和速度變化，沒有沉醉於音色的營造，沒有令人震懾的炫技，也因此有人嫌布蘭度悶，沒有特色，不夠刺激。
正因這種理念，我第一次聽舒伯特的時候，不是聽到布蘭度的風格，而是舒伯特的偉大！做到這一點，布蘭度忠實地完成了演奏者的使命，光是這一點已經表現出布蘭度的偉大了。
我開始搜集更多布蘭度的錄音。對耳熟能詳的曲目，聽布蘭度的第一個感覺總是很不爽，有點苦澀，但多聽一兩遍便開始明白他的用意。如果你有聽過他的現場演出（我有幸今年聽了一次，也可能是最後一次），會發現布蘭度的每一粒琴音都有一層光暈迴音（我稱之為「有一道氣」），這是他的獨門。有了這層光暈，音符聽起來重了很多，故此初時會不爽，但亦因這層光暈，微不足道的音符都變得有意思，把平時沒有留意的細節也聽出來。布蘭度新近的莫札特奏鳴曲錄音，正有這種效果，但奉勸不要連續聽完全碟四首奏鳴曲，因為聽完一首奏鳴曲已經喘不過氣了。
如果說布蘭度沒有音色，沒有高超技巧，那絕對大錯特錯。不為也，非不能也。樂章要他跑手指，他就會跑（貝多芬《熱情》奏鳴曲）；要靚音色，他就有那種音色（舒伯特即興曲）；要幽默的時候，他就會變得很趣怪（貝多芬奏鳴曲 Op.79）！
音樂會月曆上，將會少了一個令我熱切期待的名字，作為小樂迷的我實在失望。但願他老人家身體強健，間中也露兩手吧。
分類 -
音樂
11.18.2007
幻想
鋼琴家 Argerich 和大提琴家 Maisky 這對多年好友兼拍檔，令我很羨慕。如果自己也可以和好友一直演出，真是非常幸福的事情呢！
這張唱片裡 Argerich 和 Maisky 綻放明亮繽紛的色彩，把舒曼的幻想曲風發揮得淋漓盡致。舒曼的幻想，重點是色彩鮮明和熱情奔放，有別於舒伯特朦朧的幻想或蕭邦沉溺的幻想。作為鋼琴人，我更為留意的當然是 Argerich。舒曼室樂的鋼琴部份很容易「自動波」地彈成空洞無物，但 Argerich 使出她的獨家本領，把強弱、快慢的對比很隨心的奏出來，效果就像畫家大師從容地看似這裡一筆，那裡一劃，卻栩栩如生地描繪了駿馬一樣。
買了這張唱片很久，聽的時候總是忽略了《五首民謠曲風的作品》，可能是唱片裡太多短曲，很難對每首都有印象。現在要準備演出才找出來再仔細聽，發覺雖然五首小曲無甚關連，各自拆開來聽卻也不錯，第二首搖籃曲結尾更是美不可言。最令我感興趣的是第一首，小標題為「虛空的虛空」(Vanitas vanitatum) 和「幽默地」，整首曲子倒像熱情的表達，我不明白！
11.15.2007
笑話
今天花了很多時間看這個網頁，裡頭有很多學生的搞笑音樂功課和考試。因為太好笑，我在辦公室很努力... 遏止自己笑。
抽了數個放在這裡：
Fortunately, Handel came after the [contemporary piece], and in his stately manor he restored order with his Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 4 no. 3.
When I arrived the band was warming up. When they were warm a single oboe played walked out...
The Haydn piece [string quartet] was nice, but not very moving or memorable. I understand that that is one characteristic of classical music . . .
When the performance was over there was a reception with cookies and juice in which the audience could mingle with the performers.
The second piece was the Trumpet Concerto in E-flat by Haydn...According to the program this piece was extremely new when it was first composed.
*
再奉上一個我自己鬧出來的音樂笑話...
話說當年音樂家 E 給我彈一首考試曲，聽他彈完，我望著琴譜右上角的名字說：
「這個作曲家的名字很熟，我應該聽過他...」
他是音樂史上最多產的作曲家－－ ANON. 先生！
*
小時候讀中文課本的時候，我也曾經認為「佚名」是筆名呢。
抽了數個放在這裡：
Fortunately, Handel came after the [contemporary piece], and in his stately manor he restored order with his Organ Concerto in G Minor, Op. 4 no. 3.
When I arrived the band was warming up. When they were warm a single oboe played walked out...
The Haydn piece [string quartet] was nice, but not very moving or memorable. I understand that that is one characteristic of classical music . . .
When the performance was over there was a reception with cookies and juice in which the audience could mingle with the performers.
The second piece was the Trumpet Concerto in E-flat by Haydn...According to the program this piece was extremely new when it was first composed.
*
再奉上一個我自己鬧出來的音樂笑話...
話說當年音樂家 E 給我彈一首考試曲，聽他彈完，我望著琴譜右上角的名字說：
「這個作曲家的名字很熟，我應該聽過他...」
他是音樂史上最多產的作曲家－－ ANON. 先生！
*
小時候讀中文課本的時候，我也曾經認為「佚名」是筆名呢。
分類 -
音樂
11.13.2007
兩首詩篇
BCBC 突破小組作品。試估第二首的背景是甚麼？
第一篇
我羨慕麻雀尚有居所，
但在地上卻找不到安息之處。
神啊，我呼求你，
作我的力量，
作我的盾牌。
讓我住在的殿中，
好叫我能藉著禱告，
勝過我的仇敵。
第二篇
秋葉枯乾時，
惡人的陰影籠罩我。
看不見穹蒼，
動力的源頭在哪兒？
我投靠寶貴的言語，
的光救護了我，
驟覺秋雨甘霖，
神是信實、公義和慈愛！
第一篇
我羨慕麻雀尚有居所，
但在地上卻找不到安息之處。
神啊，我呼求你，
作我的力量，
作我的盾牌。
讓我住在的殿中，
好叫我能藉著禱告，
勝過我的仇敵。
第二篇
秋葉枯乾時，
惡人的陰影籠罩我。
看不見穹蒼，
動力的源頭在哪兒？
我投靠寶貴的言語，
的光救護了我，
驟覺秋雨甘霖，
神是信實、公義和慈愛！
11.12.2007
耐性
很多時候，我們遇到的難題無法即時解決，但稍為放鬆後便自動完成了。
有沒有試過做數學功課，想了很久也想不通，一覺睡醒卻突然全部明白？
我不愛解IQ題和智力遊戲一類的東西，和老爸的性格正相反。記得小時候給他一個扭計骰，看著他深夜也不肯睡，總是不能解，但到早上他只花了很短時間就完成了。
這種情況練鋼琴也經常出現。遇上雙手手指同時跑的艱難段落，花上數小時練習總是不能好好合在一起。睡了一晚，第二天練習時就「自動波」全部彈出來。
有些事，不能急，揠苗助長反而有害。
*
世界上總有些人口腔有菌，口痕得不能自控。
對著這些口痕友，無乜可以做到，最緊要自己心水清當耳邊風。
例子？撒旦對耶穌說：「喂，你係神嘛，肚餓咪將石頭變麵包囉。咦？定係你唔識變？會俾人恥笑你架。」
穌哥怎樣回答？自己翻書找答案啦。
*
邊有人連牌都未派就同人講要食天糊？
開左牌，冇天糊食，唔通唔打？
定係死撐？等十三么？
牌路唔對，自亂章法，冇得救架喇。
有沒有試過做數學功課，想了很久也想不通，一覺睡醒卻突然全部明白？
我不愛解IQ題和智力遊戲一類的東西，和老爸的性格正相反。記得小時候給他一個扭計骰，看著他深夜也不肯睡，總是不能解，但到早上他只花了很短時間就完成了。
這種情況練鋼琴也經常出現。遇上雙手手指同時跑的艱難段落，花上數小時練習總是不能好好合在一起。睡了一晚，第二天練習時就「自動波」全部彈出來。
有些事，不能急，揠苗助長反而有害。
*
世界上總有些人口腔有菌，口痕得不能自控。
對著這些口痕友，無乜可以做到，最緊要自己心水清當耳邊風。
例子？撒旦對耶穌說：「喂，你係神嘛，肚餓咪將石頭變麵包囉。咦？定係你唔識變？會俾人恥笑你架。」
穌哥怎樣回答？自己翻書找答案啦。
*
邊有人連牌都未派就同人講要食天糊？
開左牌，冇天糊食，唔通唔打？
定係死撐？等十三么？
牌路唔對，自亂章法，冇得救架喇。
11.10.2007
百病
韋華第《四季》裡頭《冬》的第一樂章，用刮弦聲模仿寒冬的風雪，聽著聽著也覺得冰冷。自搬進三藩市，冰冷的感覺重了很多，我住的區域更是終年大霧，再住數年風濕恐怕難免了。現在才十一月，家裡已經冷得我終日穿著大衣保暖，遲點再冷下去就要想想辦法啦。
這數年健康狀況一直不太好，老爸說是我不適合這裡的水土。不過我覺得除了上述天氣因素，還包括壓力、飲食、運動等，簡單來說是因獨自生活，對身體的照顧有些少糊塗是正常的，不能說只是天氣的問題。看來年紀越來越大，便要面對和忍受更多的身體毛病。
皮膚慢慢好了點，又來牙齒，是一筆不小的數目。見牙醫是甚麼年紀的我都會害怕和逃避的。上星期四，牙醫在我的口腔裡弄這弄那的時候，為了分散注意力和不想聽到儀器的恐怖聲音，我帶了自己的CD塞著耳朵來聽。
我選的曲目是 Wilhelm Kempff 彈奏貝多芬的《悲愴》鋼琴奏鳴曲。
與其說是悲愴，我的感覺更像悲涼，烈士上刑場那種。
這數年健康狀況一直不太好，老爸說是我不適合這裡的水土。不過我覺得除了上述天氣因素，還包括壓力、飲食、運動等，簡單來說是因獨自生活，對身體的照顧有些少糊塗是正常的，不能說只是天氣的問題。看來年紀越來越大，便要面對和忍受更多的身體毛病。
皮膚慢慢好了點，又來牙齒，是一筆不小的數目。見牙醫是甚麼年紀的我都會害怕和逃避的。上星期四，牙醫在我的口腔裡弄這弄那的時候，為了分散注意力和不想聽到儀器的恐怖聲音，我帶了自己的CD塞著耳朵來聽。
我選的曲目是 Wilhelm Kempff 彈奏貝多芬的《悲愴》鋼琴奏鳴曲。
與其說是悲愴，我的感覺更像悲涼，烈士上刑場那種。
分類 -
音樂
11.05.2007
冬令時間
冬令時間的第一個工作天。鐘慢了一小時，起床早了，天也黑早了，五時半放工已經全黑。學生時代沒有留意，返工生活規律才發覺。精神狀況也跟著天色，三時多已經很懶不想工作了。
以前對季節是沒有感覺的，真是生活要變得千篇一律地枯燥，才會對身邊的事物多一點敏感和關心。
想起中一音樂課，第一次聽韋華第的《四季》，絲毫聯想不到甚麼季節。考試要考辨認曲目，心靈遲鈍的我又怎可以意會哪一樂章是春夏秋冬，最後還是買了唱片來死記。
Konstanty Kulka / Stuttgarter Kammerorchester / Karl Münchinger
想起來，這應該是我自己買的第一隻古典音樂唱片。
原來不是韋華第寫得不像，是聽者無心罷了。
後來發燒古典音樂，補買了名盤：
Alan Loveday / Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields / Neville Marriner
中五會考尾聲時聽了一場「難忘（你）」的《四季》音樂會，金珍秀和港樂。
自此以後，就沒有認真聽過《四季》...
以前對季節是沒有感覺的，真是生活要變得千篇一律地枯燥，才會對身邊的事物多一點敏感和關心。
想起中一音樂課，第一次聽韋華第的《四季》，絲毫聯想不到甚麼季節。考試要考辨認曲目，心靈遲鈍的我又怎可以意會哪一樂章是春夏秋冬，最後還是買了唱片來死記。
Konstanty Kulka / Stuttgarter Kammerorchester / Karl Münchinger
想起來，這應該是我自己買的第一隻古典音樂唱片。
原來不是韋華第寫得不像，是聽者無心罷了。
後來發燒古典音樂，補買了名盤：
Alan Loveday / Academy of St Martin-in-the-Fields / Neville Marriner
中五會考尾聲時聽了一場「難忘（你）」的《四季》音樂會，金珍秀和港樂。
自此以後，就沒有認真聽過《四季》...
分類 -
音樂
11.04.2007
理智與濫情
如果認識一位朋友久了，自問對他了解還不淺，要是聽到有人評論這位朋友時，與你的印象相距甚遠，你也會懷疑，甚至會以自己的經驗反駁吧？
我跟布拉姆斯算是有點小交情，覺得他為人至情至性，但喜愛埋藏，以理性拘束自己的感性。因此音樂風格多有厚重的聲音，但條理分明，沒有奔放地流露感情，卻會滲出一股味道提醒你：布拉姆斯的內心世界，你聽到多少？
所以當我聽到 Emerson 四重奏的現場演繹，把布拉姆斯的三首四重奏曲拉成只有理智沒有感情，我只好說，是 Emerson 四重奏太重視布拉姆斯的條理與拘束，忽視了他的內心世界吧。
但聽著聽著，這樣的布拉姆斯總有點不對勁。既不是年少血氣方剛的布拉姆斯，又不是中年痛苦的布拉姆斯，更不是老年帶著一絲遺憾的布拉姆斯。可以說，根本就不是布拉姆斯！
*
公主 F 說，我彈琴的表情，好像學了一點郎朗。
唔係卦？前陣子看了一些他的錄影，就把濫情都暗地裡學來了？
再聽自己上月初於 UC Davis 演出的錄音，先前練習覺得很過火位、很濫情的地方，聽起來才剛剛好，還有點不足。要營造台下聽得到的微妙變化，台上真的要誇張一點才行。
這樣濫情地彈奏布拉姆斯，又好像忽略了他的拘束。要拿捏理智與濫情間的平衡，還要下很多功夫。
分類 -
音樂
10.28.2007
又到洛杉磯
又是免費旅行。
不過五年前有得去 USC，今年人去樓空，反而去了唐人街。
雖然是免費旅行，但如果只是為了周六晚的一頓飯也是無聊。作為非專業結構工程師和業餘音樂家，當然要看迪士尼音樂廳和洛杉磯愛樂。周五晚演出正是音樂總監 Salonen 指揮，演奏西貝流士的第五和第六交響曲。還有甚麼活動可以這樣完美地結合我的兩項非專業？
久聞迪士尼音樂廳的名字，當我第一眼從遠處望見音樂廳，那種銀光和曲線仍是有點震撼的。它的外形真的很吸引和獨特，有一股超然的寒氣，正好西貝流士、洛杉磯愛樂和 Salonen 都有這種感覺。
獨特的外形卻使內部結構有點混亂，令我覺得好像一個迷宮。每層的樓高頗低，而且要遷就大音樂廳的形狀，中場休息的大堂變得很窄，視線也不遠，侷促之餘，樂迷應該不會撞到朋友！大音樂廳也令我覺得侷促，但其實應該是很大很多座位的，不知道為什麼我就不是太舒服。可幸音響很好，把樂團的音色變得更溫暖，卻仍然清澈。
我對西貝流士的交響曲並不熟悉，這次是認識他的好機會。上半場奏的是第六交響曲，洛杉磯愛樂和 Salonen 奏起來很清，雖然是七彩，卻不是奪目，反而有點像木顏色，整首交響曲都很 cool，令我很難全情投入。是樂曲本身如此、樂團留力還是樂團性格如此？
下半場的第五交響曲開始時木管有點生澀，但樂團漸漸發熱了，慢板不慍不火拿捏得很準，終樂章更是熱力迫人，感覺和上半場的清淡截然不同！北歐的寒風被西貝流士的熱情征服了。我見識到甚麼是音樂裡的「留前鬥後」！
洛杉磯愛樂和 Salonen 我在三藩市 Davies Hall 聽過一次，那年他們演奏貝多芬的第五和第八交響曲，雖不錯但亦無特別，而且那次 Salonen 用上中型編制，音色和音量都聽不到很清楚，聽說那次 Salonen 很不滿 Davies Hall 的音響。今次在主場演出，水準果然不同，雖然個別團員功力未至頂級，論信心是給三藩市交響樂團的團員比下去，但團體精神一致，和 Salonen 有很好的默契，不枉我親身到洛杉磯欣賞！
分類 -
音樂
10.21.2007
哄動
要造成哄動的方法很簡單，今天見識了兩項。
一、說一個笑話：陳騮牧師說「土木工程師都是又土又木的」，我身旁兩行的女孩子立即哄動。
二、神不知鬼不覺地走進禮堂，然後若無其事地崇拜，例如已經轉離女神路線的前女神。
一、說一個笑話：陳騮牧師說「土木工程師都是又土又木的」，我身旁兩行的女孩子立即哄動。
二、神不知鬼不覺地走進禮堂，然後若無其事地崇拜，例如已經轉離女神路線的前女神。
10.18.2007
飲食
驗血報告結果：
食物敏感：花生，麥，粟米，蝦
真係要小心飲食喇。
海鮮敏感我一直都知道，其他三項真的有點意外。暑假時還以為吃素會好一點，吃了很多麥包和粟米，而且素食很難避免麥的成份，原來把身體弄得更差了。
美國食物要避免麥會有點困難：比薩、硬麵包圈、三文治、各式意粉，這些公司裡最常吃的東西，全部都有問題。看來是最傳統的中國家常菜才行：魚、雞、豬、菜、飯！K 說我的基因是地道中國人。
不知道營養姐姐 J 何否幫忙一下？
食物敏感：花生，麥，粟米，蝦
真係要小心飲食喇。
海鮮敏感我一直都知道，其他三項真的有點意外。暑假時還以為吃素會好一點，吃了很多麥包和粟米，而且素食很難避免麥的成份，原來把身體弄得更差了。
美國食物要避免麥會有點困難：比薩、硬麵包圈、三文治、各式意粉，這些公司裡最常吃的東西，全部都有問題。看來是最傳統的中國家常菜才行：魚、雞、豬、菜、飯！K 說我的基因是地道中國人。
不知道營養姐姐 J 何否幫忙一下？
10.14.2007
反高潮
終日下雨的周五，晚上寒風刺骨，不知道下一刻天氣會變成怎樣，在這種環境下露天觀賞加州莎士比亞劇場的《李爾王》，好像天氣在支援著劇情一樣。
既然是悲劇，當然好人都遭遇不幸的事，壞人卻連連得逞。但壞人的關係到了後來變得一塌糊塗，好人相認之時，正值法蘭西助 Cordelia 和李爾王攻打不列顛。我覺得，這還不是高潮？壞人要垮了吧。結果就是法蘭西軍輸了，Cordelia 和李爾王被活足，反高潮！悲劇中的悲劇。
加州大學美式足球隊上周升至全美第二名，校內校外新生舊生一同沸沸騰騰，連不看亦不懂看美式足球的也指指點點一番。昨晚之戰，各人都充滿希望，見證奇蹟的歷史時刻。但加大陷入苦戰，第四節還剩八分鐘，加大落後 31-21。
但奇蹟好像要出現了，精采的防守使加大重燃希望，新人四分衛 Riley 處子演出驚喜處處，還剩四分鐘竟然追成 31-28。奇蹟繼續出現，又一精采防守，然後在一分半鐘內從加大後場攻至OSU十二碼！五分鐘前絕望的心，現在注滿見證奇蹟的期待，眼看一個又一個不可能的任務都完成了，還不是奇蹟的高潮？
現實又怎會是三流的故事書情節？還剩十四秒之時來一個反高潮。
悲劇中的悲劇。我的胃痛了一整晚。
10.11.2007
韌力
今天到了 UC Davis 和方老師演出布拉姆斯的 F 大調大提琴奏鳴曲。
數算起來，由接受邀請到演出只有六星期，我真的能把這首難度甚高的鋼琴部份練出來，心裡充滿感激。這更是第一次和專業人士正式同台演出，心情更加緊張。
學習音樂的人都知道，學習曲線不是一條直線。由初讀譜至流暢地彈奏是一段艱辛的時間，之後漸漸錯音會浮現，自信退減，這是學習曲線稍為下跌之時。經過了這第二段的艱辛，對作品的認識和拿捏會更準確，自信回復，錯音亦因更多的練習而減退，這是學習曲線再次上升之時。
可惜六星期時間太少，只去到第一個頂峰，而且是第一次演奏，自信心於這數天下降得頗快。今天演出正值第二段艱辛期，失誤頗多，但經驗可貴，特別是合奏的默契和對結構的理解。第二樂章是我倆最喜歡的樂章，今天演繹尤其漂亮，果然是越愛越演繹得好。
布拉姆斯濃厚的音質，往往令演奏者感到韌力不足，因疲乏而未能集中精神到最後，這是我今天深深感受到作為業餘演奏者的限制。方老師說，音樂家就是每天練習五小時以上，才有這種韌力，還要懂得收放，不要過早去得太盡。
如果可以再演出這首奏鳴曲，希望音準可以改善。應該有機會的。
數算起來，由接受邀請到演出只有六星期，我真的能把這首難度甚高的鋼琴部份練出來，心裡充滿感激。這更是第一次和專業人士正式同台演出，心情更加緊張。
學習音樂的人都知道，學習曲線不是一條直線。由初讀譜至流暢地彈奏是一段艱辛的時間，之後漸漸錯音會浮現，自信退減，這是學習曲線稍為下跌之時。經過了這第二段的艱辛，對作品的認識和拿捏會更準確，自信回復，錯音亦因更多的練習而減退，這是學習曲線再次上升之時。
可惜六星期時間太少，只去到第一個頂峰，而且是第一次演奏，自信心於這數天下降得頗快。今天演出正值第二段艱辛期，失誤頗多，但經驗可貴，特別是合奏的默契和對結構的理解。第二樂章是我倆最喜歡的樂章，今天演繹尤其漂亮，果然是越愛越演繹得好。
布拉姆斯濃厚的音質，往往令演奏者感到韌力不足，因疲乏而未能集中精神到最後，這是我今天深深感受到作為業餘演奏者的限制。方老師說，音樂家就是每天練習五小時以上，才有這種韌力，還要懂得收放，不要過早去得太盡。
如果可以再演出這首奏鳴曲，希望音準可以改善。應該有機會的。
分類 -
音樂
10.10.2007
Fwd: Craigslist ad
Thanks Miss A for the wonderful forward.
[Craigslist ad]
What am I doing wrong?
Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful
(spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy.
I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at
least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind
that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think
I'm overreaching at all.
Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could
you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around
200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get
me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married
to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as
I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I
get to her level?
Here are my questions specifically:
- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars,
restaurants, gyms
-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my
feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east
side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have
nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead
gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story
there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment
banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they
hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for
MARRIAGE ONLY
Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest
way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front
about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't
able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a
nice home and hearth.
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster
with services or
other commercial interests
PostingID: 432279810
_______________________________________
THE ANSWER
Dear Pers-431649184:
I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully
about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.
Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your
bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I
see it.
Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a
cr@ppy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you
suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring
my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my
money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely
that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't
be getting any more beautiful!
So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning
asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation
accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty
hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in
earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!
So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy
and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense
to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case
you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were
to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's
as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.
Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So,
I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful"
as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to
believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K
hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.
By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then
we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.
With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way.
Classic "pump and dump."
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of
lease, let me know.
[Craigslist ad]
What am I doing wrong?
Okay, I'm tired of beating around the bush. I'm a beautiful
(spectacularly beautiful) 25 year old girl. I'm articulate and classy.
I'm not from New York. I'm looking to get married to a guy who makes at
least half a million a year. I know how that sounds, but keep in mind
that a million a year is middle class in New York City, so I don't think
I'm overreaching at all.
Are there any guys who make 500K or more on this board? Any wives? Could
you send me some tips? I dated a business man who makes average around
200 - 250. But that's where I seem to hit a roadblock. 250,000 won't get
me to central park west. I know a woman in my yoga class who was married
to an investment banker and lives in Tribeca, and she's not as pretty as
I am, nor is she a great genius. So what is she doing right? How do I
get to her level?
Here are my questions specifically:
- Where do you single rich men hang out? Give me specifics- bars,
restaurants, gyms
-What are you looking for in a mate? Be honest guys, you won't hurt my
feelings
-Is there an age range I should be targeting (I'm 25)?
- Why are some of the women living lavish lifestyles on the upper east
side so plain? I've seen really 'plain jane' boring types who have
nothing to offer married to incredibly wealthy guys. I've seen drop dead
gorgeous girls in singles bars in the east village. What's the story
there?
- Jobs I should look out for? Everyone knows - lawyer, investment
banker, doctor. How much do those guys really make? And where do they
hang out? Where do the hedge fund guys hang out?
- How you decide marriage vs. just a girlfriend? I am looking for
MARRIAGE ONLY
Please hold your insults - I'm putting myself out there in an honest
way. Most beautiful women are superficial; at least I'm being up front
about it. I wouldn't be searching for these kind of guys if I wasn't
able to match them - in looks, culture, sophistication, and keeping a
nice home and hearth.
* it's NOT ok to contact this poster
with services or
other commercial interests
PostingID: 432279810
_______________________________________
THE ANSWER
Dear Pers-431649184:
I read your posting with great interest and have thought meaningfully
about your dilemma. I offer the following analysis of your predicament.
Firstly, I'm not wasting your time, I qualify as a guy who fits your
bill; that is I make more than $500K per year. That said here's how I
see it.
Your offer, from the prospective of a guy like me, is plain and simple a
cr@ppy business deal. Here's why. Cutting through all the B.S., what you
suggest is a simple trade: you bring your looks to the party and I bring
my money. Fine, simple. But here's the rub, your looks will fade and my
money will likely continue into perpetuity...in fact, it is very likely
that my income increases but it is an absolute certainty that you won't
be getting any more beautiful!
So, in economic terms you are a depreciating asset and I am an earning
asset. Not only are you a depreciating asset, your depreciation
accelerates! Let me explain, you're 25 now and will likely stay pretty
hot for the next 5 years, but less so each year. Then the fade begins in
earnest. By 35 stick a fork in you!
So in Wall Street terms, we would call you a trading position, not a buy
and hold...hence the rub...marriage. It doesn't make good business sense
to "buy you" (which is what you're asking) so I'd rather lease. In case
you think I'm being cruel, I would say the following. If my money were
to go away, so would you, so when your beauty fades I need an out. It's
as simple as that. So a deal that makes sense is dating, not marriage.
Separately, I was taught early in my career about efficient markets. So,
I wonder why a girl as "articulate, classy and spectacularly beautiful"
as you has been unable to find your sugar daddy. I find it hard to
believe that if you are as gorgeous as you say you are that the $500K
hasn't found you, if not only for a tryout.
By the way, you could always find a way to make your own money and then
we wouldn't need to have this difficult conversation.
With all that said, I must say you're going about it the right way.
Classic "pump and dump."
I hope this is helpful, and if you want to enter into some sort of
lease, let me know.
9.30.2007
唐懷瑟
Tannhäuser in the Venus grotto. Wall painting by J. Aigner in the Study. Source.
三藩市歌劇院今季加強市場宣傳，務求增加入場人數。在電台常聽到的一系列廣告是這樣的：兩三人在傾談，其中一人說起一個「很吸引」的故事，其他人不斷追問，然後說：「那是甚麼電影？」說故事的回答：「不，這是一套歌劇！」接著是該歌劇的售票詳情等等。
以歌劇的故事為賣點，三藩市歌劇院的推廣始乎捉錯用神。老實說，那些故事聽起來真的不吸引，而且歌劇的故事向來就不太講情理。歌劇的精粹在乎表達的手法和情緒的牽引，所以老掉牙的愛情故事，聽起來卻肝腸寸斷，打進觀眾的內心深處；又或是故事背後的哲學意義，要通過音樂才能表達明白。歌劇的藝術價值絕對不在故事的本身。
以華格納的《唐懷瑟》為例，我初看故事大綱的時候只覺得一頭霧水：中世紀時代，一個歌唱得很好的男人唐懷瑟厭倦了和愛神維納斯 (!) 的糜爛生活，決定回到地上找聖母瑪利亞 (!!!) 贖罪，偏偏給人發現了他的過去，要以姦淫罪治死他，幸好舊情人 (?) 犧牲自己，讓唐懷瑟到羅馬找教宗贖罪，在世俗的性愛和寬恕的大愛中掙扎，最後女主角死了，他得到了贖罪和安息。
有冇搞錯？
但現場看了整套長四小時的歌劇後，我沒再理會故事的合理性。在華格納豐富的音樂表述裡，每位觀眾都會明白故事不是重點，反要思考背後華格納想說甚麼。性與愛的衝突？男人之苦？華格納對天主教的理解？贖罪與饒恕？層層推斷下去，真的可以越想越多。我不知道答案，但這才是歌劇的趣味。
順帶一提，之前未聽過《唐懷瑟》的音樂，所以現場聽的時候，每次聽到維納斯的主題，不斷想起賓尼兔的白痴舞......
9.24.2007
但願人長久
很流暢。女指揮 Alsop 是一驚喜！
未作其他版本比較，但下月Emerson Quartet將現場演出
最近和布拉姆斯的交往越來越親密了。除了每天練習那首超濃厚質感的奏鳴曲，和他神交一小時，還聽了其他不熟悉的作品，當中的驚喜包括第三交響曲和三首弦樂四重奏。
初開始聽古典音樂，只喜歡聽大鳴大放刺激好玩的樂章，每到貝多芬或布拉姆斯的慢板，往往飛掉或者自動關閉耳朵。數年前準備貝多芬的 D 大調第五大提琴奏鳴曲，我倆對如何處理那個超長的慢板毫無頭緒，只好加快速度了事。當時也想過，這些部份他日老多些只會明白。
到今次準備這首布拉姆斯的F大調第二大提琴奏鳴曲，其一、三、四樂章皆喧鬧不堪，我卻獨愛第二樂章。布拉姆斯的濃情蜜意，「此恨綿綿無絕期」，和我產生一點點共鳴了。
上週準備中秋晚會的歌，選了鄧麗君的《但願人長久》，數天來我都在反覆思索歌詞。中學讀書時不明白，現在竟然和蘇軾搭通。
結論：我老了很多。
分類 -
音樂
9.17.2007
撞車
前晚夢見自己撞車了。不算嚴重。夢裡的細節我都記得很清楚：落斜中，我因為鄰座喋喋不休，沒有留意前面車輛停在十字路口，左邊線有輛車要轉左，我的車速太快來不及煞車，於是要在兩車中間穿出去...
太遲了，我的車子右前面撞到那輛停車的左後面。奇怪是大家都沒有傷。下車看看，自己的新車還可以，對方的車後面凹了，於是一連串煩擾的保險事項開始，講數、打電話...
夢完了。我到早上駕車往柏克萊途中才突然想起這個夢，那一刻還很認真地想「我的車不是撞了嗎」。
以前沒有車的時候很想擁有一部車，每次租車和 Zipcar 時都很暢快。到真正擁有自己的車子，卻擔心何時會撞車、在哪裡泊車、何時要換油、為什麼養車這麼貴！租車和 Zipcar 的車都不是自己的，風流快活，自己的車卻給我這麼多壓力。
今年已經去過一個婚禮和一個訂婚派對，下年三月也要到洛杉磯參加婚禮。到了這個年紀，身邊有這種喜事也不足為奇。奇的是我沒有感到興奮。我看到的只是責任，很大的責任，很大很大的責任。
責任，嚇怕了我。
太遲了，我的車子右前面撞到那輛停車的左後面。奇怪是大家都沒有傷。下車看看，自己的新車還可以，對方的車後面凹了，於是一連串煩擾的保險事項開始，講數、打電話...
夢完了。我到早上駕車往柏克萊途中才突然想起這個夢，那一刻還很認真地想「我的車不是撞了嗎」。
以前沒有車的時候很想擁有一部車，每次租車和 Zipcar 時都很暢快。到真正擁有自己的車子，卻擔心何時會撞車、在哪裡泊車、何時要換油、為什麼養車這麼貴！租車和 Zipcar 的車都不是自己的，風流快活，自己的車卻給我這麼多壓力。
今年已經去過一個婚禮和一個訂婚派對，下年三月也要到洛杉磯參加婚禮。到了這個年紀，身邊有這種喜事也不足為奇。奇的是我沒有感到興奮。我看到的只是責任，很大的責任，很大很大的責任。
責任，嚇怕了我。
9.13.2007
Preludes
In order to compile a potential piano recital program, I turned my attention to the long-neglected (by me) masterpieces of Rachmaninov. Although I have known about the pieces for long and actually played two of them before, I was not aware of how great the rest of the Preludes are. So yesterday after I got off work, I bought this recording by Ashkenazy made in 1975, which has been refried (like refried beans?) infinite number of times by Decca.
The early preludes are a continuation of Chopin - emotional and burning, but Rachmaninov is more controlled and symphonic in nature. The sixth (in E-flat) and seventh (in C minor) preludes in Op.23 struck me with their similarity to his Second Piano Concerto (also in C minor). The climax can be built up so swiftly in a minute by never-ending succession of chords!
The second set, Op.32, is more revolutionary. Rachmaninov has absorbed the change in musical taste in the early 20th century. Here and there one can find traces of Debussy or Stravinsky. The prelude I still love most is No.5 in G - my perfect-score piece in Grade 8 exam.
分類 -
音樂
9.11.2007
The Manhattan of the Desert
The world's first skyscrapers, at Shibam, Yemen. These are real buildings!
the world's first skyscrapers
8.30.2007
無知無能無助「的神」
正當皮膚問題開始好轉，壓力逐漸舒緩，身體又響起另一警號，再度告訴我「你需要更多休息！」
昨天早上躊躇滿志，決定十月十一日到 UC Davis 與方老師合作演出布拉姆斯的《第二大提琴奏鳴曲》，還定下練習計劃，心想六星期時間應該沒問題。工作方面慢慢適應，亦已定下這數天要辦的事。
本來還算精神的走入會議室，坐了一小時後突然天旋地轉，站著坐著都覺不穩，還有胸口悶悶想作嘔。坐在辦工室外一會，毫無起色，一動就天旋地轉，從未試過這樣！打電話給鄺醫師，證實了自己的推測：數天來左耳閉塞時輕時重，原來真是有毛病！
好不容易捱的士回家，甫下車就嘔吐在街上，進到家便倒頭大睡，過了數小時後已舒服很多，還有愛心粥增添體力。今天沒有上班，留在家裡，情況好多了。
平時努力做事，一剎那病倒了便甚麼都不能做，只能靜靜躺下，真是無知、無能、無助。
昨天早上躊躇滿志，決定十月十一日到 UC Davis 與方老師合作演出布拉姆斯的《第二大提琴奏鳴曲》，還定下練習計劃，心想六星期時間應該沒問題。工作方面慢慢適應，亦已定下這數天要辦的事。
本來還算精神的走入會議室，坐了一小時後突然天旋地轉，站著坐著都覺不穩，還有胸口悶悶想作嘔。坐在辦工室外一會，毫無起色，一動就天旋地轉，從未試過這樣！打電話給鄺醫師，證實了自己的推測：數天來左耳閉塞時輕時重，原來真是有毛病！
好不容易捱的士回家，甫下車就嘔吐在街上，進到家便倒頭大睡，過了數小時後已舒服很多，還有愛心粥增添體力。今天沒有上班，留在家裡，情況好多了。
平時努力做事，一剎那病倒了便甚麼都不能做，只能靜靜躺下，真是無知、無能、無助。
8.27.2007
8.24.2007
SFS/MTT at Yerba Buena Gardens
In the middle of a nice sunny Friday, SFS and MTT presented a one-hour program at an open area near downtown Financial District. It was my first time attending a symphony concert outdoors. It should be a good chance to check our their condition before they head to such prestigious music festivals in Europe for the first couple weeks in September. Plus I have not seen live music for quite a while.
The program includes movements from Shostakovich's Fifth and Tchaikovsky's First Symphonies, plus the final scene from Strauss' Salome.
When I could finally sit down and started listening to the music, I found it extremely weird to hear an ecstatic soprano singing about love and lust at the brightest time of the day.
The two movements from Tchaikovsky's First Symphony were also dull and uninteresting. I attributed that to the composer instead of the Symphony.
The Symphony is leaving for Europe next week and today's program was extracted from the music they prepared for the tour. The selection for the tour, which also includes John Adams, Prokofiev and Mahler, was actually quite interesting, way better than their tour to Asia last year - European audiences are for sure very picky. The only weak link is definitely the Tchaikovsky. Why would MTT pick this out of everything they could play?
The program includes movements from Shostakovich's Fifth and Tchaikovsky's First Symphonies, plus the final scene from Strauss' Salome.
When I could finally sit down and started listening to the music, I found it extremely weird to hear an ecstatic soprano singing about love and lust at the brightest time of the day.
The two movements from Tchaikovsky's First Symphony were also dull and uninteresting. I attributed that to the composer instead of the Symphony.
The Symphony is leaving for Europe next week and today's program was extracted from the music they prepared for the tour. The selection for the tour, which also includes John Adams, Prokofiev and Mahler, was actually quite interesting, way better than their tour to Asia last year - European audiences are for sure very picky. The only weak link is definitely the Tchaikovsky. Why would MTT pick this out of everything they could play?
8.22.2007
Ice Skin
"Better than the previous one." Surprising comment!
*
This morning after I read "Pastor Dave's wife felt called to not date for 2 years, which helped increase faithfulness and develop her." I also read from another "business" email thread about how to rate a girl's cuteness and what one expects from a relationship.
I have a strong mixed feeling.
*
This morning after I read "Pastor Dave's wife felt called to not date for 2 years, which helped increase faithfulness and develop her." I also read from another "business" email thread about how to rate a girl's cuteness and what one expects from a relationship.
I have a strong mixed feeling.
8.17.2007
Harmony
Have you ever experienced "perfect harmony" with others?
Through playing music with other musicians, I have experienced that again and again. It is communication without words, with strong currents flowing back and forth between the minds.
Rite of Spring, Shostakovich's Trio, Schumann's Fantasiestucke, Stooge ...
And for numerous times I experienced true "unity" in worship.
These ecstatic experiences keep luring me to play and perform music with others.
I have lost two best teammates in Rev, but I will remember the days in Miami whenever I play or sing "Lord eats Veggi" and "Run into Ice-skin".
Through playing music with other musicians, I have experienced that again and again. It is communication without words, with strong currents flowing back and forth between the minds.
Rite of Spring, Shostakovich's Trio, Schumann's Fantasiestucke, Stooge ...
And for numerous times I experienced true "unity" in worship.
These ecstatic experiences keep luring me to play and perform music with others.
I have lost two best teammates in Rev, but I will remember the days in Miami whenever I play or sing "Lord eats Veggi" and "Run into Ice-skin".
8.09.2007
Apple Diet
The "Apple Diet" is not really eating apples all day! It is an effort I tried to cure my eczema. It involves eating only apples for the first two days. Then for the next two weeks eat fruits for breakfast and a lot of fresh greens for meals. It does sound like a diet plan for losing weights. So far the result was magnificent for the first two days - my skin on the throat area completely healed. When the stress kicked in again before work started, my situation got even worse. I have no idea how to evaluate its effectiveness for now.
One thing I really dislike San Francisco since I moved here is the weather. It is just a bay in between Berkeley and San Francisco, yet the cloud and fog seem to only stay on top of San Francisco, especially in the area where I live. I seldom see the sun and I rarely feel the warmth of summer, while my friends in Berkeley are complaining about the heat. The gloominess depresses me, although one should not be affected by the uncontrollable weather.
I finally got to see the sun in downtown today during lunch. I'm glad.
Will the new job take me again into stress? I hope not. P wrote, "Work is just work, it's so not worth stressing over. If you age from working it would be so sad wouldn't it?" I wish I can remember that.
One thing I really dislike San Francisco since I moved here is the weather. It is just a bay in between Berkeley and San Francisco, yet the cloud and fog seem to only stay on top of San Francisco, especially in the area where I live. I seldom see the sun and I rarely feel the warmth of summer, while my friends in Berkeley are complaining about the heat. The gloominess depresses me, although one should not be affected by the uncontrollable weather.
I finally got to see the sun in downtown today during lunch. I'm glad.
Will the new job take me again into stress? I hope not. P wrote, "Work is just work, it's so not worth stressing over. If you age from working it would be so sad wouldn't it?" I wish I can remember that.
8.06.2007
Welcome to the Working Class
My career officially started on an obscure, cloudy day in San Francisco.
My heart, or mind, or soul, has been under similar condition for quite a while.
Staring at the sky on the way to work, the motion of the bus made me sick. I nearly wanted to throw up.
I had been tired all morning, with my mind running at half speed.
My seat is right next to one person, but also next to another person. The air is stuffy. The atmosphere is weird.
I hope to get out. Then I realized, just treat it normal. I will get used to it very soon, and will get over it soon after.
Paraphrase from someone, "If you ask God for patience, is He going to give you patience directly, or an opportunity for you to experience it?"
Thus ended my first day of work.
My heart, or mind, or soul, has been under similar condition for quite a while.
Staring at the sky on the way to work, the motion of the bus made me sick. I nearly wanted to throw up.
I had been tired all morning, with my mind running at half speed.
My seat is right next to one person, but also next to another person. The air is stuffy. The atmosphere is weird.
I hope to get out. Then I realized, just treat it normal. I will get used to it very soon, and will get over it soon after.
Paraphrase from someone, "If you ask God for patience, is He going to give you patience directly, or an opportunity for you to experience it?"
Thus ended my first day of work.
8.02.2007
8.01.2007
7.28.2007
7.23.2007
7.19.2007
缺乏
今天我們弄了一個很像樣的「泰式炒金邊粉」！還有粟米紅蘿蔔湯。=)
*
痴漢 W 到了印度短宣。兩星期前送他出機場時，給他聽到我的一段惱氣電話對話，我又乘機申訴了肚裡的屈悶。
然後 W 說：「其實你甚麼都不缺乏。」
其實，我真是甚麼都不缺乏。想到這裡，心裡突然清澈了很多。
7.15.2007
7.13.2007
充實
可能是自五月來最充實的一天。
早上十時乘坐了四十分鐘的巴士，到達三藩市唐人埠的角聲中心。因為交通比較方便的關係，我捨屋崙而來到三藩市中心幫忙。熱情的楊先生、馮師母和另一義工 Fanny 花了上午的時間簡介中心的運作。三藩市的角聲規模比屋崙小很多，義工也不多，所以我們是甚麼小事都要懂。例如下午我幫忙填寫房屋補助單、翻譯英文書信和輸入活動回應表，街坊需要幫忙的事情也是甚麼都有。
中午和楊先生午膳，分享了一些事工上的心得。馮師母則始乎是關懷能手，她問我喜歡幹文書工作還是對人工作多些，我說我想學習如何真正關懷、關顧別人，因為我缺欠這方面的耐心。她表示現在的青年人可能面對電腦太多，似乎不大願意接觸別人，這方面我有同感。馮師母還告訴我一些關懷心得。
下一次是星期三早上。
*
再一次，經歷神。
當我每次猶疑不決，「求問神心意」但其實自己心裡有堅持的時候，神的一貫做法，是和我「鬥氣」，偏偏把我弄得團團轉。就算我怎樣說自己已經「放下」，神還是知道我真正在想甚麼。到我真真正正地放下了，說「我唔掂喇，你想點就點啦」，祂就給我開門，還要是立即開門！
今天我到角聲後，放下了，說：「你要我學習，我就在這裡學習，你要怎樣便怎樣吧！對我來說，工作還是讀書已經沒有關係了。」
下午，學校電郵說，相關人士已經確定手持我的錯體工作證，補發在望。
早上十時乘坐了四十分鐘的巴士，到達三藩市唐人埠的角聲中心。因為交通比較方便的關係，我捨屋崙而來到三藩市中心幫忙。熱情的楊先生、馮師母和另一義工 Fanny 花了上午的時間簡介中心的運作。三藩市的角聲規模比屋崙小很多，義工也不多，所以我們是甚麼小事都要懂。例如下午我幫忙填寫房屋補助單、翻譯英文書信和輸入活動回應表，街坊需要幫忙的事情也是甚麼都有。
中午和楊先生午膳，分享了一些事工上的心得。馮師母則始乎是關懷能手，她問我喜歡幹文書工作還是對人工作多些，我說我想學習如何真正關懷、關顧別人，因為我缺欠這方面的耐心。她表示現在的青年人可能面對電腦太多，似乎不大願意接觸別人，這方面我有同感。馮師母還告訴我一些關懷心得。
下一次是星期三早上。
*
再一次，經歷神。
當我每次猶疑不決，「求問神心意」但其實自己心裡有堅持的時候，神的一貫做法，是和我「鬥氣」，偏偏把我弄得團團轉。就算我怎樣說自己已經「放下」，神還是知道我真正在想甚麼。到我真真正正地放下了，說「我唔掂喇，你想點就點啦」，祂就給我開門，還要是立即開門！
今天我到角聲後，放下了，說：「你要我學習，我就在這裡學習，你要怎樣便怎樣吧！對我來說，工作還是讀書已經沒有關係了。」
下午，學校電郵說，相關人士已經確定手持我的錯體工作證，補發在望。
7.10.2007
7.09.2007
逆境
當被告知 H1B 不行時，還覺得沒有甚麼大不了。
被母親一句奚落，仍想「不會吧」，但心情開始沉重。
然後 OPT 遲遲未出，心裡已作打算：成功的話留下工作，不成功便繼續讀，又或者返香港。
OPT 成功機會達九成九。結果，出了從沒想過的：不是成功，不是失敗，繼續等。
咁都得？
匆忙之間，作了錯誤的決定，現在只覺心有不甘。
路還是要走。可是，應該繼續等，返學校讀書，搵外快，定返香港？
被逼過悠長假期，竟然發生在我身上。
這就是現實。
被母親一句奚落，仍想「不會吧」，但心情開始沉重。
然後 OPT 遲遲未出，心裡已作打算：成功的話留下工作，不成功便繼續讀，又或者返香港。
OPT 成功機會達九成九。結果，出了從沒想過的：不是成功，不是失敗，繼續等。
咁都得？
匆忙之間，作了錯誤的決定，現在只覺心有不甘。
路還是要走。可是，應該繼續等，返學校讀書，搵外快，定返香港？
被逼過悠長假期，竟然發生在我身上。
這就是現實。
7.08.2007
7.07.2007
無所事事
既然回不了香港，便繼續每天無所事事的生活。
真的嗎？為何每天都好像很忙，很疲倦？
為此，我定下了一些目標。
開工前：
每天
1. 靈修半小時
2. 運動半小時
3. 練琴一小時
每星期
1. 兩天到屋崙角聲
還定下了「人生目標」...
在有生之年，要學會
1. 巴哈《十二平均律》全兩集
2. 巴哈《高登堡變奏曲》
3. 貝多芬三十二首鋼琴奏鳴曲
有點... 天方夜譚？
真的嗎？為何每天都好像很忙，很疲倦？
為此，我定下了一些目標。
開工前：
每天
1. 靈修半小時
2. 運動半小時
3. 練琴一小時
每星期
1. 兩天到屋崙角聲
還定下了「人生目標」...
在有生之年，要學會
1. 巴哈《十二平均律》全兩集
2. 巴哈《高登堡變奏曲》
3. 貝多芬三十二首鋼琴奏鳴曲
有點... 天方夜譚？
6.27.2007
6.26.2007
6.25.2007
6.24.2007
6.21.2007
6.19.2007
史坦威進駐
鋼琴搬到家了，可惜房子太小，要靚琴屈就，琴音就變得太大聲。
在房內把鋼琴移來移去，尋找最好的音響，結果浪費了一大塊客廳面積，傢俬擺設奇特，我的桌子還要對著琴背，電視機又不知往哪裡放才好。
要把音量降低，怎辦？
6.13.2007
佛羅里達州
鼻哥鬧鐘
加勒比海的日落
一日楂九個鐘車
恐怖油站 x 2
恐怖的鋤 D
凌晨三點鐘的面膜 x 2
好好食既「鑰匙青檸批」
霸王硬上弓
ella ella ...
party like a "lobster"
* * *
想做鋼琴家？下世啦！XD - Lang Lang @ Second Life
加勒比海的日落
一日楂九個鐘車
恐怖油站 x 2
恐怖的鋤 D
凌晨三點鐘的面膜 x 2
好好食既「鑰匙青檸批」
霸王硬上弓
ella ella ...
party like a "lobster"
* * *
想做鋼琴家？下世啦！XD - Lang Lang @ Second Life
6.06.2007
我買了一部...
史坦威鋼琴！ 
歷時數月的鋼琴狩獵，走遍整個灣區也失望而回。昨晚，將要放棄前的最後一站，遇上了她－－
出生於1960年的1098直立式史坦威。
音色通透明亮，觸鍵感覺良好，彈起來還有三角琴的味道。
彈罷一首蕭邦夜曲，心裡強烈地燃燒著一見鍾情，催促我快快把她買下。
於是，今早就買了！（花了許多錢... 還要供...）
展望未來兩三年，有很多令我期待的好音樂！
Summer 2007
Dvorak - Piano Quintet in A, Op.81
Spring 2008
Schumann - Works for cello and piano
Brahms - Cello Sonata No.2 in F major, Op.99
2008 and 2009
Beethoven - Piano Trio "Archduke"
Schubert - Piano Quintet "Trout"
歷時數月的鋼琴狩獵，走遍整個灣區也失望而回。昨晚，將要放棄前的最後一站，遇上了她－－
出生於1960年的1098直立式史坦威。
音色通透明亮，觸鍵感覺良好，彈起來還有三角琴的味道。
彈罷一首蕭邦夜曲，心裡強烈地燃燒著一見鍾情，催促我快快把她買下。
於是，今早就買了！（花了許多錢... 還要供...）
展望未來兩三年，有很多令我期待的好音樂！
Summer 2007
Dvorak - Piano Quintet in A, Op.81
Spring 2008
Schumann - Works for cello and piano
Brahms - Cello Sonata No.2 in F major, Op.99
2008 and 2009
Beethoven - Piano Trio "Archduke"
Schubert - Piano Quintet "Trout"
6.05.2007
在忘我中找到自我
There are three things I don’t like to hear young soloists (or conductors) (or old soloists) say.
1- My teacher told me to do it that way
2- I heard it like that on a recording
3- I like it that way
http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2007/06/03/
find-yourself-by-forgetting-yourself/
1- My teacher told me to do it that way
2- I heard it like that on a recording
3- I like it that way
http://kennethwoods.net/blog1/2007/06/03/
find-yourself-by-forgetting-yourself/
分類 -
音樂
5.30.2007
5.28.2007
5.26.2007
5.23.2007
TO THE WINDOW...
TO THE WALL!!! XD
一路緊張執拾搬屋，一路緊張簽證問題...
一路聽布拉姆斯的小提琴奏鳴曲，私人珍藏版，Kam-Lung Cheng + Alexandr Warenberg ...
聽得心好酸。
一路緊張執拾搬屋，一路緊張簽證問題...
一路聽布拉姆斯的小提琴奏鳴曲，私人珍藏版，Kam-Lung Cheng + Alexandr Warenberg ...
聽得心好酸。
5.20.2007
5.18.2007
5.17.2007
5.13.2007
5.12.2007
飯堂
http://www.berkeley.edu/news/media/releases/2006/04/03_organic.shtml
吃了 2+2 前後四年的「街角」飯堂，我最喜歡的食物是：
1. 薯寶
2. 德州－墨西哥粟米湯
3. 荷蘭蘋果批
4. 有機沙律
我會惦念你們的 T_T
5.10.2007
5.08.2007
音樂
有人喜歡聽，已經很滿足了。
> Dear T,
> The enthusiasm was great for the concert you presented last night.
> Heard so many complimentary comments this morning. Thanks so very
> much for coming to play for us and please tell G and D
> how much everyone enjoyed hearing all of you. It was evident as well
> that you enjoyed playing together.
> Best wishes to you all.
> Kindest regards,
> Lorraine Hauser
> Dear T,
> The enthusiasm was great for the concert you presented last night.
> Heard so many complimentary comments this morning. Thanks so very
> much for coming to play for us and please tell G and D
> how much everyone enjoyed hearing all of you. It was evident as well
> that you enjoyed playing together.
> Best wishes to you all.
> Kindest regards,
> Lorraine Hauser
分類 -
音樂
5.05.2007
無錢玩錄音
為了好好錄下星期一的演出，花了一筆錢買了這東西回來，Olympus WS-300M，再加上我六年前買的爛咪，把玩了一陣子。
為試試錄音質素，晚上拿來非法偷錄，試聽後發覺音質以價錢來比較算是不俗，比我以前的 MD 為佳，但聲音甚尖和薄，不知換上靚咪能不能化腐朽為神奇？
待我廿二號用完後原價退貨算了。
5.04.2007
5.03.2007
5.02.2007
4.29.2007
4.25.2007
即將演出
這數天常四肢無力，雙腿發軟，很不對勁。
竟然把亂七八糟的音背了，感覺真好。
April 27, 8pm
Hertz Hall, Berkeley
AUSTIN YIP Stooge
May 7, 7:15pm
St Paul's Towers, Oakland
MOZART Sonata for Piano and Violin in E minor, K.304
SCHUMANN Traumerei
CASSADO Requiebros
MENDELSSOHN Song Without Words, Op.109
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio, Op.70 No.1 "Ghost"
PIAZZOLLA Spring from Four Seasons
May 12, 8pm
Hertz Hall, Berkeley
AUSTIN YIP Stooge
May 22, Time TBA
Berkeley
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio, Op.70 No.1 "Ghost"
竟然把亂七八糟的音背了，感覺真好。
April 27, 8pm
Hertz Hall, Berkeley
AUSTIN YIP Stooge
May 7, 7:15pm
St Paul's Towers, Oakland
MOZART Sonata for Piano and Violin in E minor, K.304
SCHUMANN Traumerei
CASSADO Requiebros
MENDELSSOHN Song Without Words, Op.109
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio, Op.70 No.1 "Ghost"
PIAZZOLLA Spring from Four Seasons
May 12, 8pm
Hertz Hall, Berkeley
AUSTIN YIP Stooge
May 22, Time TBA
Berkeley
BEETHOVEN Piano Trio, Op.70 No.1 "Ghost"
4.23.2007
4.22.2007
《啊！我的女神》
這是女神的 clueless 表情。和「現實」的一模一樣啊！
Ah! My Goddess, Season 1 Episode 5
這是指揮 Helbert von KEROyan
Keroro, Episode 155
Ah! My Goddess, Season 1 Episode 5
這是指揮 Helbert von KEROyan
Keroro, Episode 155
前衛得很含蓄的歌詞
那個年代的歌詞，為什麼前衛得這樣含蓄，又含蓄得這樣前衛？
再見亦是朋友 - 曾航生／何婉盈
女︰期望你轉身 與我相廝守
輾轉錯 錯了未願放手
緣盡我早知 卻也等候
只因你 冷暖自願嘗透
男︰對你的愛心 亦已看得透
但我知此刻 美夢不會久
緣份太感傷 盼你多見諒
不相見 免卻日後惆悵
女︰長夜冷冰冰 每次溫暖後
痴痴愛 我拒絕任你走 <------- XDDDDDDDDDDD
明白你處境 我也得接受
不可說 再見亦是朋友
男︰看你心痛苦 沒法去補救
若再不歸家 找不到籍口 <------- XDDDDDDDDDDD
凝望你眼睛 有更深感受
痴痴意 放棄亦未能夠
女︰寧願我委屈 決意不退後 <------- XD
真的愛 我倆靜候已久
期望再期望 這裡一個夢
不消散 永遠墮入迷惘
合︰你我皆痛苦 沒法愛得夠
蜜意低低斟 飲千種美酒
＊男︰唯願我留下 愛你千千個晚上
女︰唯願你 留下
男︰輕撫你百遍亦未曾夠
女︰輕撫我百遍亦未曾夠 <------- XD
再見亦是朋友 - 曾航生／何婉盈
女︰期望你轉身 與我相廝守
輾轉錯 錯了未願放手
緣盡我早知 卻也等候
只因你 冷暖自願嘗透
男︰對你的愛心 亦已看得透
但我知此刻 美夢不會久
緣份太感傷 盼你多見諒
不相見 免卻日後惆悵
女︰長夜冷冰冰 每次溫暖後
痴痴愛 我拒絕任你走 <------- XDDDDDDDDDDD
明白你處境 我也得接受
不可說 再見亦是朋友
男︰看你心痛苦 沒法去補救
若再不歸家 找不到籍口 <------- XDDDDDDDDDDD
凝望你眼睛 有更深感受
痴痴意 放棄亦未能夠
女︰寧願我委屈 決意不退後 <------- XD
真的愛 我倆靜候已久
期望再期望 這裡一個夢
不消散 永遠墮入迷惘
合︰你我皆痛苦 沒法愛得夠
蜜意低低斟 飲千種美酒
＊男︰唯願我留下 愛你千千個晚上
女︰唯願你 留下
男︰輕撫你百遍亦未曾夠
女︰輕撫我百遍亦未曾夠 <------- XD
4.19.2007
畢業試係一個笑話
Dear ST:
The SEMM Graduate Examination Committee has reviewed the results of the M.S. Comprehensive Examination held on Friday, April 13, 2007, and is pleased to inform you that you have passed this examination.
Congratulations and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Filip Filippou
Group Leader
Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials Group
我第二份卷炒到開巷！
The SEMM Graduate Examination Committee has reviewed the results of the M.S. Comprehensive Examination held on Friday, April 13, 2007, and is pleased to inform you that you have passed this examination.
Congratulations and best wishes.
Sincerely yours,
Filip Filippou
Group Leader
Structural Engineering, Mechanics and Materials Group
我第二份卷炒到開巷！
4.14.2007
Stravinsky 盛宴
4/11/2007 8pm Davies Symphony hall
Richard Stoltzman, clarinet (Takemitsu)
San Francisco Symphony, Michael Tilson Thomas
Stravinsky Symphonies of Wind Instruments
Stravinsky Apollo
Takemitsu Fantasma/Cantos
Stravinsky Symphony of Psalms
三藩市交響樂團今回排出罕見的「全攻型」節目，以史達拉汶斯基和武滿徹刺激聽眾。我一直渴望狄信‧湯瑪士指揮這樣的實驗式音樂會，當然耳界大開。而入座率亦沒有因此下降，以周三晚上有八九成入座率的成績，看來聽眾對狄信‧湯瑪士的史達拉汶斯基充滿信心。
除了大家熟識的《詩篇交響曲》（我亦是因此曲而進場），狄信‧湯瑪士於每首樂曲前均作簡單介紹（Fantasma/Cantos的是史圖哲文），讓聽眾有所適從，介紹偏門的《阿波羅》時還特別花了很長時間闡釋和演奏選段。
上半場有純管樂的《管樂交響曲》和純弦樂的芭蕾舞曲《阿波羅》，表現了截然不同面貌的史達拉汶斯基。我需要多點時間研究《管樂交響曲》，但管樂組實在出色。《阿波羅》十個驚喜，是我全晚最喜歡的作品。聽過狄信‧湯瑪士介紹史達拉汶斯基如何出神入化地編織阿波羅的主題，我只有訝異：這是《春之祭》和《管樂交響曲》的作曲家嗎？那些舞蹈旋律優美極了，而純弦之聲也很感動人心。可能因是首晚演出，樂團和指揮仍有點緊張，未熟習介紹的選段，正式演奏至中段時指揮更指錯樂章，一度停了下來，但無損樂團和指揮的熱誠，我亦很受落。
武滿徹的 Fantasma/Cantos 由世界頂級單簧管演奏家史圖哲文擔綱，由最低至最高音，由最弱音至最強音，高音區「零恐懼」，結尾的極弱也是無懼，滑音無破綻，音色多變，一個字：「嘩」。史達拉汶斯基「獻給神」的《詩篇交響曲》，演出不算感動，但有機會現場欣賞合唱團加樂團演出，是不錯的經驗。
P.S. Review on San Francisco Chronicle by Joshua Kosman
4.12.2007
4.08.2007
裴勇俊？
上星期在紐約唐人埠剪髮後，已經兩次被韓國人錯認為他們的同胞了，我看起來像韓國人嗎？
在紐約韓埠街頭，被黑衣大漢司機用韓語打探。
兩天前在屋崙一韓菜餐廳用午膳，大嬸侍應一輪咀向我講韓語，經解釋後她還一臉愕然不敢相信。
(Keroro 89)
在紐約韓埠街頭，被黑衣大漢司機用韓語打探。
兩天前在屋崙一韓菜餐廳用午膳，大嬸侍應一輪咀向我講韓語，經解釋後她還一臉愕然不敢相信。
(Keroro 89)
4.01.2007
紐約客
音樂會後感
I have spent quite a relaxing week in New York and Boston for my spring break. It was already my third time there and I wasn't enthusiastic about going to all these sightseeing spots for tourists. Turned out it became a cultural feast plus good times with long-time-no-see old friends.
I attended a concert at Carnegie Hall with NDR Symphony under Dohnanyi, and their string section was excellent. I have been quite frustrated by strings in American orchestras, especially under American conductors. One exception might be Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, but of course they are a chamber orchestra and have no conductors. This NDR Symphony from Hamburg demonstrated the German sound exceptionally in the Mendelssohn overture and Brahms' first symphony. The first two movements in the Brahms were a bit out of shape, but the last two were magnificent.
The next day when I arrived at Boston I tried out my luck at Boston Symphony and got a surprisingly cheap ($8!) rush ticket for Fidelio that evening. Turned out I sat at the second last row of the orchestra floor, but their symphony hall gave such a good and warm sound that it really didn't matter at all. The orchestra was in excellent shape under James Levine, probably because it was the last concert of their two-year Beethoven/Schoenberg project. The full-house attendence probably spiced up their spirit too. Fidelio did not make sense to me last time I saw it at SF Opera, but it came to my full understanding this time. Levine and BSO knew their role so well - you probably can't come across such exquisite and careful execution and understanding from any opera orchestra. The strings were in top form. The soloists and the chorus sounded fantastic too. I wonder how much of this came from the contribution of the hall acoustics, but I am sure that such a wonderful symphony hall already built up half a successful orchestra. Think of our Hong Kong Cultural Center. It probably killed the Philharmonic rather than helping it.
I was looking forward to the New York Philharmonic concert but it turned out to be a great disappointment. Having experienced the Symphony Hall in Boston, the acoustics in Avery Fisher Hall was way below my expectation. The weakness of the string section of the Philharmonic was clearly exposed in both Mozart's piano concerto and Sibelius' Lemminkainen Suite. They sounded worse than San Francisco Symphony in a regular subscription concert. I sat at the orchestra center during the open rehearsal, and at the orchestra first row during the actual performance, and thus any problems in the strings were clearly audible. There was no improvement in the actual concert from the rehearsal in the morning. I wonder what caused the problem. Was it the absence of the regular concert master? Was it Colin Davis? Were the musicians too tired? Or was it simply a problem of the New York Philharmonic? I got the chance to download the final movement of the Phil's live recording of Mozart's 39th Symphony under Lorin Maazel from the DG Concerts series, and again was greatly disappointed by the strings. Maybe NY Phil is simply overrated, or what they can do is only anything larger than mezzo piano but nothing exquisite or detailed.
尋親訪友
文化交流
音樂劇《孤星淚》
北德廣播交響樂團＠卡內基音樂廳
波士頓交響樂團
紐約愛樂
尋找小籠包 x3
I have spent quite a relaxing week in New York and Boston for my spring break. It was already my third time there and I wasn't enthusiastic about going to all these sightseeing spots for tourists. Turned out it became a cultural feast plus good times with long-time-no-see old friends.
I attended a concert at Carnegie Hall with NDR Symphony under Dohnanyi, and their string section was excellent. I have been quite frustrated by strings in American orchestras, especially under American conductors. One exception might be Orpheus Chamber Orchestra, but of course they are a chamber orchestra and have no conductors. This NDR Symphony from Hamburg demonstrated the German sound exceptionally in the Mendelssohn overture and Brahms' first symphony. The first two movements in the Brahms were a bit out of shape, but the last two were magnificent.
The next day when I arrived at Boston I tried out my luck at Boston Symphony and got a surprisingly cheap ($8!) rush ticket for Fidelio that evening. Turned out I sat at the second last row of the orchestra floor, but their symphony hall gave such a good and warm sound that it really didn't matter at all. The orchestra was in excellent shape under James Levine, probably because it was the last concert of their two-year Beethoven/Schoenberg project. The full-house attendence probably spiced up their spirit too. Fidelio did not make sense to me last time I saw it at SF Opera, but it came to my full understanding this time. Levine and BSO knew their role so well - you probably can't come across such exquisite and careful execution and understanding from any opera orchestra. The strings were in top form. The soloists and the chorus sounded fantastic too. I wonder how much of this came from the contribution of the hall acoustics, but I am sure that such a wonderful symphony hall already built up half a successful orchestra. Think of our Hong Kong Cultural Center. It probably killed the Philharmonic rather than helping it.
I was looking forward to the New York Philharmonic concert but it turned out to be a great disappointment. Having experienced the Symphony Hall in Boston, the acoustics in Avery Fisher Hall was way below my expectation. The weakness of the string section of the Philharmonic was clearly exposed in both Mozart's piano concerto and Sibelius' Lemminkainen Suite. They sounded worse than San Francisco Symphony in a regular subscription concert. I sat at the orchestra center during the open rehearsal, and at the orchestra first row during the actual performance, and thus any problems in the strings were clearly audible. There was no improvement in the actual concert from the rehearsal in the morning. I wonder what caused the problem. Was it the absence of the regular concert master? Was it Colin Davis? Were the musicians too tired? Or was it simply a problem of the New York Philharmonic? I got the chance to download the final movement of the Phil's live recording of Mozart's 39th Symphony under Lorin Maazel from the DG Concerts series, and again was greatly disappointed by the strings. Maybe NY Phil is simply overrated, or what they can do is only anything larger than mezzo piano but nothing exquisite or detailed.
尋親訪友
文化交流
音樂劇《孤星淚》
北德廣播交響樂團＠卡內基音樂廳
波士頓交響樂團
紐約愛樂
尋找小籠包 x3
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