Sunday 22 March 2009

I wondered lonely as the cloud


Sat 21st March 2009 was the first day of spring. This is my first time experiencing spring in this country. This is also my first time seeing daffodils in my life. Suddenly I remembered the famous poem by William Wordsworth called I wondered lonely as the cloud

I wandered lonely as a cloud
That floats on high o'er vales and hills,
When all at once I saw a crowd,
A host of golden daffodils;
Beside the lake, beneath the trees,
Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.

Continuous as the stars that shine
and twinkle on the Milky Way,
They stretched in never-ending line
along the margin of a bay:
Ten thousand saw I at a glance,
tossing their heads in sprightly dance.

The waves beside them danced; but they
Out-did the sparkling waves in glee:
A poet could not but be gay,
in such a jocund company:
I gazed - and gazed - but little thought
what wealth the show to me had brought:

For oft, when on my couch I lie
In vacant or in pensive mood,
They flash upon that inward eye
Which is the bliss of solitude;
And then my heart with pleasure fills,
And dances with the daffodils.

Opera scenes in my college



I was involved in the college opera scenes which were held at the Bute theatre from 12th March until 14th March. That was my debut performance in opera scenes in the UK. It was so exciting. I felt great to have the opportunity to take part in this production.  I have learnt a lot of new things in this production. For instance, tolerance, team work, perseverance and time management. I am confident this is going to be a stepping stone towards my future career in music. 

As regard to photographs, I managed to persuade my boyfriend to secretly take photographs of me during the performance. Unfortunately, he sat next to a intolerant elderly gentleman who spotted his camera and ordered him to stop taking photographs during the performance.  Nevertheless, he managed to capture a few photographs after disabling the flash. 

Thursday 19 March 2009

My way of learning a song or aria (Part 2)

Next, find a way to learn the rhythm of the song. Tap the rhythmic pattern of your vocal line or clap it. I will spend quality time on this step of the process.

Then, I will put the text and rhythm together.

Later, I will learn the melody by playing it on an instrument or using solfege syllables. Then sing the melody on a vowel eg: ah, eh, ei. Paying attention to the vocal technique, and aiming for the a smooth, moving, expressive line.

Finally, have fun with the newly learnt piece. 

My way of learning a song or aria (Part 1)

Perharps the most important suggestion is to take my time in learning music so that I will not learn it incorrectly, because once mistakes are learnt, it is nearly impossible to unlearn them.  

Fristly, I will enjoy the poetry of the song or the text of the aria, practice speaking it until it falls easily off the tongue. When it is in a foreign language, I will write out the translation word-for-word on the sheet music . This will help me aware of the important words as I learn and sing the song. 

Secondly, practice saying the text as if speaking with a friend. Have fun with it and act it out. The emotional connection will help me learn and memorize the piece.

To be continue ..... 

Wednesday 11 February 2009

An ending is a new beginning ???


Can anyone tell me what is ending.....? what is beginning .....? 
Why do people must separate with each other? 
Can they live happily ever after? 

Tuesday 10 February 2009

Violin and Piano Recital










JiaFeng Chen violin

Brenda Blewett Piano

My first encounter with the works of 18-year-old prodigy young violinist was truly inspiring. His performance certainly meets his international reputation. This is a spectacular display of technical ability and superb interpretation of the musical piece. He brought Bach's legacy to life. His live performance captivated the Cardiff audience. The flawless accompanying piano from Brenda Blewett perfectly complemented the stunning violin performance. 

Thursday 5 February 2009

....Love's Philosophy ...



The fountains mingle with the river
And the rivers with the Ocean,
The winds of Heaven mix for ever
With a sweet emotion;
Nothing in the world is single;
All things by a law divine
in one spirit meet and mingle.
Why not I with thine?

See the mountains kiss high Heaven
And the waves clasp one another;
No sister-flower would be forgiven
If it disdained its brother;
And the sunlight clasps the earth
And the moonbeams kiss the sea:
What is all this sweet work worth
If thou kiss not me?

Love's Philosophy is a love poem written by Percy Bysshe Shelly in 1820 , music by Roger Quilter.  This poem is so touching. You will find it very fabulous when you are falling in love....  

Tuesday 3 February 2009

My first snow....



Cardiff was snowing this morning.... It was my first time seeing SNOW and playing SNOW!!!!! I really felt so happy and cannot describe the joyous laughter.... Hope to see the snow again in future with my beloved partner.... So romantic....
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