French Music with Harp

Date: 3rd June 2008
Venue: Auditorium Dewan Sri Pinang
Tickets: Adult RM30, Student RM10

Penang State Symphony Orchestra

Jascha. Y Shimana , Conductor
Katryna Tan, Harp Soloist

PROGRAMME

François-Adrien Boïeldieu (1775-1834) : Harp Concerto in C (1801)
I. Allegro Brillante
II. Andante Lento
III. Rondeau - Allegro agitato

Claude Debussy (1862-1918) : Petite Suite pour orchestre (1889)
I. En bateau
II. Cortege
III. Menuet
IV. Ballet

Georges Bizet (1838-1875) : "L'arlésienne" Suite No.2 for Orchestra
I. Pastorale: Andante sostenuto assai; Andantino; Tempo I
II. Intermezzo: Andante moderato ma con moto
III. Menuet: Andantino quasi allegretto
IV. Farandole: Allegro deciso (Tempo di marcia); Allegro vivo e deciso

Tickets get from my sister and pay her on this Sunday...

Jun08 Soka Day

Jeanne Abdullah's Prime Minister's wife is being conferred Highest Honorary Degree by Soka Women's College on 24th.May.2008, Saturday

Dear all YBs,
remember the news we announce that Jeanne Abdullah's Prime Minister's wife is being conferred Highest Honorary Degree by Soka Women's College on 24th.May.2008, Saturday?
Here is the mail i received from Cheng Lay, sharing from a ex-UKM student who is now study in Soka Uni, lets take our time to read it yo ;p

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The new history for all of us.. Check this out!! http://www.tv3.com.my/Shows/EpHighlight.aspx?MasterID=190&ShowID=231&MenuID=2&TemplateID=1&SubMenuID=1&VideoID=12609&EpID=15529#anchorVid*From o7:00 till 08:30 1.5mins about the ceremony...Hurray!!*

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On 5/25/08, Shanice Cheng <http://aa.mc276.mail.yahoo.com/mc/compose?to=yengcheng@gmail.com> wrote:

Dearest everyone,
I am sure everyone knows about the news that Jeanne Abdullah's Prime Minister's wife is being conferred Highest Honorary Degree by Soka Women's College on 24th.May.2008, Saturday.
We are happy to share the photos with you
http://www.facebook.com/p.php?i=560536511&k=Z2BUX652RZWMYEMDRKY3S
The photos doesnt look so official though, because our small multi task camera always have to sneak in between other more official cameras, hehehe...

Would like to share some of the interludes that actually took place approaching the event, and also the situatiob on the actual day.

Truly felt fortunate to be able to have this moment to welcome such important people from one's country to Soka University. Undeniably, when we first receive this news that our current prime minister will be conferred an honorary by Soka University, many mixed feeling arise not just from me, but almost all foreign students from Malaysia. You know what i mean, i guess... what clarifies our PM to receive an honorary? what's his role model or exemplary to the country besides being the pinnacle the country?

Thus not wanting to carry these doubts to meet him on Sat, two representatives went to get clarification from the International Department of the University. The personnel from the International Department actually explained to us that this conferation started from Datin Seri Jeanne Abdullah who has high respect for Dr. Ikeda and his founding of the Soka School System. Datin Seri Jeanne has proposed to visit Soka Womens' College in her capacity as the Chancellor of Open University of Malaysia and will be conferred by Soka Womens' College the highest Prize of Friendship (or something like that). Datuk Seri Badawi who is also on his trip in Japan decided to accompany Jeanne to visit the university. Thus, with high recommendation from Dr. Ikeda, the founder of the university, Soka Uni decided to also confer an honorary degree to our PM.

Thus, our doubts arose from, Dr. Ikeda has always pointed to us the qualities of a human being, of a leader. What if, despite a person position, he does not pledge his duties or responsbilities as befits his leadership position, what befits him to be conferred an honorary?
The personnel said that first, for a university to be able to receive such distinguish guest from other countries is the university's pride. Also, it has been a tradition for the university to confer upon distinguish guest who visits the university. This is a sign that the university is a truly International Class university.

We showed him signs that this obviously didnt clear our doubts yet...
He continued, saying that, "In many occasions, people who were able to meet Sensei, were able to change after that encounter. What is important is to create the opportunity for "meeting"..."
He acknowledged that he cannot tell for sure the exact qualities about this man (our PM), there have been discussions about the appropriateness as well, but being the PM of a country, this honorary will be conferred upon him. What is important is that during his visit, we are truly able to display what our spirit is as Soka students, as Sensei's disciple. Hopefully, this will be able to plant a strong impression upon all who visits to see for themselves the university and the spirit Dr. Ikeda has founded. Through this encounter, and everybody's effort, in his own life, a change will definitely take place.

What strucks me was, "creating the opportunity for meeting". We know all well from Mr. Ikeda's writing and speeches, dialogues that Sensei is not a person who is there just to please his guests. Sensei addresses his conviction, his mentor's Toda Sensei's wishes, his beliefs and actions just as it is for the future. Spreading the seed of enlightenment and compassion is not a matter of who the other person is, it is what one's conviction is, what one's wants to deliver and strive for everyday or even for a WHOLE LIFE. Thus, nothing stops Ikeda Sensei to transmit hope, belief and ichinen to anyone he wants to reach out. What matters "is the opportunity for meeting". No wonder, Sensei always write, "History unfolds from meeting" or "First, it is meeting people".

Hence, we are happy that we were able to unite our heart together as one among the 10 Malaysian students representatives as well as with Ikeda Sensei. We determined, representing Sensei's spirit, we will give the heartiest and merriest welcome to all who come to visit Soka Uni on that day. Thus, all of us sang as patriotic, as melodious, smile as bright as possible when our National Anthem was played. Badawi who was at first not singing when the national anthem was played, later sang along. We even sang "Rasa Sayang" song spontaneously when we bid farewell. He turned round again when he heard this loveable song sang from behind.

Cant help, but felt deep gratitude towards Sensei. Though from the outlook, it seems that we are there to welcome some delegates, but in a deeper sense, our mentor is all the while in all ways giving training to his disciple! Training his disciple to stand up with him, training his disciple to uplift our life state higher and higher to be the same him, to the highest lifestate possible a human can strive for! Felt that my outlook was so narrow at the very beginning, leaning on just the current affairs of the "figures" in politics, unable to comprehend our mentor's vision. However, determine to continue challenge and closen the bond with Sensei. I am sure all the students who attended the ceremony felt immense gratitude to our mentor as well.

Well, i will close here.
There are still so much more to write on each detailed that we witnessed, but i leave it to you all to also discover the daily lessons we can get from following and actualizing our mentor's guidances.

love,
cheng

Ensemble Competition Grouping

Band,

Finally, I’d come out with the grouping for the ensemble competition which appear to be one of our band highlighted event this year. I expect this to be a massive competition and hope that you guys could make yourself part of it. ^^

1^st Half competition (June-August)

Group 1	Group 2	Group 3	Group 4
Brass Ensemble A	Clarinet Ensemble A	Flute Trio	Trumpet Trio
Lee Wen	Teik Siang	Shi Hong	Shi Jia
Jiu Zheng	Zhi Huang	Phaik Voon	Phaik Yi
Chia Chee	Wen Long	Billy	Nigel
Jia Wei	Wen Chuen
Bee Peng

2^nd Half competition (September-November)

Group 5	Group 6	Group 7	Group 8	Group 9
Saxaphone Ensemble	Clarinet Ensemble B	Brass Ensemble C	Percussion Ensemble	Brass Ensemble B
Teng Chew	Zhi Huang	Shi Jia	Guat Eng	Bee Peng
Mendy	Quan Xun	Jiu Zheng	Hoay Ping	Eunice
Winnie	Yang Hann	Chia Chee	Jing Wen	Cheery
Ming Jie	Wen Chuen	Kah Yen	Yan Ching	Wei Jun
			Yuan Dong	Xing Ying

You all may find that some of you could take parts in both half of the competitions. This is due to we are lack of players for some groups… =.= it could be tough or maybe not… ^.^ take this as challenge what… hehe, the more you played the more you learned

Those names who highlighted in blue are the group leaders, responsible for arranging time for practice, guide your team member, improvement plan, motivation and etc...

You may also questions on the song you’re gona play right…? Don’t worry, it’s all ready and you’ll get it as soon as everything confirmed… (Exception of Saxophone players… haha, will discuss details with you all soon)

Noted* Please inform me if you encounter any doubts with your grouping. Dateline – 31^st May 2008

Thanks to...

All companions who had stayed back to clean the room...

Zhi Huang(I have to put him first because he's the only YMD who stayed until 6.10pm with all of us), Xin Ying, Wei Jun, Bee Peng, my sister, Angie, Mendy and Teng Chew(even though he ran away without telling anyone of us), Jing Wen and Xin Yan(this lil girl helped out a bit here and there....)

Erm...did I leave anyone out?Shi Jia & Ming Jie?who helped out for a while for scores arranging as well.
I think that's all.

*a big round of applause*
Princess would like to thank all of you from above for making an afford to clean the room *smile*
The ones who didn't clean the room, hope you could at least appreciate our hard work by not messing up the room.

The room is sparkling clean right now.It''ll be better after we dispose all the shirts and etc soon.

Aww....I need Salonpas~

Guides to blog...

I think some of our authors are not familiar with blogging so I'll post up how to blog guide here.
Very easy, just 3 steps.

1. Log into http://www.blogger.com
then you'll see something like below...
Type in penangyouthband@gmail.com and our password.

2. Automatically you'll be in dashboard page.
click on "new post" (the orange word)

3. You'll be in Posting page.
Type whatever you want to write in our blog.

Any inquiries, leave a comment or ask in chat box or ask me personally face to face.

Music moves one's heart part 2

I found another video which featured the front part the video I posted previously about Connie Talbot.
It features more of the blind little pianist Yoo Ye Eun.
I'm sure you'll cry so don't watch this in office(ahem...angie).
I can't really tell why am I touched by her music.
Not just merely because she's blind and young.
Hrm...let's just say that sometimes we doesn't need to be blind or deaf to play a piece of music that moves one's heart, as long as we play it passionately, they'll feel it.
Is this how I'm suppose to phrase it?Otherwise give me another thought of yours.

YB room cleaning - namelist of Admins,PPs and DMs

I've announced but not everyone were there.

-Jia Wei(stands record)
-Bee Peng(scores)
-Wei Jun(scores)
-Xin Ying(scores)

The names below will be assigned for cleaning...
-Jing Wen
-Teng Chew
-Zhi Huang
-Teik Siang
-Mendy
-Angie
-...and me

It seems that guys are more than girls.
Never mind, I believe guys can do the mopping job as well *laugh away*

Music moves one's heart

I think this is nice to be shared, a blind 7 years old pianist accompanying Cornie Talbot from "British Got Talent" in Star King.
I cried watching this.
Tell me if you cry after watching this too...

After cleaning the YB room...

The room is useful and we knew it.
The room is small but we definitely can do something about it.
There are a few things that I hope everyone of you would take note and do some changes. Just consider the below points for our room's hygienic sake.
We are far worse then then worst...so it's worst worst.

1. Too many boxes.
what do we need so many boxes for?!
I know some will be used by percussions when we travel to performance destinations.Trust me, there are boxes that we don't even need it.
Recycle center has too many things to recycle so we keep them in our room first is it?!Brown big boxes never beautify our room.

2. Too many plastic bags.
we're suffering from compulsive hoarding illness(a mental illness which loves to collect old newspaper, old magazines, old plastic bags and unwanted stuffs.At critical stages, compulsive hoarder patient cant make decisions rationally.Basically they are crazy, you know the word of "siao lang"?) or what!?
I've threw away at least quarter of the unused plastic bags just now.
I believe some of them still hiding somewhere.
You know why, some people just love to slip the bags into hidden slots.

3. Too many broken stuffs.
Hello?!when it is broken, it is broken.
Do we own a 7zai who can repair spoiled items?! So throw it away.
I found a broken maracas, fix it if you still want it.If you cant fix it then throw away.
Stop collecting broken stuffs.

4.Too many unrelated stuffs.
I found toilet rolls, drawing block, STPM Account text book, Jay Chou and Crazy Frog pirated albums, tons of ang pao, unwanted scores files(saxaphone,trombone and mallet...claim it or else it'll be throw away very soon, I could be sure of that), 2007 Pessoc/PSO concert poster, chopsticks...
Can we throw all these away.Why do we need a drawing block for?!...and STPM text book?!
More over these thing were scattered all over...*sigh*

5. Too many T-shirts.
Please distribute the shirts to anyone.Don't store it like that, we are not Youth Band T-shirt Boutique.
Tons of new Tshirt in plastic bags scattering here and there, very nice meh?
As for the Kotei yellow collar long sleeves uniforms, can we donate it to orphanage to recycle them?
I know the uniforms do mean something to us kotei girls but to be frank, how often we would wear it, I mean do we still wear it?! Will be Youth Banders wear it for performances in future?
Just my opinion though, something which is not needed should be trade for something better.Since we're storing them like garbages, why don't we donate to orphanage or those needies and trade for a smile on their faces?
Otherwise, recycle them.I believe these ways are much better than just storing them in room.
There are 3-4 boxes of these yellow collar long sleeves uniforms occupying our room.
Just think properly about what I've said.

6. Scores.
This one....*big sigh* About the old scores like Don't cry for me argentina and kindergarden level of colors of the wind, can we recycle them ar?The scores are in yellowish color and crumbled up,very pretty meh?
I even found an Uptown Girl Piano score*slap forehead*, do we need that?
As for the recent scores, the librarians could rearrange them in alphabetical order perhaps. I found a stack of ...and the fire ranged percussions scores were on the floor, didn't we just got the score today?!
The scores were not in order and were thrown here and there as well.I strongly suggest, REARRANGE the scores to whoever is in charge of it.
Aren't we musicians?aren't we suppose to take care of our scores as well?

7. Important documents and pictures.
Marvelous I tell you, YB are marvelous.
Instrument invoice and Ikeda Sensei's Dialog With Nature's photos were simply thrown somewhere as well.
We were sharing about how are we gonna continue Sensei's mission and all sorts of stuffs related to Sensei.We even said that we love him very much and so on...
Yeah and we could simply placed the photos he'd taken.How "awesome" we are.
Trust me, if I didn't clear up the awfully disordered scores, the photos won't be found until Guat Eng has children.
I wonder the person who first placed it there had forgotten about it or not.

8.Responsibility.
Our room will be back to the old messy look in 1 week time.
Why?because whenever we rearrange something in A, we'll place it in B.
Just like the scores, after we'd found the one we wanted, the rest we'll just simply threw it somewhere else.So the same thing would happen again and again.
Place the thing back to it's original place very hard?is it so?
Then do we need trainings to learn how to put things back to it's original location?


I am pretty ashamed by all these.
Are you?
We could make the difference but we just refuse to do it.
I know I am a bit harsh, sorry for that but honestly...
Instead of room, it looks more like a store room.
Just that we don't know when our instruments will stay together with harmful insects.

Please do something before our room turn into...

Music appreciation - Tchaikovsky part 2

I decided to skip The Nutcracker first, Imeem just don't obey the master.
Just for your information, i won't share about "1812" Overture despite it is 16'19 long, the piece made me fall asleep as well.
Anyone wanna help me with "1812", you're welcome.
Fine, then I'll share one of Tchaikovsky patriotic production - Slavonic March
It's commonly known as Marche Slave in French.
Personally love the tune of this piece very much, it could stuck in my mine then i'll keep humming some freaky minor tune whenever I go after listening to it.
So conductors and DMs, is there any chance we'll play this song?
The piccolo and cymbal sounded awesome! Trust my taste in music *tongue out*

In June 1876, following incidents in which Turkish soldiers killed a large number of Christian, Serbia declared war on Turkey.
Many Russians sympathized with those they considered to be their fellow Slavs and sent volunteer soldiers and aid to assist the Kingdom of Serbia.
In the ensuing struggle the Serbian army was quickly defeated by the Turks.Nikolai Rubinstein, a close friend of Tchaikovsky, asked him to compose a piece for a concert benefiting the wounded Russian volunteers.
In a burst of patriotism, Tchaikovsky composed and orchestrated what was first known as the "Serbo-Russian March" (later to be known as "Marche slave") in only five days.

The piece was premiered in on November 17, to a warm reception.
The march is highly programmatic in its form and organisation.
The first section describes the oppression of the Serbians by the Turkish.
It uses two folk songs.
The first "Come my dearest, why so sad this morning?" is played at the outset, as Tchaikovsky directs, "at the speed of a funeral march".
The second folk song is more optimistic in character. An episode follows, describing the atrocities in the Balkans, in which Tchaikovsky uses his mastery of the orchestra to build a tremendous climax, at the height of which the first folk song returns, fortissimo on the trumpets like a plangent cry for help.
The tempestuous mood subsides giving way to the second section in the relative major key, which describes the Russians rallying to help the Serbs.
This is based on a simple melody with the character of a rustic dance which is passed around the orchestra until finally it gives way to a solemn statement of the Russian national anthem "God Save the Tsar".
The third section of the piece is a repeat of Tchaikovsky's furious orchestral climax, reiterating the Serbian cry for help.
The final section describes the Russian volunteers marching to assist the Serbians.
It uses a Russian tune, this time in the tonic major key and includes another blazing rendition of "God Save the Tsar" prophesying the triumph of the Slavonic people over tyranny.
The overture finishes with a virtuoso coda for the full orchestra.he piece shares a few refrains with the 1812 Overture, with which it is frequently paired in performance.

5.3 Commemorial Meet

Thank you uncle Jeffrey for the photo ;p

SGI President Ikeda’s Message for May 3, 2008

To all our dear friends of Soka Gakkai Malaysia (SGM Penang Branch ) my wife and I would like to offer you our warmest congratulations on this glorious May 3, Soka Gakkai Day, which we also celebrate as Soka Gakkai Mother’s Day out of the deepest respect and appreciation for all the noble mothers of kosen-rufu.

May 3 is the New Year’s Day of the Soka Gakkai; a red-letter day in the calendar of our worldwide kosen-rufu movement. Members around the globe mark this annual milestone by taking a fresh step forward. This is the hope-filled rhythm of the SGI, and one of the important keys of our continued victory.

On this day in 1951, my mentor Josei Toda, filled with unwavering determination to dedicate his life to kosen-rufu, was inaugurated as the second president of the Soka Gakkai. He followed in the footsteps of his mentor Tsunesaburo Makiguchi, the founder and first president of the Soka Gakkai who laid down his life in the cause of upholding and propagating the correct teaching of Nichiren Daishonin’s Buddhism. Later, on this same date in 1960, I began my work as the third president of the Soka Gakkai, resolved as President Toda’s true disciple to build a path to global kosen-rufu, his cherished dream. In this way, May 3 has been the day when Soka mentors and disciples—revealing their true identities as Bodhisattvas of the Earth—have stood up to accomplish kosen-rufu, the mission entrusted to them by Nichiren Daishonin.

In the 48 years since my inauguration as third president, the foundations for worldwide kosen-rufu have been firmly secured. Today, a rich diversity of activities for peace, culture, and education based on the humanistic principles and ideals of the Daishonin’s Buddhism are being enthusiastically pursued in 190 countries and territories. I can state unequivocally that every vow I have made to my mentor I have fulfilled completely and to the letter.
Now the glorious anniversary of May 3 has arrived again. In my mind, I can picture the familiar faces of members around the world who have triumphed magnificently over all manner of hardship and adversity, and I can also hear the joyous voices of new members who are nurturing fresh faith in the Mystic Law and taking on the challenge of pioneering our movement in their countries.

“Were they not Bodhisattvas of the Earth, they could not chant the daimoku” (WND-1, 385), declares the Daishonin. As these words indicate, each of you is most assuredly a Bodhisattva of the Earth. It is therefore crucial that you deeply realize this, your true and most fundamental identity, and, based on chanting daimoku infused with a great vow, courageously engage in the work of kosen-rufu in harmonious unity with your fellow members.
I call out to you: Embark on fresh challenges, with a totally rejuvenated spirit! Be lions, and triumph as lions! Together let’s dedicate our lives to the great vow and grand vision of kosen-rufu!

The SGI is always advancing with a vibrant and youthful life-force. The brilliance and majesty of this unstoppable and ever-victorious dynamism is the treasure of our organization, which President Toda called “Soka Gakkai Buddha.”

The time is ripe. This moment and the place where you are right now is what matters. When committed disciples rise into action with a self-reliant spirit, the sure flame of Soka will burn and spread brightly from where they are, from that very moment. I hope all of you, our members everywhere, will stand up with a vigorous, youthful spirit.

The new, second act of kosen-rufu has begun. The Daishonin urges us: “Strengthen your resolve more than ever” (WND-1, 615) and “Summon up the great power of faith more than ever” (WND-1, 1000). Taking his impassioned cry to heart, let us make our way together on the grand and infinite stage of kosen-rufu with spirited resolve and courageous faith.
My wife and I are praying with all our hearts for the good health, long life, and happiness of each one of you.


Daisaku Ikeda, SGI President
Kaneko Ikeda

May 3, 2008



Guat : Dear all YBs, please read Sensei's message to us with heart, and pledge from the bottom of our heart to fight with all our might and fulfill Sensei's hope on us, as youth, as YB.

5.3纪念贺词

敬爱的马来西亚创价学会的各位，迎来了喜气洋洋、光荣的「5月3日──创价学会日」，以及向伟大的创价母亲们上尊敬和感谢的「创价学会母亲节」，在此送上由衷的祝贺。

5月3日是创价学会的元旦，是世界广宣流布的节日。全球同志一同庆祝这一天，共同踏出崭新的前进一步。这是SGI的希望节奏，胜利法则。

1951年5月3日，恩师户田城圣先生继承了贯彻「死身弘法」的先师牧口先生的遗志，以为广宣流布奉献一生此义无反顾的决意就任第二代会长。之後，於1960年同一天，我作为户田先生的不二嫡传弟子，为了达成恩师的遗训──开辟世界广布之道，就任第三代会长展开奋斗。创价师弟为了实现大圣人嘱咐的广宣流布，以「我乃地涌菩萨」的自觉、「发迹显本」挺身奋起的日子，就是5月3日。

以来四十八星霜，以佛法的人本主义为基调的多姿多彩的和平、文化和教育运动，如今正於一百九十个国家和地区明朗愉快地扩展，世界广宣流布的基础已经打稳了。我如实地达成了对恩师立下的誓言。

在这满载荣耀的5月3日，我脑海不禁浮现於世界各地跨越一切苦难，赢取了胜利人生的难忘同志的笑脸。与此同时，我也听见刚播下的妙法种子开始萌芽、於草创期挑战的新同志的欢声。

「皆是地涌菩萨之出现，若不然，题目难唱也。」（御书1430页）诚如此大圣人的教示，人人皆是不折不扣的地涌菩萨。重要的是要自觉这本地的使命，以新的「誓愿祈求」为根本，展开满怀勇气的「异体同心的实践」。

我热切地呼吁：「同志们！犹如脱胎换骨一样，开始崭新的奋斗吧！」「要成为师子！如师子一样连战连胜！」「一同毅然地为壮阔的广宣流布大愿活到底吧！」

SGI是个永远以朝气蓬勃的生命向前迈进的团体。永远前进不息、赢取胜利的无穷无尽的生命威光和威德，正就是恩师户田先生所说的「创价学会佛」──我们SGI具备的尊贵财宝。

来吧！现在「时机」已到。不是要等待时机，也不是要从哪里开始。不管在哪里，不管在那一瞬间，只要有「不二的弟子」奋起的话，那里必会燃起创价的和平火焰。希望全体同志亦以朝气勃勃的青年气息共同奋斗！

世界广宣流布的第二幕已经揭幕。「希愈为强盛信心」（御书1270页）、「希益出强盛之大信力」（御书1192页）让我们将此大圣人的师子吼铭记於心，秉持勇气的信心，一起於广宣流布的广阔舞台尽情奋斗吧！

最後，我和我妻子诚心祈愿全球同志愈益健康，多福多寿。

国际创价学会会长池田大作
池田香峰子
2008年5月3日

Ensemble Koschka Concert vol. 2, 11th of May 2008, sunday

Penang World Music Festival 2008

The “World Music Festival 2008 – Penang” will be a total festive concept as there will be no chairs set up in rigid formality. The whole area will be like a friendly picnic ground where people can sit or recline on the grass, walk about or join the party crowd on their feet, right in front of the stage. It will be an outdoor festival complete with the night sky, evening breezes, surrounded by green foliage and smiled upon benevolently by the old quarry cliffs of Penang Hill. By day, it is inviting and peaceful. By night, it is heady romance.

Food stalls will be set up to cater for the crowd in the evening. There will also be ample public washrooms situated at the site and mobile ones for the convenience of the audience.

Adult RM50.00
Children(3-12 yrs old) RM20.00

credit: http://www.penangworldmusicfestival.com/index.asp

Music appreciation - Tchaikovsky part 1

I am not wholeheartedly a pro-classical person.
Some classical songs are really not interesting and put you to sleep easily.
So I'll pick some composer piece that everyone would prefer.
I'll start with Tchaikovsky.
When I still a junior in KL FeiYang, I remember one of the conductors(don't remember who was it) said this :"We must listen to Tchaikovsky songs more often because we are always exposed to his compositions"
Well, Tchaikovsky compositions did pay more attention to brass part though.Ok, correct me if I'm wrong.

Full name: Peter (Pyotr) Ilyich Tchaikovsky
Birthplace: Kamsko-Votkinsk (Vyatka province),Russia
Interesting facts: He is a gay and parents are not musicians

I'll start a pretty long essay, good to read and best to remember.

Among the best known of the works he produced during little more than a quarter of a century are the ballets Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty, The Nutcracker etc.
His compositions are constant be used in Disney cartoon series.
Walts from The Sleeping Beauty was used in Disney's Sleeping Beauty.
Sang by Aurora in forest with her animal friends:
I know you~~I've danced with you in once upon a dream~~
I know you~~....I don't know any further lyric *wink*

*interesting trivia: Most Disney princesses sing with animals except for Belle from Beauty and The Beast, she sings with kitchen utensils, clock and furnitures*

As for swan lake, it's a very famous tune.
Listen to S.H.E - Remember's chorus part.

His musical talent manifested itself early, and he took piano lessons, first in Votkinsk and then in St. Petersburg, where the family moved in 1848.
Educated for a career in the civil service, he broke away to follow an inner calling to become a composer, and graduated with a silver medal from the St. Petersburg Conservatory in 1865.

Tchaikovsky suffered greatly from the secrecy to which his homosexuality condemned him in the society of his day, and an ill-advised marriage with a woman he hardly knew ended quickly in a nervous breakdown for him and a permanent separation for both.
A close, long-term relationship with his wealthy patroness, Nadezhda von Meck, was carried out entirely by correspondence.

Despite his depressive, self-pitying nature, he was a polyglot who traveled as far afield as the United States, where he participated in the opening of Carnegie Hall in 1891.
In 1893 he conducted a triumphant performance of his Fourth Symphony at a Royal Philharmonic concert in London and received an honorary doctorate in Cambridge.
His death, in St. Petersburg on 6 November, was probably a suicide, but the story that it was provoked by a threat to reveal his liaison with a young aristocrat has not been substantiated. Professionally, Tchaikovsky experienced both fame and reproach in his lifetime, but his enduring, worldwide popularity came only posthumously.

I can't post up all of his songs one shot, so for today we'll listen to Dance of The Reeds from The Nutcracker.
(The Nutcracker consist a lot of other compositions but my Imeem gone cuckoo, I just able to upload Dance of the Reeds.
My apology, I'll post them up in part 2 perhaps.)

It's a pretty lively piece played by 2 pianist on 2 pianos.