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HOME PAGE CLASSICAL PIANO/REPERTOIRE: Recordings THOUGHTS OF A CLASSICAL PIANIST: My Classical Piano Blog MY ULTIMATE / NEW PLAYLIST Archived Entries: 2024 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2024 2023 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2023 2022 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2022 |
"Mad World" - this entire world is literally a mad, world. Anyway - animatronics are freaky enough, but having scare actors at every corner literally (or re-enacting scenes) is not for the faint of heart (we're content with our anonymity of watching these things online or through a Youtuber's video). Thumbs up for the classic horror film re-enactment scenes without props or animatronics. Selfie-style walk throughs suck - they don't cut it. A viewer can't see what is going on - duh. Haha. Tutorials are guidances and helpful tips or pointers. I've never been a fan of "you have to play like this" or "play like that", and I'll continue to believe it or bold enough to speak out. However - it behooves anyone learning pieces to have an open mind when watching these things. As it is important to have a fundamental understanding or knowledge of Music Theory or reading sheet music, it is also important to understand or know how to effectively play a piece or what the intentions were. Saturday, September 13, 2025 Let's hope East turns his life around, being given a chance and internet exposure by C-Mac himself. Most of us who have grown up spoiled / raised comfortably, some of us we would give that all up just for some exposure or a bit of attention. I think you have to be cautious about these things, not to fully invest in anything. Or have a contingency or backup plan. You can help others, but if they fuck up - it's up to you to give them another chance or just let them go. "You ain't worth it if you can't help yourself 'cause you'd never improve" (well, that would describe myself somewhat - I've been tryin' to get outta that problem). When a detailed or functioning LEGO bathroom or toilet is the only interesting or recent tidbit these days. Thanks, Sungwon! As well as an Andrew Huang musical epiphany haha. Thursday, September 11, 2025 Sungwon Cho on Cameo! I think Youtubers need a side hustle since the lousy Youtube algorithm and lazy AI implemented ain't doin' them any favors in turning a profit. You have to do what's trending these days, and hope for the best. Rach's Prelude in G-flat major is a very soothing, dreamy piece. And some crazy distances near the end, with all the large chords. The important thing is to have the melody heard and played at tempo / evenly, so there has to be a work-around with average or smallish hands of mine. I'm not one to compose my own arrangement of a pop culture music, whether it's a soundtrack music from a film or other. I'm sure a lot of musicians can do it, in addition to their usual performances. Improvising is also a lost art. Wednesday, September 10, 2025 I didn't realize there were really terrifying rides at state fairs or carnivals, on par or moreso than theme parks. Even worse if you have a Carnie having to check the ride's bolts and screws haha. I think most of us would either pass out or vomit our brains out. D-So would've passed out even before the ride began haha. All that twisting, flipping 50+ feet or whatever in the air, I got nauseated by watching it. However - I was mesmerized by how steady the POV camera was while others might just drop it. Tuesday, September 09, 2025 Justin H. Min sharing his adventures climbing or mountaineering using what they call "ferrata" whatever the hell that is, except you can deduce from the equipment used. This ain't the typical hiking on a trail climbing. It appears they used a helicopter to get to their beginning point, which would make it a resounding Hell No for me. It certainly doesn't help if you hate heights to begin with. I think Sungwon Cho should start a Cameo - how many requests for a roast or a greeting in a certain voice would be interesting. "The Fat Guy sends his regaaards with a steep re-COMP-ense!" (wearing that clownish monocle) haha. At this point, Disneyland > Disneyworld. But both kinda suck now, they ain't what they used to be from what I hear. But in the scheme of things, everything is a business and they'll cut corners at the expense of classic rides or attractions. Probably the most intriguing rides: "The Twilight Zone" tower of terror, and the classic Pirates of the Carribean (the classic animatronics). Sunday, September 07, 2025 Sung Kang has been busy, and one of his car projects is a show called "The Ride Life". He goes around and meets other car enthusiasts or in that profession. It's probably only available to watch through a subscription platform, so it's a no for me unfortunately. In the meantime, waiting for more "Drifter" updates. You can say Sung Kang has been more than an "unemployed mime" haha. He has been busy, as well as appearing in some side hustle films and even directing. I think good, mainstream music died long ago. You have to go to independent musicians like Tomo Nakayama to find hidden gems and are worth listening to. Everything else is absolutely forgettable, so it wouldn't matter in five years from now about a goddamn mainstream artist. Weird Al is the only consistent mainstay haha. But he's caught between a few worlds, since some don't consider parodies or his originals as "real music". I'm not a fan of contemporary music as you can see - nothing these days is inspiring or lasting (something you can play or sing over and over). I have to go back a few decades actually. The only pieces I'd consider playing and recording that has any value, would be the Muppet's "Rainbow Connection" and "Believe" from "The Polar Express". They definitely hit you in the feels. More than likely, I'll probably record them eventually (don't worry - not some complicated arrangement, they've been played already). I'm also looking forward to W.A. Mozart Piano Concerto No. 20 "romanze" piano solo rendition, which is a long-term project of mine. Saturday, September 06, 2025 The middle finger in David So's new video (ranting and raving about forgetting how to create Youtube videos) is probably also a hidden message for Chia: "Stop Calling Me FAAAAT!" ("by the way, I did eat the entire chicken bucket but I'll insist that I did not") hahaha. On a serious note - we tend to forget or become rusty at certain things if we don't do them for awhile. It's the same with music (and even the arts)- if you don't practice or play a piece in months or years, you have to re-learn or practice it again. However - some things are just in-grained and do come naturally even if you have not done the activity in awhile. Maestro Lang Lang's "Piano Book 2" is a sequel we all need - pieces or compositions from composers that are not just from the classical genre, but also contemporary. They are mainly short-form and not virtuosic pieces - pieces which are often forgotten but still are important in the sense that all pianists grew up with them. While most pianists are mainly obsessed with "out-doing" or "competing" who can play or perform the most difficult pieces, Lang Lang aims to become unique or different. I think he's already done it all, played them all anyway - what pieces can't he play. *The only haunts I would've walked through is the "Friday The 13th" and "Poltergeist" one. And then I'd be done and leave. Haha. Haunt season's on! Thursday, September 04, 2025 For me, it's more like - I wonder why I'm so enthralled with Sungwon's Sophie videos. Simple answer - Sungwon's cat videos > most youtube crap out there. New Song Of The Year (Music Video = Tomo Nakayama's channel): Wednesday, September 03, 2025 *Tomo Nakayama released a new song called "Ocean". Looking forward to the new album. It's been awhile, and this kind of slice-of-life music is a rarity. Or just doesn't exist anymore. Re-post tomorrow, including the music video. Congratulations to Jeremy Lin for 15 outstanding years (except the injuries), as this is his curtain call. His tenure with the New Taipei Kings is the most memorable to me. All in all - he racked 3 rings, and perservered / endured through the worst racism against Asians without compromising his beliefs. Now go enjoy your personal pool and slide, looks like a resort quality - better than most popular youtubers' pools I suspect haha. Speaking of retirement, should Thach Nguyen go, "Nuhmeh retirement-Style!" haha. If he continues to enjoy what he's doing, then he should continue as long as he wants to. Others in his position would just settle for retirement, do nuthin', pimp out their lo'-ridahs and wear bling all day haha. Justin H. Min in "Journey There". Sounds and looks interesting. Tuesday, September 02, 2025 Scams have become part of society now, sort of a side hustle to steal and annoy the hell outta gullible or unsuspecting folks. Scammers are all over the place - they can pose as internet models, your friendly-neighborhood bank or credit union, or even an acquaintance / peer. I'd like to think Nelly and her family are genuine, but you never know. What is genuine is C-Mac's intention of helping anyone in need or who don't get exposure at all. Here's the fine print - if there are no official documents and the person is asking for a large amount "Up Front" (usually a phrase that's used by scammers - "down payment" is the official term), it's most likely a scam to pay off their depts or dump their debts and troubles onto you haha. And then the mafia come a-knockin' hahaha. So Var. 26 and 29 are the last before moving onto Chopin. 26 is going to take a bit more time, but progressing. Afterall, I consider it the climax. Monday, September 01, 2025 Bobby Lee's "So I decided to hike" - I stopped right there and LMAO. Didn't need to finish the rest haha, but said - what the hell. Park Cerrado? Should've been more like, "Beware! Personas Gordas". Or beached whale alert trying to hike. Here's to you too, Bobby Lee. Sunday, August 31, 2025 I think even Steebee Weebee can make a place called "Ross: Dress For Less" exciting in a vlog. Whatta name haha. How about K-Mart or Kohl's: Nobody Ever Shops Here. The youtube platform is worse than a pile of dookie. Similar to cable companies or gaming companies with no competition, they could just implement lazy and useless AI to run everything and not give a shit. Didn't you get the memo, the "made for kids" coding is just sloppy AI on auto-reject. Var. 29 might be the final variation to upload. A prelude to closure or final epiphany and peace. Because it is a different, bold / sinister-sounding melody as well. Only whenever my wife can take the kids out can I have a full practice of several pieces, which is rare. But it does sure feels damn satisfying once you get the chance. Thursday, August 28, 2025 Zapbox 4 - somebody tell 'em "they 'R not VR" haha. It sounds as bad or terrible as it looks haha. It also sounds as stanky or useless as a piece of dookie floating in your toilet. I'm like, what the hell is that funny-lookin', piece of crap the person is wearing on their head? It's a hilarious mistake to mistake or confuse lazy 3D rendering with actual VR haha. And to have added weight (lookin' like your quack dentist, right Subin? haha) on your huge-ass head. There's a serious side to Bobby Lee? He was finally interviewd by the AAPI (TAAFORG). To be fair, Bobby Lee is just one of a few (Ken Jeong the other one) who can take as much as they can dish in terms of self-deprecating racial humor. A lot of us cringe at this because the type of humor only fuels stereotypes or racial bullying even more. While it is not my type of humor nor do I condone it, Bobby Lee is a still one-of-a-kind, uh - hobbit. And still fat. haha. Wednesday, August 27, 2025 I hope I did see a preview or clip to "Interior Chinatown" S2. Unfortunately, there is no free trial to Hulu nor do we have sub. The first season is still on my must-watch list. Others to look out for - Avatar The Last Airbender S2 live action, Alice In Borderland S3. There has been no confirmation on a S2 for it. Who knows - but please do tell, Jimmy O. Yang. Still, the skit with Ronnie Chieng is hilarious. Choe's observation of the day: "Oh, your 5 year old can do it. If he could, he would've done so already and become rich like me" hahaha. Wit and sarcasm like no other. My current practice regimen: Rach's Prelude in G minor, Chopin's Grand Valse Op. 42, Schubert's Wanderer's first mov., Beethoven's Appassionata's third mov., finishing the Goldberg Var's favorites. Or course - I don't have any time to practice all this in one sitting. So I have to rotate 1 or 2 pieces per session. Oh it's on. Tuesday, August 26, 2025 It's no surprise at all that Daniel Dae Kim is as eloquent as they come - just knows what to say without any hesitation / stuttering or pauses. I recommend watching DDK's interview with PBS about ethnic casting. If you're talkin' about a real-life person or situation, it is important to get the nationality right. Otherwise - I wouldn't give a hoot which Asian is cast as a character that is not his nationality. As long as they are Asian, and actually look Asian. Gettin' Diggy Wid It - how many times is Diggy be headin' to the Principal's office in the name of justice haha. I be playin' hooky instead Ferris Bueller-Style. Sometimes, when there's nothing going on - you just have to check back once in awhile to Just Kidding News, and find some absurd news of the day haha. Sunday, August 24, 2025 Choe Art is real art. Freak-uency matched haha. Freak, to the freak to the freak - Fear & Loathing. Or just lovin' Choe Art haha. Good to hear Rich Brian released a new album - has it been really 6 years. The tracks are a tad bit short however. No more of them R & B shit pweeeeeeeze haha. Variation 26 - I'll try to put a life's worth of energy and interpretation into this especially the turbulence-like ending. This calls for a full-open piano then. Saturday, August 23, 2025 In the beginning of the year, I prayed to let the year just be fast-forwarded to Halloween already and start there. Well, it's almost Halloween and I guess it's been sort of answered haha. Not much interesting has happened in the year so far, almost like, nothing. Nothing at all. Ryan Bargera is usually hilarious with his wit - that's my kind of humor also, when it is unintentionally funny or just blurt out what's on your mind without really thinking. "I hate healthy food". So do I, Ryan. So do I. The way he describes Asparaguses would be similar to my reaction, as well as Tampa Jay's walk-through reactions of a haunt. Page 2
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