HOME PAGE CLASSICAL PIANO/REPERTOIRE: Recordings THOUGHTS OF A CLASSICAL PIANIST: My Classical Piano Blog MY ULTIMATE / NEW PLAYLIST Archived Entries: 2023 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2023 2022 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2022 2021 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2021 2020 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2020 2019 JANUARY-DECEMBER 2019 |
Sunday, December 29, 2024 If there is a Fat heaven, there must be a Fat St. peter, there must be some wide-ass pearly gates. While Bobby Lee might qualify hahaha, I heard they have a height requirement as well (only folks over 5 ft.). Sorry, Bobby. Points deducted for wearing a Nehru jacket in the first place. I'm keeping tabs on hoops sensation Xaivian Lee. While I heard about Yuki "Too Short" Kawamura, I'm not ready to follow until he gets meaningful minutes. We're similar height, although I might be an inch or two taller with shoes. Friday, December 27, 2024 Pork belly (real slice of the pig) - never tasted anything more juicier, tender / softer, fattier than that. That was probably the most delicious piece of meat ever eaten so far. New favorite. Baking Christmas cookies was not necessarily inspired by Ricky Berwick's messy endeavor haha. It was a delicious idea decided by Thanksgiving. Of course - I only just waited, sat and ate. Hahah. I'm having the post-Christmas blues - so much so, yesterday was almost a near-disaster in terms of mood (gotta be more conscientious about letting it affect parenting). Just forget and start over. Would you trust a firm called, "Webst-ah, Webst-ah, and - Webst-ah" haha. I don't trust any firm, unless it's an Asian one ("Thach Nguyen Real Estate Novelties, Inc. - Guru For All Your Investing Needs" Nuhmeh Motivational Speaker / Guru-Style! hahahah). Listen - it's simple when it comes to awful gifts. Either throw it away or give it away. Why waste time, energy and gas to return shit when we didn't even pay for it. Especially when you didn't pay for it. Thursday, December 26, 2024 It was one of the most memorable Christmases ever - glorious food, and watching our toddler opening presents. The catch - if you have kids that get bored of a new toy quick, it might be quite the chore to deal with. Be wary of sketchy Santas that were out there haha. Phil Swift might have had another mental breakdown disguised as Santa - "that's a lotta ho,ho,hos (and Hostess Ho Ho Hos cakes)!". He sniffed too many Flex Glues. Neighbood Watch Alert: Santa David So is somewhere around lookin' to pounce on "Jimmy". Stay tuned for updates on the Ahjusshi Santa Pedo terrorizing neighborhoods. "Hoagie Mon! Remember me? from the exchange program in Cam-ah-roon. We yooed deh be on the Jamaican bobsled team togeda mon. What stop will ya be geddin' off Mon?!" Tuesday, December 24, 2024 'Happy' Christmas Eve! Although you are not eve, can't believe it is already here. Time to continue to indulge in food, food and more food haha. Christmas decor is on par with Halloween decor. Tim Chantarangsu and his guest (Patrick Cloud) hit it on the spot right away in the first few minutes of his podcast - that's all that's needed to give it a like. Hahaha. And I stop there since I have a short attention span. Unless the whole episode is about roasting about being fat. Listen, more often than not - an online personality or character never matches what the person is like in real life. The truth is, the real-life person is usually a "yuck" as opposed to their online persona. I am not an exception for sure. The classical music is genuine and real however. From real pain and experiences. And some stuff that I find funny or find interest in. Otherwise, everything is entertainment. I am not a comedian. I blurt out what makes me laugh only. If others find it funny or only me, so be it. I am not an expert or authority on Video Game music. But a lot of it sounds very improvisational and complex, with notes jumping all over the place (over 2 octaves). Case in point, the insane sheet music that the VGP played (Donkey Kong, Jr. "Sparks). I would need to two hands to tackle the high notes (the very last key on the piano). Essentially however, Video Game music still has structure. Anything with a melody has structure. Final Fantasy "To Zanarkand" probably is an example of a melodic piece for a Video Game. And others. Sunday, December 22, 2024 Relevant Gear, Weird Gear, Best Gear from Andrew Huang - I usually have no idea in regards to Music Production. But it's always a 'like' video, since it is actually worth paying attention to than anything on the news (except when you need to have your fix on cataclysmic weather events). Bonus yet - if Andrew is being sponsored, it's a win-win. Audiences can be exposed to different types of options, and Andrew gets paid. Haha. Synths would be up my alley. There's the full range (all the keys as on a piano), or short form. Either way - they have all them flashy knobs / buttons for cool or snazzy sound effects. I'm not into electronic music, but I don't think you can really beat the authentic sounds from a real instrument. Still - they still do their job in producing or replicating very closely. And for other uses. Saturday, December 21, 2024 Disguised Toast is right - let us all come to together, and make me rich. You gonna make me rich? That's rich. Hahaha. Afterall, that's what Patreon is for. To get extra rich / wealthy. Christmas is just around the corner - has the year gone by that quick again. Parents - ask yourselves, are your kids racking up "naughty" or "nice" points haha. Anyone - are you focusing too much on what others think, or preventing you from achieving your professional dreams due to judgmental, biased human beings? Whether failures are a result of that is a moot point. I guess the lesson learned for all of us, is to at least try. Try countless times before moving on. You never know. Because I have social anxiety, it is much more difficult to overcome this. In fact - I've become all too content in just sticking with my own. My comfort zone. Away from everyone. Roll-call in Must-Watch / Recommended: Jimmy O. Yang starring in "Interior Chinatown" (only on Hulu) Rich Ting in "Tulsa King" S2 (only on - what is it again) Brian Tee in "Expats" (only on Amazon Prime) Ben Wang in "The Karate Kid: Legends" (perhaps available on VOD later) That is all. The commonality of all this, you have to subscribe to something. Daaayum! Friday, December 20, 2024 The holidays are also about food - perhaps too much of it haha. When yer thinkin' about resolutions for the new year, don't think too much. Sometime, simple ones are more profound than fancy ones (it might sound like a thesis, but you also sound and look like an ass haha). Eat less, eat healthy, lose weight, exercise more. We take these things for granted because they are too simple or brief. Jeremy and Joseph Lin's "Suspect" game - Too Fat, that's probably that fat guy on their team. Hahaha. I do the same - if someone else is paying, I'd buy the most expensive thing on the menu. As long as it's delicious. Expensive items does not necessarily equate to Quality. However, you also get what you pay for. Also - become a more responsible parent is another poignant resolution. For me - I often lack the energy or motivation (probably as a result of eating too much), or get flustered easily. When it comes to toddler programming, I highly recommend "Toys and Colors" as well as Blippie / Meekah. I just recently found "Toys And Colors" - I was sold when I was watching with my daughter the Donut episode. Two grown-ass men asking for their ideal donuts, and whining about them. Haha. Jokes aside, the channel is highly entertaining and informative for toddlers. Thursday, December 19, 2024 Daaayum! Nuhmeh Huge Forehead-Style! If you're a Software Engineer, you're not only making good money, you probably have a huge forehead haha. You can certainly afford to invest in real estate fo' sho'. The dude is like an "Asian Megamind". It's a better alterntive than having a huge head - usually devoid or empty of anything. Actually useful or effective Software Engineers are hard to come by - that takes skill. As well as having a safe and effective Physician or Surgeon, it is necessary to go through schooling (even so, it boggles the mind that medical malpractices still happen). You can't hire just any bozo as some post offices do (where losing mail and stealing mail become commonplace in some areas). 'Happy' Christmas and a 'Merry' New Yea-ahh! With that said, here's a Christmas parody favorite: "Ding Fries Are Done, I Gotta Run, I Gotta Run. I work at Burger King making flame-broiled Whoppers I wear paper hats, Would you like some apple pie wid Dat?? Would you like some apple pie wid Dat??" Wednesday, December 18, 2024 *Thanks, Ricky "Aww Shucks" Shucks - it's an advice already taken 30 years ago. In fact, even an eye glance annoys the hell out of them from us "ugly dudes". Ugly and Asian (the worst combination in a society that judges by "looks" - we need to find an audience where talent beats all). I only met my wife through my parents. The common bond of - we need to raise and take care of our children well before getting along (then, that might happen). Bobby Lee might have a slight advantage in that department - he's famous. But then, they'll use him for his money. Take heed, ugly dudes! Some races have an advantage over others. And - any self-absorbed bitches are going to eventually shrivel up and become ugly themselves when they hit 70. *In only Wong Fu Productions we trust (and Randall Park) in producing Asian-American rom-coms or romantics. I finally tried Popeye's chicken sandwich the other day, and it was indeed glorious. Hahaha. As chicken sandwiches go, I might have to eat that instead of Jollibee's. Magic tricks are illusions - hence, illusionists or magicians are interchangeable terms. Ryan Hayashi, Shin Lim and even Jay Chou are some of the more renowned ones. Enter Savio Joseph (Savio Vega's brother? the lWo right there haha) - you sure fooled the audience. Any participating member in an "Act" has to be in on the trick - meaning, they know what is going on. C'mon - I'm certain geo saying "11" was all part of the act (unless there's really nothing in that large, round-ass head of hers haha). It's how an act is presented that makes it look real. Presentation as well as performance. "The Karate Kid: Legends" - it actually looks awesome. More thoughts on my Cobra Kai fan page. Monday, December 16, 2024 I was glad to hear from Daniel Dae Kim, that fans from all over as well as folks from DDK's life went to watch and support his broadway play "Yellow Face". While the run has ended, I hope the broadcast of it is available at some point. Sungwon Cho mentioned it before - he's no longer prioritizing Youtube content. He'll eventually let it fizzle and disappear. He certainly can get by on other things he's mainly known for - voice acting (his passion) and con appearances. Until then, let's continue watching the guy. I'm hooked only on his skits and perhaps, other videos here and there. Never was into "let's try this", since there are already too many "common" mukbangers doing the same shit. Pure lame-ass. I'm looking forward to the 2024 Unforgettable Gala clips or videos - it usually takes Character Media many weeks to edit and upload. Sunday, December 15, 2024 Remember, age is just a number. If you look and feel like 20, you can live until 120. I guess that depends on your eating / exercising habits as well (which in this case, I'm probably already 150). That's some bullshit logic there, but whatever haha. With that said, who else thinks about "that birthday song" on one's birthday. No, not "the" birthday song, but "that" birthday song - "It's time to celebrate your birthday, it happens every year, we'll eat a lot of broccoli and drink a lotta beer" - Weird Al. Hahaha. I think it's only fitting that K. 533 comes to mind again. I've mentioned before that it has some of the most "heavenly" melodies. Not on the intense / heavy side, but just enough to inspire. Which is why I've re-considered this in recording. Of course - I've exercised my birthday wish to record the Liszt etude when there is time first. I needed a new tripod, but can't use it until after Christmas - so that might be the earliest. Saturday, December 14, 2024 Nuhmeh "Don't Spoil Your Kids"-Style! The investment Guru himself giving parenting advice (probably recorded in a pimped-out Rolls Royce haha). Since he has extensive experience as a "Guru" and a parent, it's worth a listen. For kids - it's important for them to learn lessons the hard way, or to experience failures. It's the most effective way to learn and grow. Especially if you grew up with no hand-outs, no support / no friends, and had to do everything on your own. The victory would be even sweeter. For me, I was fortunate to live relatively comfortably. Almost spoiled. So much so, I never developed that sense of responsibility or hard work. Just pure laziness. Or that's just who I am. On the flipside, I was antisocial and quiet because I dreaded the outside world. I wasn't really bullied, but even worse - treated as invisible or like a Bobby Lee (unappealing). By the way, Thach - ever thought of "buying out" planned parenthood or whatever that crap is called. I have no idea what they're about anyway - parenting? haha. "No - He'll Buy YOU out". Thursday, December 12, 2024 Sorry, Ricky "Amadeus" Berwick. That's just too many notes for my ears - Salieri supporters. Hahaha. If you have a toddler, it behooves you to attend one of them Santa picture-taking events somewhere. It was my kids first - unfortunately, despite trying to get in the spirit and getting our jollies on (as well as having to stifle / hold in a loud-ass fart or in a more eloquent term "Panggu" - or had I tried to plan one on cue haha), the kids looked petrified in the end result. Yep, kids - Santa can be scary. Only in horror movies. Wednesday, December 11, 2024 Jimmy O. Yang and Rich Ting are a few who have been busy. I haven't really heard of any updates from others such as Randall Park, Steven Yeun or John Cho. Aside from Jimmy O. Yang's successful comedy specials and standup touring, he's currently the lead in an acclaimed new show on Hulu. Rich Ting has been getting minor or bit roles here and there (aside from the hefty Triad gangsta role in "Tulsa King"). While these roles are nothing major, sometimes you can leave an impression with minor roles. It's a crapshoot - would you rather have lots of bit or minor roles / cameos, or very few major ones. Tuesday, December 10, 2024 Some of the best podcasts are very casual, and talk just regular shit (pro tip: don't try too hard to sound intelligent or interesting). A good example are the "Dudes Behind The Foods" recent episode. Just put your feet on the desk, slouch, eat and talk about how fat you were all them years ago. Hahaha. Also - if someone is offering or plans to cook an entire Thanksgiving meal, don't try to help. Just be like, "Hell yeah - cook for me!" haha. Take it from a guy who hates cooking, but loves to eat. Sometimes when you are so numb or lack empathy, you just have to laugh at anything, everything and anyone. Laughter is the best medicine as they say. Nobuyuki Tsujii's simple appraisal of Beethoven hit it spot on. Despite becoming deaf, Beethoven managed to compose powerful pieces that still resonates today in any pianist's repertoire. Monday, December 09, 2024 Pick a key, any key, and key can do - preferrably for most, C Major (no accidentals) / G Major (1 sharp) / F Major (1 flat) - the three most rudimentary scales, but can produce some of the most astounding, melodic sounds ever. I'm not here to give a Music Theory lesson, because any bozo can learn anything on their own (motivation and passion are important). And you don't need to play pieces being a lame-ass "bookworm" or having advanced knowledge. You look like more of an ass, than looking smart haha. Just know how to read music. Knowledge is useful if you want to become a teacher, or just win game shows. With that said, a pianist or an instrumentalist can improvise a Christmas melody or song in any of these three keys. Or transpose them to a more difficult key depending on your vocal range. That is my challenge I issue. Not difficult for folks like the Video Game Pianist or Nobuyuki Tsujii. Sean Wang's "Didi" was worth renting - and it was quite affordable and within the budget. It is worth the money and time, prefer watching these kinds of movies over watching a lot of mainstream crap even if they were for free. December is the jolliest month of the year - encompasses the holiday spirit and Christmas. Not to mention, a plethora of birthdays. Get yer jollies on, and watch these classic Christmas films: Home Alone, Christmas Vacation, and of course - Jimmy O. Yang in "Love Hard". Sunday, December 08, 2024 It's always a breathe of fresh air when Jay Chou and Jeremy Lin collab, but not at the expense of exposing Jeremy Lin's lack of a singing voice haha. My repost from yesterday - "It was gracious for Jay Chou to allow Jeremy Lin to "try" and sing during his concert. You are correct, Jeremy. You're better off playing basketball in front of an audience of 50,000 rather than sing hahaha. I definitely heard some audience laughin' their asses off. Hahaha." Christmas decor, Christmas tree, Christmas music - that's all we need to forget about the terribad existence of the outside world. Kids are sure excited about presents. Saturday, December 07, 2024 It was gracious for Jay Chou to allow Jeremy Lin to "try" and sing during his concert. You are correct, Jeremy. You're better off playing basketball in front of an audience of 50,000 rather than sing hahaha. I definitely heard some audience laughin' their asses off. Hahaha. It's usually a treat when Sungwon Cho uploads a skit, since it's rare. But it's usually also an indication of a sponsorship or paid advertisement unfortunately. Whatever - it's still Sungwon at his most hilarious. I have no idea what "Moving" refers to as well. I guess that would make me wildly autistic, or it could it just be the case of "I Never Gave A Rat's Ass About Dancing Terminology / Slang Because I Have No Interest In It". I've been able to practice the Liszt Etude No. 1 and Beethoven's "Appassionata" third movement here and there. Third movement Sonata pieces (or even from Concertos) are very spectacular. They can be standalone pieces on their own. Although a pianist might feel "ready", it never hurts to keep practicing and keep playing. Just don't over-do it. I'm glad to hear that Brian Tee was nominated for "Expats". Unfortunately, it's only available on Amazon Prime which one would need to subscribe to before renting. Didn't you get the memo - there are no free trials, a small percentage fee attached to the trials Friday, December 06, 2024 Aside from the holiday 'Choe, Choe, Choes', you can always look forward to the holiday 'Ho, Ho Hos!' from goodibrands haha. Hop on the Ho Train, and get yer "Where's dem damn 'Ho, Ho Hos' At" Santa sweater today. Hahaha. or Hohoho. Look at this picture. Is this a young Danny Cho "David So Look-A-Like", or a young David So "Danny Cho Look-A-Like". Either way, they were fat fo' sho' haha. Yeah, Bobby Lee. That's how my hair / head is. Thinning hair in the middle, with puffs of hair sticking out on the side. Talk about ugly / eccentric: Wednesday, December 04, 2024 Is a toddler's potty training something most new parents dread, or is this just another "let's get this over with". It goes with the territory. Fortunately, ours is a quick learner. Lest Tim Chantarangsu's toddler son gives you the "Watchu talkin' about Willis" look hahaha. "Last Breath" looks claustrophobic. I can't imagine having to be in one of them underwater suits and underwater the entire filming process, which Simu probably had to do. It's a movie - of course, there's going to be fictional or dramatic elements. C'mon, was "The Al Yankovic Story" entirely true (of course - I didn't know Weird Al was a real-life Rambo who had affairs left and right haha). I quit BG Blitz weeks ago. Blizz-tards aren't going to do a damn thing. As long as players stay subscribed and still making profit, they are not going to give a damn. Players would have to unsuscribe "en masse" to the point of company bankruptcy for any kind of changes. PvP has not been a priority for the company. Blitz was initially a welcoming mode, but in the end a "failed experiment". I might try again for the new season. Sunday, December 01, 2024 Recording is a luxury at this point (with the new baby), since it's not a job. Fortunately, I'm exercising my birthday present wish to schedule some time to record the Liszt piece. If all goes well, it'll be one of my top favorites since I consider this one of the most expressive pieces ever. And some Concertos out there. What's a birthday party without taking home leftover cake and cupcakes. Food, folks and fun. With the emphasis on dessert. Hahaha. What the hell is a Savate. Only Jeff Chan would know, since he seemed to have learned it faster than an average pianist learning a mediocre Scarlatti or Salieri piece. Hahaha. Savate seems to be the Sissy form of martial arts. I wasn't surprised that Jeff Chan mastered it in a heartbeat. Friday, November 29, 2024 For the holidays, only Tim Chantarangsu can provide words of wisdom and truth: "Even if you have children, stay childish" (so that you can visit Disneyland if anything). Hahaha. Some actually interesting news / tidbits of the month: Tim Chantarangsu had a reunion with RUSSELL for his hit "Homegirl" track. One of my favorites. Sung Kang + Asia GQ = Glorious I believe the Liszt Etude No. 1 is probably one of the most expressive pieces I've encountered. Other than Mendelssohn's Rondo Capriccioso, and a Beethoven Sonata of mine. I haven't been this excited or anxious for a recording in awhile. Finding the time or figuring out a time when I can go all out has been a doozy. Page 2 |