Just to check out. I've a brand new web browser (Flock) with a blogging option. If it really works, you can see my smart & brilliant postings more often. :)))
(can't see any option to upload a photo...)
Wednesday, December 27, 2006
trial
Monday, November 13, 2006
Good evening, Mr Bach, I need your help...
My music life is wonderful – especially when my violin behaves...
It’s been quite sometime since my last entry. I was determined to post my notes regularly but somehow, my plan was ruined. Suddenly, works were crazy, unexpected assignments, unfinished reports, that sort of things that gave you headache but the problem is...I had so much fun working on all these things that the headache always came later in the evening when I got home. Such an alibi for why I never had the time to update my blog, or worse, my website.
Okay, I had planned to re-open my graphic site by the end of October. But you know, plan is a plan and it can change, depending on the situation which changes all the time. I am doing the best I can, though (gosh, why do I feel like I have to defend myself?) – the fact is, I miss drawing graphics so much and I want my site to be up again. Only now, since the headache always come late in the evening, I always tried to cure it by playing the violin. Bach. Always Bach. Bach soothes the mind. Playing some Bach’s saves my head. But obviously doesn’t buy me extra time.
So? Bear with me, my friends. New graphics will come I promise, by the time I have no more headache in the evening...which is soon, I hope...(that's why I need Mr Bach's help)
But you know, with or without headache in the evening, guess I will spent much time with my violin, practicing. The confession: since my come-back to the university orchestra, I fall in love all over again with the violin – and with my music life. It is exciting to rediscover my own violin. And my friends – and new friends – at the orchestra, made me feel like ‘home’ again. And, just like an ordinary home, there are always fun, fights, laughter, tears, anger, joy, excitement, intertwining in our weekly rehearsals every Saturday, and sometimes they go too far and invade our daily lives, too. I have no complaint.
And in case you don’t see more entries after this one... this is my schedule for the next few weeks:
weekdays: definitely busy at work, (hopefully no) headache in the evening, (which doesn’t affect) practicing Mr Bach's immortal compositions he wrote for the violin - but only those which doesn't require a high level of virtuosity. Saturdays: practicing individually with 7 new members of the violin section of the university orchestra, starting at 11 am. Program includes some technical practices (you’ll hear someone shout theatrically “adjust the pressure of your right hand, for God’s sake, don’t stop until you can hear your violin sing, not cry!”), ‘singing in the head’ (and do it together with the violin), and talking (we’re gossiping famous violins and violinists and dead composers). At 3 p.m. start practicing with the amateur chamber music ensemble. When the sky turns dark some of us will be in town wandering to find good place(s) to eat and strange things to laugh about...(closed with coffee). Sundays: time to catch some more sleep. Don't ever dare to disturb me.
20 Dec – 15 January – definitely not home. The flight's confirmed. In case I don’t get internet connection, you know why I don’t write anything in this blog during the time mentioned above. (Find me in Singapore. Fina and Miranti will join me on 26 December. We will spent the first two weeks of the year 2007 at Singapore’s harbour by the Swedish Ship Götheborg. Isn’t that neat? ;-) )
Anyway, posted below some pictures to give you an idea where I have been since my last entry...
Cheers!
Amreta
On the big day after Ramadan, the family gathered at my aunt's house. Here I am (in white shirt) pictured amidst God knows how many cousins, and my aunt in blue dress.
One fine Saturday at the university, rehearsing in string quintet minus the cello. Damas and me (this time in pink shirt) on the violins, Yusuf on the viola, Fanny on contrabass, and Marcel did the talks
and...
Some pictures from the home concert at the university on Saturday 11 November
Thanks Imelda for taking a picture of me ;-)
Duo clarinets Marcel and Putri
Marini on the flute and Tika on violin
Seto and the bassoon
Fanny, always hugging the contrabass
Ever heard of a french horn trio? We did! We did!
The full-throttled wind ensemble
It’s been quite sometime since my last entry. I was determined to post my notes regularly but somehow, my plan was ruined. Suddenly, works were crazy, unexpected assignments, unfinished reports, that sort of things that gave you headache but the problem is...I had so much fun working on all these things that the headache always came later in the evening when I got home. Such an alibi for why I never had the time to update my blog, or worse, my website.
Okay, I had planned to re-open my graphic site by the end of October. But you know, plan is a plan and it can change, depending on the situation which changes all the time. I am doing the best I can, though (gosh, why do I feel like I have to defend myself?) – the fact is, I miss drawing graphics so much and I want my site to be up again. Only now, since the headache always come late in the evening, I always tried to cure it by playing the violin. Bach. Always Bach. Bach soothes the mind. Playing some Bach’s saves my head. But obviously doesn’t buy me extra time.
So? Bear with me, my friends. New graphics will come I promise, by the time I have no more headache in the evening...which is soon, I hope...(that's why I need Mr Bach's help)
But you know, with or without headache in the evening, guess I will spent much time with my violin, practicing. The confession: since my come-back to the university orchestra, I fall in love all over again with the violin – and with my music life. It is exciting to rediscover my own violin. And my friends – and new friends – at the orchestra, made me feel like ‘home’ again. And, just like an ordinary home, there are always fun, fights, laughter, tears, anger, joy, excitement, intertwining in our weekly rehearsals every Saturday, and sometimes they go too far and invade our daily lives, too. I have no complaint.
And in case you don’t see more entries after this one... this is my schedule for the next few weeks:
weekdays: definitely busy at work, (hopefully no) headache in the evening, (which doesn’t affect) practicing Mr Bach's immortal compositions he wrote for the violin - but only those which doesn't require a high level of virtuosity. Saturdays: practicing individually with 7 new members of the violin section of the university orchestra, starting at 11 am. Program includes some technical practices (you’ll hear someone shout theatrically “adjust the pressure of your right hand, for God’s sake, don’t stop until you can hear your violin sing, not cry!”), ‘singing in the head’ (and do it together with the violin), and talking (we’re gossiping famous violins and violinists and dead composers). At 3 p.m. start practicing with the amateur chamber music ensemble. When the sky turns dark some of us will be in town wandering to find good place(s) to eat and strange things to laugh about...(closed with coffee). Sundays: time to catch some more sleep. Don't ever dare to disturb me.
20 Dec – 15 January – definitely not home. The flight's confirmed. In case I don’t get internet connection, you know why I don’t write anything in this blog during the time mentioned above. (Find me in Singapore. Fina and Miranti will join me on 26 December. We will spent the first two weeks of the year 2007 at Singapore’s harbour by the Swedish Ship Götheborg. Isn’t that neat? ;-) )
Anyway, posted below some pictures to give you an idea where I have been since my last entry...
Cheers!
Amreta
On the big day after Ramadan, the family gathered at my aunt's house. Here I am (in white shirt) pictured amidst God knows how many cousins, and my aunt in blue dress.
One fine Saturday at the university, rehearsing in string quintet minus the cello. Damas and me (this time in pink shirt) on the violins, Yusuf on the viola, Fanny on contrabass, and Marcel did the talks
and...
Some pictures from the home concert at the university on Saturday 11 November
Thanks Imelda for taking a picture of me ;-)
Duo clarinets Marcel and Putri
Marini on the flute and Tika on violin
Seto and the bassoon
Fanny, always hugging the contrabass
Ever heard of a french horn trio? We did! We did!
The full-throttled wind ensemble
Sunday, October 22, 2006
back again :)
Long time no see...
Miracles sometimes happen and although I had forgot my password here, one of my web browsers remembered it. Good browser, good good browser. :)))
So the latest news is that 2 days ago I got a ring (actually I borrowed it until the end of this year) - it's made of an elephant's tail hair and it is said it makes people have friendly attitude to the person, who wears it. Well, let's see. :)
It's origin is either Indonesia or Myanmar. Not sure (I forgot to ask). Amreta, do you know anything about these things? :)
What else... ekhem... not sure if I should express my dreams aloud. But I'm thinking of going to India for half a year. But first I need to find a sponsor. :D
A picture of mine attached, so that you don't forget me :P
Wednesday, October 18, 2006
What's Your True Talent?
The test was quite fun. Now I wonder if this true talent of mine contributes to my drawing and graphics...somehow yes I love creating layouts ;-)
To take the test, go to http://web.tickle.com/tests/talent/index_main.jsp
(thanks Caroline for the link ;-))
Anyway, this is my result:
Amreta, your true talent is spatial ability
Your ability to visualize objects in three-dimensional space gives you a unique view of the world. Because of this talent, you are much better than most people at imagining new designs including floor plans, page layouts, and three dimensional objects.
How do we know that's your true talent? While you were taking the test, we calculated your responses to each test question and rated your skills in 5 areas. You scored highest on spatial ability.
People like you are usually great when it comes to putting together assemble-it-yourself furniture or other household items — whether the items arrive with instructions or not. Your spatial skills also help you understand the finer points of how things work.
To take the test, go to http://web.tickle.com/tests/talent/index_main.jsp
(thanks Caroline for the link ;-))
Anyway, this is my result:
Amreta, your true talent is spatial ability
Your ability to visualize objects in three-dimensional space gives you a unique view of the world. Because of this talent, you are much better than most people at imagining new designs including floor plans, page layouts, and three dimensional objects.
How do we know that's your true talent? While you were taking the test, we calculated your responses to each test question and rated your skills in 5 areas. You scored highest on spatial ability.
People like you are usually great when it comes to putting together assemble-it-yourself furniture or other household items — whether the items arrive with instructions or not. Your spatial skills also help you understand the finer points of how things work.
Tuesday, October 17, 2006
My graphic site reactivated
Yippiiii! My graphic site is reactivated today, and I couldn't wait to make an announcement on the front page that though "Amreta's Graphic Corner is still closed, it will be open again by the end of this month".
Today is undisputedly a very inspiring and happy day for me! =)
In case you forget the URL, it's here: www.amretasgraphics.com
Today is undisputedly a very inspiring and happy day for me! =)
In case you forget the URL, it's here: www.amretasgraphics.com
Sunday, October 15, 2006
Saturday is a happy orchestra day
I’m back to my old schedule – Saturday is ‘orchestra day’, and this time I started with a meeting at the University’s student hall. Miranti the orchestra’s chairman led the talk about last week’s audition, the orchestra received over 90 applications and now the committee had to make decisions. There’s something tricky about a non-professional orchestra like ours – sometimes we attend the rehearsals for the sake of the fun of meeting friends and playing music together, other matters come second. Except when preparing a concert, we have no such ‘professional pressure’ because playing in the University orchestra is very much of a hobby. That’s why we need to have members with high self motivation to develop their musical skills themselves.
Unfortunately before the meeting was resumed, some of us, the alumni, had to excuse ourselves and head for a rehearsal with the amateur chamber music ensemble. This time we practiced Pergolesi’s Concertino No. 3, very very tricky. There are at least 4 voices for the violins only and most often we ended up laughing for being confused by the ‘conversations’ of the intstruments. Phew, we’ve got homework!
The meeting
Yusuf and Marcel
Popi and Fanny
Tika and Andi
all pictures were taken from my seat ;-)
Unfortunately before the meeting was resumed, some of us, the alumni, had to excuse ourselves and head for a rehearsal with the amateur chamber music ensemble. This time we practiced Pergolesi’s Concertino No. 3, very very tricky. There are at least 4 voices for the violins only and most often we ended up laughing for being confused by the ‘conversations’ of the intstruments. Phew, we’ve got homework!
The meeting
Yusuf and Marcel
Popi and Fanny
Tika and Andi
all pictures were taken from my seat ;-)
Thursday, October 12, 2006
”I’m so happy I can’t stop playing!”
I couldn’t help myself from smiling when reading the phrase above on the envelope of Pirastro violin string, a Wondertone Solo, which came as a bonus when purchasing the latest edition of The Strad. While leafing the magazine, I noticed the same ‘motto’, this one is more colorful, on the Pirastro ad, just next to the editorial page.
“I’m so happy I can’t stop playing!”
And last night suddenly this saying felt so true. I was so happy with my new violin strings, I was so happy with the etudes books I just bought, Sixty studies for the violin by Wohlfahrt and school of mechanism for the violin by Dancla (I’ll be practicing with the new members of the violin section...), I was so happy with the new Strad magazine (and its bonus!) and I was so happy with practicing some passages from J.S. Bach’s partitas for violin solo (after so longtime that the book was kept in the shelf) and a compilation of Swedish folk music, 12 låtar, that, I think, I just played and played and when I stopped, it was already past midnight! Of course I felt bad afterward that I played the violin with full force at that hour, but at least, thankfully, none of my neighbors (nor my housemates) banged on the door and protested ;-) *pheewww*
Earlier in the evening, Fina and I went look for new shelf for my ‘homeless’ books. But we couldn’t find a nice shelf so we went around the shopping mall and as a result I ‘found’ the etudes books by Wohlfahrt and Dancla, and the latest edition of The Strad (as you have read above - and apparently “I’m so happy I can’t stop playing!” was the ultimate result of this unexpected shopping).
That evening was also our third round of eating out in restaurants, after a bit tired of street food... We ate Indonesian food, rice with three kinds of side dishes: tempeh with chilly and lemon basil, water spinach cooked in shrimp paste marinate, and bean sprouts with chilly and salted fish. For the drinks, I loved ginger with palm sugar, and Fina ordered a pot of tea, served traditionally.
Fina and the food
Just another self prortrait...from playing the violin till late
“I’m so happy I can’t stop playing!”
And last night suddenly this saying felt so true. I was so happy with my new violin strings, I was so happy with the etudes books I just bought, Sixty studies for the violin by Wohlfahrt and school of mechanism for the violin by Dancla (I’ll be practicing with the new members of the violin section...), I was so happy with the new Strad magazine (and its bonus!) and I was so happy with practicing some passages from J.S. Bach’s partitas for violin solo (after so longtime that the book was kept in the shelf) and a compilation of Swedish folk music, 12 låtar, that, I think, I just played and played and when I stopped, it was already past midnight! Of course I felt bad afterward that I played the violin with full force at that hour, but at least, thankfully, none of my neighbors (nor my housemates) banged on the door and protested ;-) *pheewww*
Earlier in the evening, Fina and I went look for new shelf for my ‘homeless’ books. But we couldn’t find a nice shelf so we went around the shopping mall and as a result I ‘found’ the etudes books by Wohlfahrt and Dancla, and the latest edition of The Strad (as you have read above - and apparently “I’m so happy I can’t stop playing!” was the ultimate result of this unexpected shopping).
That evening was also our third round of eating out in restaurants, after a bit tired of street food... We ate Indonesian food, rice with three kinds of side dishes: tempeh with chilly and lemon basil, water spinach cooked in shrimp paste marinate, and bean sprouts with chilly and salted fish. For the drinks, I loved ginger with palm sugar, and Fina ordered a pot of tea, served traditionally.
Fina and the food
Just another self prortrait...from playing the violin till late
Tuesday, October 10, 2006
New voice...
I rushed to the music store earlier this evening - all I wanted was an A-string for my violin, and I didn't care about the brand, since I understood that the stores run out of Dominant strings from Thomastik-Infeld.
As it turned out, it was my lucky day! The lady at the music store greeted me with a big smile, announcing that they had stacks of Thomastic-Infeld strings by now, all in their new packaging! Wow! It was an exciting surprise!
Last night I went online to www.thomastik-infeld.com and read some reviews about the strings. They have a new line of violin strings, Infeld, and it sounds really good...rather tempting, as it is mentioned on the website that the Infeld red-set (which was available at the store) would produce a rather dark sound on the majority of violins. Why not give it a try? Didn't I always want my violin to have a 'kicking' and rather 'masculine' voice?
Somehow I didn't hesitate and bought one set of Infeld the red set. Finally my violin's got new strings! I got goose-bumps once the strings were set and I tried to play my violin...it did have different voice, just like what was described on the website, it's darker voice. It seems like my violin loves these strings better than the Dominant ones :-) Another thing that's new for me was the gold-plated E-string...never played with a gilded string before, it gives a funny but very pleasant feeling...:-)
My violin's new strings
(Wolfgang, they are Austrian...;-))
As it turned out, it was my lucky day! The lady at the music store greeted me with a big smile, announcing that they had stacks of Thomastic-Infeld strings by now, all in their new packaging! Wow! It was an exciting surprise!
Last night I went online to www.thomastik-infeld.com and read some reviews about the strings. They have a new line of violin strings, Infeld, and it sounds really good...rather tempting, as it is mentioned on the website that the Infeld red-set (which was available at the store) would produce a rather dark sound on the majority of violins. Why not give it a try? Didn't I always want my violin to have a 'kicking' and rather 'masculine' voice?
Somehow I didn't hesitate and bought one set of Infeld the red set. Finally my violin's got new strings! I got goose-bumps once the strings were set and I tried to play my violin...it did have different voice, just like what was described on the website, it's darker voice. It seems like my violin loves these strings better than the Dominant ones :-) Another thing that's new for me was the gold-plated E-string...never played with a gilded string before, it gives a funny but very pleasant feeling...:-)
My violin's new strings
(Wolfgang, they are Austrian...;-))
Monday, October 09, 2006
Tales from the backstage
Well, though the title above is 'tales', there's actually no story this time, I just want to share some pictures I took at the University orchestra's concert on 9 September, as you might already familiar yourself with this orchestra after reading my previous entries ;-) As usual, 'backstage moment' is actually my favorite. So here are some pictures:
Yes, we always try to relax before walking into the limelight...
Miranti and her cello
The three trumpets
The three bassoons (this is a very rare sight! I'm so glad I caught this picture!)
See, I'm not a very good photographer :-( this is the best picture I managed to take of the concert (camera light was not allowed)
Miranti and me, after the concert
Yes, we always try to relax before walking into the limelight...
Miranti and her cello
The three trumpets
The three bassoons (this is a very rare sight! I'm so glad I caught this picture!)
See, I'm not a very good photographer :-( this is the best picture I managed to take of the concert (camera light was not allowed)
Miranti and me, after the concert
Violin without (A) string
Just yesterday I posted a new entry about my come-back to the University orchestra. And today already I ‘lost’ one of my violin strings – the A string – and this is a little bit frustrating (no, I’m not exaggerating) since these last few weeks here in Jakarta we can’t find the kind of strings we’re fanatic of – the Dominant from Thomastic-Infeld. My stand-mate Tika also had the same problem and she told me about this last Saturday. Maybe I worried too much that now even my violin doesn’t behave.
And meet my violin, my wonderful companion since 1988, when finally my teacher succeeded to convince my father that I was ‘serious’ and needed a much better violin than the one I had at that time (a factory-made Chinese violin).
My violin, without the A-string
We got it, in a very bad condition, from somebody my teacher knew, so soon after it went to a major restoration (and my father had to pay a fortune for that...but he never regretted it, I swear!). Why my teacher fell for that violin though it was completely out of shape when he found it, was the wood, and some ‘traces’ of the original hand works details that were still visible, he just felt that it was ‘a good violin’. Somehow, despite the fortune my father had spent, the condition just couldn’t be 100% restored. It seemed like the previous owner had done something with the body of the violin, probably bad vernissage or something, that the voice doesn’t really ‘kicks’. I only realized it ten years after when I enrolled for the music school in 1998, and my teacher wasn’t happy with my violin at all. So it went to another major restoration, this time is more expensive than the first one, and the luthier told me everything he found out about my violin – some very painful truths and even my teacher recommended me to get a new violin, but after all what we had spent for the restorations I just can’t afford to get a new violin, yet. Maybe someday. But with the fact that I’m not studying in the music school anymore, nor playing with a professional orchestra right now, I don’t know if I still want to buy a new violin. There are lots of things I have in mind, such as traveling, or even to have a state-of-the-art computer ;-) And here’s the hardest part: for better or worse, this violin has been with me for 18 years now, has been my wonderful best friend in my ups-and-downs, the one I carried everywhere like a baby, one of the important things through which my life is enriched with (especially) friends, joy, laughter, wisdom, and lessons. I just can’t give it up.
Some facts about my violin:
• Its faded label reads ‘Franz Steinberg’ Leipzig 1876• It’s been through several restorations, you can see some restored cracks in the body
• I bought most of its accessories in Stockholm when I visited Sweden in 2002
• From all the accessories, I am most proud of the Flesch-style chin-rest that I finally found in a music store in Stockholm – after years of desperately looking for one
• My violin ‘gets along’ very well with its French bow, acquired in Stockholm with the help of my great friend and violinist Joakim. My very good friend Betty, who was at that time visiting her fiancé (now husband)’s family in Sweden that end of year 2000, went to Stockholm and got the bow from Joakim, carried it with her with extra care to Jakarta, and, like a fairy god-mother, showed-up at my place handing the bow exactly on New Year’s Eve!
And meet my violin, my wonderful companion since 1988, when finally my teacher succeeded to convince my father that I was ‘serious’ and needed a much better violin than the one I had at that time (a factory-made Chinese violin).
My violin, without the A-string
We got it, in a very bad condition, from somebody my teacher knew, so soon after it went to a major restoration (and my father had to pay a fortune for that...but he never regretted it, I swear!). Why my teacher fell for that violin though it was completely out of shape when he found it, was the wood, and some ‘traces’ of the original hand works details that were still visible, he just felt that it was ‘a good violin’. Somehow, despite the fortune my father had spent, the condition just couldn’t be 100% restored. It seemed like the previous owner had done something with the body of the violin, probably bad vernissage or something, that the voice doesn’t really ‘kicks’. I only realized it ten years after when I enrolled for the music school in 1998, and my teacher wasn’t happy with my violin at all. So it went to another major restoration, this time is more expensive than the first one, and the luthier told me everything he found out about my violin – some very painful truths and even my teacher recommended me to get a new violin, but after all what we had spent for the restorations I just can’t afford to get a new violin, yet. Maybe someday. But with the fact that I’m not studying in the music school anymore, nor playing with a professional orchestra right now, I don’t know if I still want to buy a new violin. There are lots of things I have in mind, such as traveling, or even to have a state-of-the-art computer ;-) And here’s the hardest part: for better or worse, this violin has been with me for 18 years now, has been my wonderful best friend in my ups-and-downs, the one I carried everywhere like a baby, one of the important things through which my life is enriched with (especially) friends, joy, laughter, wisdom, and lessons. I just can’t give it up.
Some facts about my violin:
• Its faded label reads ‘Franz Steinberg’ Leipzig 1876• It’s been through several restorations, you can see some restored cracks in the body
• I bought most of its accessories in Stockholm when I visited Sweden in 2002
• From all the accessories, I am most proud of the Flesch-style chin-rest that I finally found in a music store in Stockholm – after years of desperately looking for one
• My violin ‘gets along’ very well with its French bow, acquired in Stockholm with the help of my great friend and violinist Joakim. My very good friend Betty, who was at that time visiting her fiancé (now husband)’s family in Sweden that end of year 2000, went to Stockholm and got the bow from Joakim, carried it with her with extra care to Jakarta, and, like a fairy god-mother, showed-up at my place handing the bow exactly on New Year’s Eve!
Saturday, October 07, 2006
The University Orchestra...I'm back!
Today, taking part in auditioning new members of the University of Indonesia Symphony Orchestra Mahawaditra marked my come-back to this orchestra, after being absent for quite awhile.
Anyway, when I have to talk about me, I can't avoid talking about this orchestra, my almost-whole-life during my student years at the University of Indonesia...long time ago...oh, my.
Suddenly I became nostalgic, recalling my first year with the orchestra in 1992, and my first concert in 1993. I was as excited and full of hope as these new members. Somehow I realised I practically grew-up with this orchestra, together with the same friends, some of them continue playing in a spin-off chamber music ensemble.
The 'network' is often broadened. For example, Miranti, the present chairman of the orchestra, together with other 'juniors of mine' were very much involved in the volunteering works I coordinated for the Swedish Ship Götheborg's stopover in Jakarta a few months ago. You may hear of Miranti more often soon since she, Fina and I are planning to see the magnificent ship again in Singapore in New Year for 2 weeks.
In turn I will be more involved again in the orchestra's activities - most possibly mentoring the new members in the violin section. I'm really looking forward to this. And I will be playing again in the spin-off ensemble - together with other alumnies. The group's called the Amateur Chamber Music Ensemble, presently led by one of my best friends Marcel, our former assistant conductor, who plays the clarinet in the orchestra, who's also my piano accompanist for 11 years, since 1995. I have never wanted to change accompanist - not only because Marcel has incredible talent for music and the piano but there were times where I felt uncomfortable to play the violin in duet with other pianist! When I was still in school, I had to beg my teacher to let me bring my own accompanist to the exams. As well as for the graduation concert! Somehow I always succeeded ;-)
Here are some pictures from the very casual audition:
Miranti watching Rio (on the piano) and Ivan (with the notes) giving a hearing test
The test: theory of music by our violinist and photographer Adi
The interview
I (taking note) teamed up with Miranti (on the piano)
Marcel conducting the ensemble
On the terrace of the student hall, facing the garden, that's where the ensemble rehearsed
Me, looking at my friends rehearse
The cello section preparing for the orchestra rehearsal
Another typical warm-up before the rehearsal, practicing the 'tricky passages' together
Anyway, when I have to talk about me, I can't avoid talking about this orchestra, my almost-whole-life during my student years at the University of Indonesia...long time ago...oh, my.
Suddenly I became nostalgic, recalling my first year with the orchestra in 1992, and my first concert in 1993. I was as excited and full of hope as these new members. Somehow I realised I practically grew-up with this orchestra, together with the same friends, some of them continue playing in a spin-off chamber music ensemble.
The 'network' is often broadened. For example, Miranti, the present chairman of the orchestra, together with other 'juniors of mine' were very much involved in the volunteering works I coordinated for the Swedish Ship Götheborg's stopover in Jakarta a few months ago. You may hear of Miranti more often soon since she, Fina and I are planning to see the magnificent ship again in Singapore in New Year for 2 weeks.
In turn I will be more involved again in the orchestra's activities - most possibly mentoring the new members in the violin section. I'm really looking forward to this. And I will be playing again in the spin-off ensemble - together with other alumnies. The group's called the Amateur Chamber Music Ensemble, presently led by one of my best friends Marcel, our former assistant conductor, who plays the clarinet in the orchestra, who's also my piano accompanist for 11 years, since 1995. I have never wanted to change accompanist - not only because Marcel has incredible talent for music and the piano but there were times where I felt uncomfortable to play the violin in duet with other pianist! When I was still in school, I had to beg my teacher to let me bring my own accompanist to the exams. As well as for the graduation concert! Somehow I always succeeded ;-)
Here are some pictures from the very casual audition:
Miranti watching Rio (on the piano) and Ivan (with the notes) giving a hearing test
The test: theory of music by our violinist and photographer Adi
The interview
I (taking note) teamed up with Miranti (on the piano)
Marcel conducting the ensemble
On the terrace of the student hall, facing the garden, that's where the ensemble rehearsed
Me, looking at my friends rehearse
The cello section preparing for the orchestra rehearsal
Another typical warm-up before the rehearsal, practicing the 'tricky passages' together
Tuesday, September 26, 2006
Fasting Month
Oh no, it's been weeks since my last entry, and I haven't written anything like I mentioned in that previous post. However, the water still runs very little, the dry season is longer than we thought. And starting three days ago for one month, the schedule in the house has changed. It's the fasting month, and we do not eat nor drink from sunup to sunset during the course of the month. Relax...we've got the habit since we were kids here ;-) So it's not something that makes us feel weak or unwell. Not at all, though some people might think so. I still go to work as usual, and because I keep active the whole day, time goes really fast and suddenly it's time to eat. OK, we won't eat much because we will go to the nearby mosque for the night prayer. After the prayer, the 'party' can start ;-) And again, since the water's still so little, I still don't cook. For the first day of fasting Fina and I went eat at a street food stall in the neighborhood. Standard food consists of a bowl of rice, one side dish and several kinds of raw or cooked vegetables. And hot chilly sauce!
Friday, September 08, 2006
A reason (not) to write
Well, I have one reason why I haven't written much lately. In my first entry I wrote about cooking and so in the next entries I even posted some pictures of the food, and it was a real fun. Until the day the water in our house run so little. It's been dry and no rain for quite sometime now and it seems like the houses in our neighborhood have to compete with those hotels and office buildings in the area who use water jet pumps. This situation results in days and evenings of eating-out, since we really need to reduce our use of water at home. Too bad. There's no apple-pie which is as special as our home-made ones ;-) , and so, since I didn't cook, I felt like I had nothing to post...
But hey...complaints didn't change anything, and as usual we're challenged to invent other fun ways to continue living :-) I'll write it in my next entry later.
Anyway guys, Fina is already home again in Jakarta and soon she has to post her story and the pictures she took during her trip in the UK ;-)
In the meantime since Wolfgang already posted some pictures of Stockholm archipelago, I'm 'inspired' to post as well some interesting pictures of Stockholm...(now I got that fernweh, too, Wolf...)
Happy weekend!
But hey...complaints didn't change anything, and as usual we're challenged to invent other fun ways to continue living :-) I'll write it in my next entry later.
Anyway guys, Fina is already home again in Jakarta and soon she has to post her story and the pictures she took during her trip in the UK ;-)
In the meantime since Wolfgang already posted some pictures of Stockholm archipelago, I'm 'inspired' to post as well some interesting pictures of Stockholm...(now I got that fernweh, too, Wolf...)
Happy weekend!
Sunday, September 03, 2006
impressions from Sweden...
So how to end a Sunday evening, I thought. Maybe write something in the blog...
That year in Sweden caused something I never thought I would experience before... fernweh (there is no real translation for this word; it means - literally - distance-ache, but you could say its the longing to be somewhere else, away from home). Travelling has never been something I was really interested in before... but now things have changed.
Perhaps I did not realize back then how animating it is to just go out into nature and .. walk. Now I am reading into literature about trekking and this is definitely the way I would like to spend my next holiday. My dream is to go to South Africa (where my brother is currently doing his PhD in chemistry...) for trekking. I thought of this February, but already found out that more planning is needed than I thought. Also, of course, it is not really recommendable to travel alone in certain regions (and not only because of lions or hyenas). So it would be best to get some practice before going for it... but somebody wrote already about the importance of having dreams.
walking in dry moss... the moose like to feed on these and they left their "signs" everywhere...
The youth hostel or vandrarhem I stayed in on Fjärdlång (an even smaller island in the same area). I just love those wooden houses in red...
That year in Sweden caused something I never thought I would experience before... fernweh (there is no real translation for this word; it means - literally - distance-ache, but you could say its the longing to be somewhere else, away from home). Travelling has never been something I was really interested in before... but now things have changed.
Perhaps I did not realize back then how animating it is to just go out into nature and .. walk. Now I am reading into literature about trekking and this is definitely the way I would like to spend my next holiday. My dream is to go to South Africa (where my brother is currently doing his PhD in chemistry...) for trekking. I thought of this February, but already found out that more planning is needed than I thought. Also, of course, it is not really recommendable to travel alone in certain regions (and not only because of lions or hyenas). So it would be best to get some practice before going for it... but somebody wrote already about the importance of having dreams.
Anyway, maybe I get back to the topic which is Sweden and I just intended to post some pictures I took while in Stockholm in July. Enjoy!
Typical Swedish coastal landscape (tour to Utö in Stockholm's archipelago)
walking in dry moss... the moose like to feed on these and they left their "signs" everywhere...
The youth hostel or vandrarhem I stayed in on Fjärdlång (an even smaller island in the same area). I just love those wooden houses in red...
the entrance, after the veranda. Some things about Sweden are most fascinating. One example is how places like this are run. There is no reception; you pay for your room at the local (and only) shop - a grocery store (where they also serve breakfast if you apply). You are trusted to clean your room after you and - of course - not steal anything (like the books in the shelf on the picture or kitchen stuff, the television...) and it actually works. It is unthinkable at home - with that Swedish trustfulness you would be ripped off in no time. But there, rules are obeyed out of conviction, not because you could face punishment.
A view of the archipelago. From the top of a hill on Fjärdlång. Who would have guessed this scene is from so far in the north?
Till next time, cheers W.
A view of the archipelago. From the top of a hill on Fjärdlång. Who would have guessed this scene is from so far in the north?
Till next time, cheers W.Friday, September 01, 2006
Happiness, great friendship, and good luck!
When we had our Swedish guests early this year, they brought many frog figurines for giving as souvenirs and, before handing the gifts, one of our guests would give a 'speech' about frogs being symbol of happiness and great friendships.
So that's what I got in mind when, just by chance I stopped by a souvenir shop in a mall not far from where I work. I was on my way out of the mall after finding a pair of walking shoes when I noticed a nice quilted batik shoulder bag. I went in to ask the price of the bag, but suddenly, my eyes caught three wooden frogs 'sitting' on the edge of the shelf. And I didn't know why, the look of these three frogs made me laugh, big laugh!
The guy in the counter told me that frogs are symbol of good luck. I told him the story I told you above. But more than that, what the guy in the counter didn't know (and I won't tell him by any means!) is that I got a whiff of memory and that's what made me smile and laugh, it was this picture:
Somehow indeed now thanks to that experience I believe that frogs are symbol of happiness and great friendship, and hopefully as the guy in the counter said: good luck!
ps: seeing the picture of the frogs above you might understand that I decided to buy them, and now they're sitting on top of my computer's detachable loud-speaker, next to a painted Dala horse. Another reminder that the other picture was taken in Sweden...!
So that's what I got in mind when, just by chance I stopped by a souvenir shop in a mall not far from where I work. I was on my way out of the mall after finding a pair of walking shoes when I noticed a nice quilted batik shoulder bag. I went in to ask the price of the bag, but suddenly, my eyes caught three wooden frogs 'sitting' on the edge of the shelf. And I didn't know why, the look of these three frogs made me laugh, big laugh!
The guy in the counter told me that frogs are symbol of good luck. I told him the story I told you above. But more than that, what the guy in the counter didn't know (and I won't tell him by any means!) is that I got a whiff of memory and that's what made me smile and laugh, it was this picture:
Somehow indeed now thanks to that experience I believe that frogs are symbol of happiness and great friendship, and hopefully as the guy in the counter said: good luck!
ps: seeing the picture of the frogs above you might understand that I decided to buy them, and now they're sitting on top of my computer's detachable loud-speaker, next to a painted Dala horse. Another reminder that the other picture was taken in Sweden...!
Monday, August 28, 2006
SPARTAN COOKING with Wolfgang le chef
Hejsan everybody!
So much for cooking!
No home is complete without music. Therefore, allow me to introduce a band I have become very fond of - Royksopp from Norway (the original, first 'o' is crossed - I dont have it on my keyboard - its pronounced like the Swedish 'ö').
Listen to some of their work on the website: www.royksopp.com and click on the band's name. Then, go to videos and watch: 'Remind me'. Tell me if this is not the most original music video clip you have ever seen. Well, it reminds me of our complicated modern life.
Speaking of... I was at the city library today and got eight books about how to write a good job application. It seems I have not yet found the perfect way to divert attention from my embarrassingly empty CV =( it seems I am harvesting the 'fruits' of prior lazyness.
I hope that eventually I can get something. Ten hours per week along studies would be just fine. Well, I will keep you informed ;)
First of all let me thank Amreta for inviting me to this little blog! For the rest of you: thanks for being around ;)
Then maybe there should be some introduction. However, I guess you all know me (still) and Fina - please ask Amreta for the details =)
Well then, lets begin. You are probably quite surprised that I already write since I have received the invitation just three (!!) weeks ago ;)
You mitght know I have spent the last year in beautiful Sweden on student exchange. You might be curious about that (since we met in
So, you might wonder about the title I chose; the Spartan warriors were feared throughout ancient
However, since there are no battles anymore where you could find merciful death, I found it necessary to - then and again - actually try and cook something (very basic though). So here I proudly present - the first onion cake (lökpaj) ever made by me *frantic applause*
Anyway, I used a ready-to-go pizza dough, six medium size onions, grated cheese, sour cream and some curry and nutmeg plus two eggs. As you can see, it is very easy to make. As the taste of it is not too refined, it is recommended to add some sort of dipsauce to it. Since I forgot to buy pepper dipsauce I almost panicked but at that moment I found a homemade (yes, from my mum ;)) apple chutney that I had stolen on my last visit home. How lucky! It went very well with the paj. Some red wine - Montepulciano - complemented the meal. Deeeelicious
So much for cooking!
No home is complete without music. Therefore, allow me to introduce a band I have become very fond of - Royksopp from Norway (the original, first 'o' is crossed - I dont have it on my keyboard - its pronounced like the Swedish 'ö').
Listen to some of their work on the website: www.royksopp.com and click on the band's name. Then, go to videos and watch: 'Remind me'. Tell me if this is not the most original music video clip you have ever seen. Well, it reminds me of our complicated modern life.
Speaking of... I was at the city library today and got eight books about how to write a good job application. It seems I have not yet found the perfect way to divert attention from my embarrassingly empty CV =( it seems I am harvesting the 'fruits' of prior lazyness.
I hope that eventually I can get something. Ten hours per week along studies would be just fine. Well, I will keep you informed ;)
That's it for now... hope you are all doing well. I have read all of your previous posts, so be assured your comments are most welcome!
P.S. If you find spelling errors you may keep them.
Friday, August 18, 2006
Independence Day!
17 August 2006 – Indonesia celebrates its 61st 'birthday' and indeed, you can see 'birthday parties' all over the country! In almost every neighborhood many fun games and competitions were held by the locals, not only for kids but for adults as well. In Jakarta, every part of the city is decorated with everything red and white, the colors of Indonesia's flag.
In the morning, as I am a 'less active' Indonesian citizen, I only followed the flag ceremony at the Presidential Palace on TV, but then at around 11 a.m. the neighborhood became so noisy as children were already back from attending flag ceremonies at schools, and gathering now in front of our house, getting ready for the fun games (and the prizes waiting for the winners!)
The first competition was catching eels. A group of kids raced to catch several eels, run as fast as possible and put the eels in a pail around 10 meters away. Second game was eating crackers which were strung just above the head. The participating kids had to jump a little while eating the crackers, their hands were tied on the back. The one who finished the crackers fastest won the game. Many adults took their roles as cheerleaders that day. But many of them also participated in games such as soccer, tug-of-war, or climbing a slippery tree (with prizes suspended on top of the tree!), taking places in (usually) soccer fields (and not every neighborhood has one).
Let's see...the celebrations normally continue until end of August. I guess I should anticipate traffic jams as there will be entertainments on the streets. Anyhow it's good to see people enjoying themselves during these celebrations. It feels like a big family cheering their kids and friends.
Racing to catch eels
Cheering the cracker eaters
In the morning, as I am a 'less active' Indonesian citizen, I only followed the flag ceremony at the Presidential Palace on TV, but then at around 11 a.m. the neighborhood became so noisy as children were already back from attending flag ceremonies at schools, and gathering now in front of our house, getting ready for the fun games (and the prizes waiting for the winners!)
The first competition was catching eels. A group of kids raced to catch several eels, run as fast as possible and put the eels in a pail around 10 meters away. Second game was eating crackers which were strung just above the head. The participating kids had to jump a little while eating the crackers, their hands were tied on the back. The one who finished the crackers fastest won the game. Many adults took their roles as cheerleaders that day. But many of them also participated in games such as soccer, tug-of-war, or climbing a slippery tree (with prizes suspended on top of the tree!), taking places in (usually) soccer fields (and not every neighborhood has one).
Let's see...the celebrations normally continue until end of August. I guess I should anticipate traffic jams as there will be entertainments on the streets. Anyhow it's good to see people enjoying themselves during these celebrations. It feels like a big family cheering their kids and friends.
Racing to catch eels
Cheering the cracker eaters
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