Montag, April 03, 2006

Wenn heute Tag heiss war, regnete es so stark im Abend

...aber ich habe ueber das sehr gefreut.

I came to realise that Herr Lim's favourite movement from the Missa Solemnis happens to be Agnus Dei. Because he's not his usual self when it comes to that section. Finally overcoming Gloria and Credo (or rather, I think Herr Lim is aware we're behind schedule), we did Sanctus and Agnus Dei for the very first time in our combined rehearsals. Next week we're going to rehearse at the concert venue. :)

Herr Lim usually conducts like a "timekeeper" - not because he's lousy or anything along the line! I respect his style as this must be what he believe in, and also how he works. His conducting became "unusual" at Agnus Dei, and I can see he was self-indulging (although I don't believe we met his expectation). The best music is only achieveable in one's head. But it was nice to see a different side of our beloved conductor, which I did. [Edit: One more thing to add - except for that part where he stamps the floor and posed an action-figure pose (not intentional) at a new section.]

I love Agnus Dei as well. But I'm forever freaked out when we come to the "war" section in the movement. I'm freaked out by Beethoven's insanity. His insanity for installing a crazy rushing dissonant high-charged section when the majority of the text we sang in the movement is "Dona nobis pacem". Meaning "let there be peace" more or less. And it's difficult to follow the orchestral accompaniment as well! Arrrgh, "Presto" and Beethoven's obsession with syncopation. *kowtows to the master*

And one last thing. Why do all chorus men has the bad habit of pulling back the tempo? This is one trend I've observe but never seem to understand. Is it that difficult to keep to the tempo and stop indulging in your own voice? Herr Lim is fed up with them - the men are the ones who kept us behind schedule, and I've noticed the same with the adult choirs I'm currently working with. It's really strange. And not very nice either.

posted by empress @ 7:03 PM