My first concert experience with Formusica, Arbeitsgruppe der Komponisten established by a group of composers(lead by Prof. Mao-Shuen Chen) in 1983, was delightful. There were some interesting ideas, experiments, and some sound exploration. I would like to share a few fascinating works and presentations here with you. Perhaps, after reading this article, you could give "contemporary" compositions a chance. You might find your own surprises here and there! I loved the very first piece, 風動 Wind Blowing. Mr. Chien-Wei Wang wrote a very intense piece. It was not just an experiment with sounds. I was actually floating with the wind caressing all kinds of surfaces. The composition was intellectually written and yet, very beautiful. It was not just simple sound imitation. I was able to visualize how the wind blew throughought the tune. It's brilliant indeed.
Kuo-Fong Lee's "三個女人 Three Women" was balanced very well by the pianist, the violinist and the cellist. They seemed to work together at the beginning. Soon after, they all turned into their own shape and told their own life stories. Mr. Chen-Kang Kao's "役 Obligation" had a good sense of humor. Maybe it was because he conducted his own compostition, it felt more like an obligation to the performing instrumentalists.
It was a treat to enjoy Yu-Chun Hu's "銀河蹤跡 Tracks in the Milky Way". Two violinists speeded up the bowing together on the high register provided the illusion of shooting stars. It was a technique demanding piece for all three of the musicians on stage and the performers were perfect for the job. Ms. Daphne Su's strking silver outfit(tight pants and heels) with the confidence in her voice and in her body movement was especially dazzling. Ms. Mei-Fang Wang's presense was a good contrast. The two violin players had quite a few soli without any sound of piano and they stood tall and proud. Ms. Hu also composed an exciting range of volume. It was balanced very well between the three of them that no voice was ever over powered. It is amazing to feel my mind stimulated with colors triggered by their collaboration.
After the intermission, Ms. Chia-Lin Pan's "混沌 II, Chaos II" opened the second half of the concert. I thought it was perfectly titled. I felt chaotic during the presentation as if I struggled with way too many raw ideas and voices in my head. After that, I started to wonder what "Chaos I" could sould like? The next presentation was very special. It was "憶遊 Memories in the Travel" dedicated to the Zheng performer, Jiuan-Reng Yeh, composed by Mr. Chin-Yow Lin. Mr. Lin not only drew a beautiful outline for Ms. Yeh to elaborate, but also surprised me with Ms. Yeh's actual voice singing(humming) here and there feeling like a playful impromptu.
"映月 Moon Reflection" was beautifully composed by Ms. Pey-Wen Yen. The bitter sweet was developed between the pianist and the violinist. The finale was Ms. Szu-Pei Lin's "夢中的女孩-孤寂 Girl of my dreams-Isolated". It was composed for a solo cellist and an ensemble of two violinists, a violist, and a cellist. Mr. Yu-Han Chen played both the roles of the solo cellist and the conductor very well. The piece was fun, musical, and vibrant.
Bravi tutti! It was a very enjoyable evening. If I could make some suggestion (more toward to the presentation point of view), I hope that I can see actual drama and feel more stage presence between the performers while performing. I totally understand that concerts like this may have very little time for everyone to prepare and to rehearse. (Just maybe that we can start with the dress code other than MIB?)
I'll be in Taiwan until next Jan for sure. If you have any concerts to suggest, don't hesitate to contact me at alexiagenie@yahoo.com.tw
Friday, October 17, 2014
GroOovematic, the unique cluster of excitement
The experience with GroOovematic @ Sappho(Oct 10, Taipei) and Marsalis(Oct 12, Kaohsiung) in Taiwan was definitely one of a kind. The Jazz trio lead by Cedric Hanriot at the keyboard with Bertrand Beruard(Bass) and Jean-Batiste Pinet(Drums) infused my Oct 10th with waves of stimulation. Right after the first encounter in Taipei, I immediately decided to attend their second concert in Marsalis in Kaohsiung. It turned out to be one of the best decisions I'd made in 2014! With better quality of sound and balance, I was thrilled to finally hear Cedric reciting the poems when everyone was playing. And once again, GroOovematic dazzled their audience with never ending exhilaration.
I always love going to live performances. So many variables could alter all sorts of things into extra spices of amazement or total disasters. The collaboration between the three French musicians was so tightly put together and invincible. Jean-Batiste at the drums switching meters intensely with marvelous precision completely held my heartbeats. Whether it was electric or accoustic, Bertrand cruised effortlessly on the fingerboard with the ease and pleasure shown entirely from his presence. At the same time, he played the role as the bridge transmitting signals between the drums and the piano. It was not just about the sound anymore. I was able to taste their triumphant relationship as an ensemble.
Cedric, the brain of the trio, created the program with his compositions. There's a distinguished voice throughout. Intense emotions of love, lust and loss were brilliantly juggled by the three. It was so tightly built up with exquisite controls of dynamics and fascinating ideas. There was really no chance to blink or to applaud before the release of the final note in any of his pieces. Just when I thought I could take a little breath, the next wave of climax had sneaked in. Unlike other more commercial sounding Jazz bands which commonly offered smooth melodies, Cedric painted with bold blocks of daring colors. When the persistent dissonance with all different grooves from the three finally merged and met on the same downbeat, GroOovematic transformed into an incredible lover who did no sweet talks at all and yet left their listeners mind blowing impacts.
Aside from heavy description, there was also a sense of humor peaking out from time to time during their improvisation. It seemed that they could make everything possible! For now, there's no facebook page for GroOovematic Trio yet, but there's Hanriot's website providing its tour schedule. If they come near you, don't miss out! I'm very looking forward to enjoying them somewhere again in the future!
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