心语

Today marks the official release of my latest album, " 心语 ". Consisting of 10 piano impromptus recorded over the past 3 years, this album is also my first 'original' project in that all the tracks in it are of my own creation/improvisation.

Music has always been more than just a form of leisure or cultural refinement for me; right from the beginning it has been a form of expression, a medium for me to express myself where words simply aren't good enough. Words are emotive and powerful, but the language of music transcends all boundaries, unfettered by the linguistic dilemmas of translation and structure. With the use of tone, colour and texture I attempt to weave a musical tapestry of emotions, hoping that it will strike a chord in the heartstrings of those who listen.

And so allow me once again to bring you on an enchanting travel through the lands of my music.

Awaiting
This piece was recorded in 2003 for a friend of mine from law school as a parting gift for her before she left Singapore for her hometown, Australia. It was never meant to be a farewell, for we all thought that she would come back to Singapore one day to continue the honours program with us. Although saddened by the inevitable parting, this piece is also filled with the eager hope and belief that this is only temporary and that we will be there, awaiting her return.

Lady Mysterious
I wrote this song way back in 1996, inspired by a classmate of mine from the MEP classes held at MGS. Think of a quiet dinner by candlelight in an elegant western restaurant with a mysterious lady in a black evening gown. For the moment, nothing else matters as the world seems to consist of only the two of you. The rest of the diner fades into subdued tones of sepia under the subtle glow of candlelight while the air feels charged with suspense and mystery. Who is this lady in black? Somehow, words seem unnecessary and in the hushed silence you feel the exquisite beauty of sharing a private moment, a feeling that can only be described by unspoken, unwritten words. Silence is not the lack of expression, but rather a form of expression that can speak volumes.

Dawn
Although I have yet to experienced this so-called magic moment when daylight breaks over the land, in this piece I attempt to paint the picture of the night sky slowly brightening into muted shades of blue as Dawn softly approaches.

Jasmine
Ah, the pretty little flower with such a beautiful fragrance. Petite and exquisite with a lingering scent that brings back sweet and tender memories. There is nothing like a peaceful stroll past my father's jasmine plants in the quiet hours of the night while the gentle breeze softly rustles the leaves, filling the air with the subtle fragrance of jasmines.

The "Boon Shan" Suite
A collection of 5 impromptus recorded last year in an experiment in using modulation and variation to create a suite while each piece represents a part of the whole story, like a chapter in a novel. A collage of hope, innocence and the joy of simplicity. Sometimes, contentment really is just about being able to enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

Echoes of Tian Lai
Created last year in June, Echoes of Tian Lai pays tribute to the HCCO concert held on June 12, 2004. Called 天籁回音 or TLHY for short, it was to be the last concert for HCCO since it will be the last time HCCO will ever be officially known by that name. It was a sad time for all of us, like the passing of someone close to us and yet it was a heartwarming event that bonded us together; you just had to be there to know what I mean. Although the music fades away, the notes remain resonating within the heartstrings. Like the echoes that theorectically float forever in the concert hall long after the performance, this piece describes the scene after the last note is played. Although the players have left, although the stage has been cleared, although the lights dimmed and the gates shut, in the silence of the empty hall you can still faintly hear the lingering refrains of past performances. Although time has pushed the present to the past, the music of Tian Lai plays on in the heart.

DreamCatcher