Getting Medieval

I've been exploring the wonders of Gregorian chant. Been thinking about how most of the chants are performed by monks. Stream of consciousness... motets, organum, parallel movements, Machaut, Leonin, Divine Office, Ordinary, Proper, Mass, Trope, De Vitry, Isorhythm, Neumes, Rebec

White Teeth, by Zadie Smith

Just started reading this. Pretty interesting. Different. I suppose the author's perspective as a minority race member in the UK matters. About a Jewish-Chinese boy and his dad - I've gathered so far. The writing is gripping; there's something visceral about it which I can really relate to, in relation to my own experience. Simple and direct, yet cuts like a knife to a particular kind of reality.

Sunshine Cleaning

Saw this last week at Cineleisure, Orchard, Singapore.

I quite liked this qwerky film. Shows a more real side to life, I guess, what with characters like Rose trying to do something with her life, trying to find dignity, a single mum to boot. There's the goth misfit, Norah, Rose's sister. Sheds a bit of light on growing up pains in a very American way: What happens to your cheerleaders (cleaner) and jocks (cheats on wife) when they grow up? Bit suprised to see Matt's cheeks (not those on the face) on screen; was it necessary?

Queen Mum, by Kate Long

Am reading Long at the moment. An enjoyable read. About a mum swop reality TV programme, but set in UK. Bourgeoisie meets blue collar. Thought the bit about the dead son was a pretentious move for a novel of this kind, meant to be enjoyed. A kind of indulgent pathology. Pink cover, btw, signifying target female readership.

Ok finished reading the book. Realised that it's sensitively written and perhaps doesn't deserve the pink marketing ploy entirely. Still, both the book and its cover speaks to the pink readership on a level.

Schumann's Songs

I was just at the piano today and sang through some of Schumann's songs (Dichterliebe, Liederkreis). Having an academic background enables me to desconstruct the Romantic myth. Yet Romantic music has an abiding power.

An interesting investigation of Romanticism can be found in 'The Romantic Movement' by Alain de Botton. It uses narrative to illustrate and unravel the central tenets of Romanticism.

We can see the enduring power of Romanticism in Hollywood, and the annoying habit of directors to wrestle a resolution out of the plot, often extending the end unecessarily. In 'The Green Mile', for example.

What Do You See? by Electrico, for National Day 2009.

I was underwhelmed by this song. Certain key words kept being repeated. The melody was most un-rock. I wonder if the limpness of expression is due to censorship. I'm particularly put off by the choral accompaniment at the climax (arriving on cue). (Bad goosebumps.) This song can't be the best of local music.

The Brothers Bloom (1 Jul 09)

I caught this hilarious show at Cinema Europa, Golden Village, Vivovity Shopping Mall. Some intellectual jargon mixed into this farce - an academic's comedy. Adrien Brody and Mark Ruffalo were suave and believable; I like their work. Rachel Weisz was convincing too as the nubile waif. You should have seen her discovering French kissing. Hehe. Brody has an interesting face; very different looks from different angles; sorta of ugly-handsome.