AhDoe – Music as an International Language

I have diverted my attention to the recent earthquake that struck Sichuan Province on 12th May 2008.

The earthquake aftermath

I am deeply sadden by the unfortunate incident and I sincerely hope to see more miracles happening since Day 1.

There are all sorts of touching stories about noble sacrifices and survivors struggling to get through the nightmares, and these made me realized that nothing else is important when you are dealing with alive or death matters.

Like what Linkin Park’s “In the End” lyrics says: “I tried so hard and get so far, in the end it doesn’t even matter“.

Urban creatures like me constantly grumble about life, work related stress, money matters and traffic jam. I remind myself that these are nothing so important that they could affect our life and make us forget about being nicer to others.

By the way, some people are just so stingy to say a simple thank you to the aunties who distribute free newspapers at MRT stations every morning.

One week after the deadly quake, Chinese mourns for the victims. Chinese websites changed to grayscale layouts to show their token of respect.

163.com

 

Baidu

Google China

Ifeng a.k.a Phoenix Web

Sina China

Sohu China

Yahoo China

China Bit Torrent Sharing Website

It’s a special moment for China. Everyone is holding hands to get through this difficult moment, so broken hearted and yet so united.

6 months ago, I have been retrenched as a result of company shut down. I was left wandering in the real world for half year. Many people showed their concern by asking me about my job seeking progress and future plannings, and all I do mind is to spend more time with my family which I didn’t have the luxury to enjoy when my precious private time was fully occupied by routine works that I don’t enjoy much.

At first, there was this wonderful carefree Europe backpack trip, and I spent my Christmas in Greece, my 2008 New Year in Germany, and my Chinese New Year break at my hometown – Kuching.

Retrenchment is not so bad after all, isn’t it?

Chinese New Year is always an annual report of your achievement in the previous year, and mine, is very special:

“I got retrenched, backpacked in Europe and will search for a new job”

Perhaps doesn’t sound too good to many, but I really appreciate it.

Life suddenly slows down for me and I gradually realize what I have missed for the past few years. Having breakfast with my Mum, driving her around and recognizing new routes to new shopping complex, watching satellite television together, exploring new recipes, attended concerts and most importantly, we talked a lot about the future and the plannings.

And I get to enjoy cheaper off peak period air tickets with so few passengers sharing the same flight!

Remember those times, you have to check your calendar for long weekends, beg your boss to approve your leaves, and check with your colleagues to back you up in the office while you are away?

And today, I have to come back to reality again. My first day in a new company, with new faces around me and an unknown future here. It takes some time to learn and adapt, and there will be struggles to survive in this field, but anyway, this is just a start and not the end.

Today, the 12th of May, 2008.

I think I am crazy! Out of so many songs, I’ve chosen to transcribe this R&B song and put down all the Rap in notes.

(Drums rolling) Let’s welcome….The Black Eyed Peas’ Mas Que Nada!

To be fair, Mas Que Nada is the signature song of Sergio Mendes. This piano sheet version generally imitates all the rap and rhythms from Black Eyed Peas version. Not forgetting the strong base which brings out the merry Brazilian atmosphere too.

I’ve had the urge to compile this song when I first heard it. The gentle strum at the opening turned out to be the prelude of the Samba style behind.

In short, feel like shaking with the melody~

Come come, instead of dancing, let’s challenge yourself with this song on the piano.

Mas Que Nada Piano Sheet Preview

Watch out for the different tempo before and after Bar 7. The tempo marks an important divider between the two melody styles.

Besides, several points about this piano sheet:

1) This piano sheet is in its original key, i.e. Ab Major.
2) Chords and Lyrics included.
3) There is not much accompaniment and chord enrichment at the part where female leading vocal enters the main melody, to make a little difference from the “rap” part.

Please download the complete Mas Que Nada Piano Sheet in PDF format here.

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Have fun!

Edelweiss is my favourite song in The Sound of Music.

The captain singing Edelweiss to his 7 children

This song, in the movie, is not only the symbol of patriotism, it also stands to be the symbol of a close-bond relationship in the family. Their relationship has never been better throughout the movie other than the whale of time they had when they sing Edelweiss.

With this reason, I’ll vote Edelweiss as the best song from Sound of Music!

Edelweiss Piano Sheet Preview

I’ve purposely arranged this piano sheet at its simplest so that even beginners can play it. The song is at its original key, i.e. Bb Major, nothing else that I would like to emphasize here because this piano sheet is really easy.

Download complete Edelweiss Piano Sheet (PDF Format) here.

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This song hence, will end my travellogue of Salzburg here.

 Adios~ Salzburg! Till we meet again!

Wolfgangsee of Salzburg – with a cappuccino scenery

Salzburg is the backstage for “Sound of Music” film.

The opening of the film

The same cathedral after 40 years

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