The Division in Music

What is music to you?

Last night, while in the car with my cousin and a bunch of friends, we had a slight dispute over the music we listened too. They didn't agree with my playing foregin language songs on the car radio and wanted to switch to other radio stations. Their excuse being that they couldn't understand what is being sung.

There are people like me, who appreciate music, regardless of the language used to sing the songs; but there are those who claims that it is pointless to listen to songs you do not understand.

The absurdity. I cannot disagree any more than I already can. 

To me, you do not have to understand the meaning of the song intellectually to love the song. Even if I do not understand what is being sung, I always believe in the capability of the soul to feel the emotions of the songs through the singer's voice. That is why, I also believe that a successful singer is a singer who can strike the hearts of others with their voices and infect others with the emotions they are singing with. If you cannot feel the songs, it is either 1. the melody of the song is bad. 2. the singer's not eloquent enough. 3. you don't know what is the true meaning of the enjoyment of music.

I generally understand three languages: English, Chinese, and Malay. But I enjoy Japanese and Korean songs more than any of my main languages'. Despite not comprehending the lyrics, I love the flow of music. Thumbs-up to the development in the Korean music industry, especially. 

Mozart and Beethoven's music is liked globally. It's instrumental. No lyrics. Does that mean it is not worth listening to? Today, we have spectacular music writers like Kajiura Yuki (Japanese), Nobuo Uematsu (Japanese) and Yiruma (Korean). Their music widely used in dramas and animes - widely accepted and loved. You have Vanessa Mae (Singaporean) and Joshua Bell (American) -examples of celebrated musicians. 

Hence, where does the barrier in music lies between individuals? Should there BE a barrier in music?

Some would get offended by my statements. However, I think it is a sad thing if you do not know how to appreciate music just because it is in a language you cannot understand. I feel it is absurd. If it is good music, it is good music. At least give it a try and not just condemn it. 

Allow me to provide you a few analogies. It is likened to saying that because you do not understand French, you refuse to go to France for a holiday or a business trip; it is akin to a man who has never eaten durian before and already claiming that it is 'not nice' just because it is 'smelly'. 

In order to words, total naivety. 

I have listened to Chinese, English, Malay, Indon, Thai, Korean, Japanese, Italian and Latin songs. How many languages of songs have you listened too, hmm?

Music, mon'ami, is universal. It is a wonderful blessing from the Big Guy Above.

*Please note however, in my context for music, Black metal and other satanic forms of music are not included.

A Day of Charity

On the 23rd of August, I voluntereed to help out in a charity football competition for the children of the poor, namely the Faizal Cup. I know, it's already September and this entry is so late. But whatever... I still want to post some pictures up and show what I did that day.

Besides the football competition which was held outdoor, the organisers (Adidas is one of them, I can't remember the others. ==) also prepared indoor activities. There were a huge range of them. 

I drew that. Yeah, so not even at the amateur level but what the heck. This table is for children who are interested in drawing. I was actually in charged of the origami section but I roamed around a little. XD

This is the games section. The kids would line up to play games. I'm not really sure what this game is... I think you're supposed to throw the bear across the rope or something to win. O.O

Cool eh, the children also get to make their own hand-made bracelets from beads and other accessories. Oh, trust me, it's not only girls. There were boys doing this too. Hehe 

This is one of the most busiest section. The play-dough table. The kids just love this thing. I've no idea why. You get to see all the weird stuff they make. They can roll alien-looking things and claim it to be some kinda.... I don't know... cake????

Ah, my section! Origami! Oh, but I'm hopeless in it. I met a Burmese friend though, named Amos. He is a genius in origami. He told me that he likes it as a hobby anyway. You should have seen how he folded that paper star. I was... awed. How on earth can a human's fingers do something so intricate? Or maybe mine are just too clumsy for these little works. 

I hate clowns. Clowns are frightening. They give children nightmares. Clown-ship should be abolished. I will so move for that motion. ==

Oh!! They gave free haircut too. There was a team of hair stylist from... that profession body that starts with an 'S' and ends with a 'korf'. I can't remember the spelling nor pronounce it. Sorry. 

The outdoor activities...

More board games....

Well, overall, I think it was a great effort to bring joy to the less unfortunate. It's like... the world is showing a little more love for one another. I think more of this activities should be organised. It's really nice to see kids smiling and just being happy. 

Which reminds me... I miss my Sunday School kids a lot!!!