Today's Playlist: July 16th, 2009

You know, I enjoy this day so much! Feels like having a ton of joys piled up upon my head today. It will be so complicated to tell what was happening this day, but all in all, I am really, really happy! =)

Well, I have heard so much songs today, in almost every place. Today, I'll share you what I have heard today, pretend that this is a playlist of my songs for today.

Morgen (morning)

The Lord Bless You and Keep You, a song by John Rutter (look at yesterday's post)

Hallelujah, Handel's classic, performed by Ambrosian Singers

Tag (day)

New York, New York, a very legendary song performed by Frank Sinatra

The Phantom of the Opera, from the movie with the same title

All I Ask of You, again from The Phantom

We Could Be In Love, now a duet by Lea Salonga and Brad Kane

Mama, the original version from Il Divo

Mama, now the not-so-original-version performed by Stacia, me myself, Mario, and Bryan

Because You Loved Me, also a not-so-original performed by Astrid

Indonesia Jaya, a song performed by me and some of my friends

Abend (evening)

There For Me, one of my most favorite one, by Sarah Brightman and José Cura

Sorted by my rating: 10 best songs from the best composer

In the past eighteen years of my entire life, only in my senior high school that I found such a great composer. He's not a pop composer; nor a rock composer. Instead, he's a choral songs composer. Meet, John Rutter, CBE (Commander of the British Empire - a sort of knighthood).

John Milford Rutter, CBE was born September 24, 1945. He's known as the founder of The Cambridge Singers, which he leads, conducts, and performs songs that he made or arranged.

For me personally, and for numerous friends of mine, John Rutter's song is one of the best. In his slow, sort of mellow songs, his songs never fail to put the mood in. In his classical, gospel songs, those songs give the listener a kind of tranquility. I am not boosting it, it's true!

Well, I like a lot of Rutter's songs. But here, I choose 10 best songs of him, and I sorted it from my personal rating.

The Lord Bless You And Keep You (*****)

The words was actually taken from the book of Numbers, known as The Benediction, usually a priest will say at the end of the Mass, "May the Lord bless you and keep you, may the Lord make His face to shine upon you and give you peace." As simple as that, but he arranged it perfectly (at least as what I say), in the key of Gb, it'll give you a peaceful mood. It never fails, believe me! The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord makes His face to shine upon you, to shine upon you and be gracious; and be gracious, unto you...

The Very Best Time of Year (*****)

I knew this song back at the year 2006, as one of the numerous Christmas songs I learned for the year's celebration. From the first measure of the intro, up till the last measure of the coda, it simply signifies the mood of Christmas: so peaceful, so nice, even some say, so sweet. Christmas trees and boughs of holly, yuletide logs and mistletoe...

The Peace of God (**** 1/2)

This song was one of the five songs recorded as one of the requirements when my choir registered for the 1st Asian Choir Games. This was the first track, and it is so beautiful. As the title, the song offers you peace. The peace of God, which passesth all understanding...

As the Bridegroom to His Chosen (**** 1/2)

This is a wedding song. I knew this song back at one of my teacher's wedding in 2007. I think this is one of Rutter's smartest song. He drew commonalities of couples throughout the song, just like the title of the song. As refreshment to the fainting. As the eagle in the mountains. As the sparrow in the nest. As the sunshine in the heavens. Those are some of the 'couples' in the song. Very sweet and nice.

Look At the World (**** 1/2)

At first, I considered this song as a 'global warming song', because the song tells us about the Earth. But the more I hear the song, it actually tells us that we should be very thankful, because God has given us such beautiful planet. Praise to Thee oh Lord for all creations, give us thankful hearts that we may see...

Christmas Lullaby (****)

One of Rutter's Christmas song, this Lullaby tells us about the Christmas night when Christ was born in Bethlehem. Clear in the darkness, a light shines in Bethlehem; angels are singing, their sound fills the air... Ave Maria! Ave Maria! Hear the soft lullaby, the angel host sing...

A Clare Benediction (****)

This song also tells us about The Benediction, a sort of blessing that priest gives at the end of a Mass. Though, it uses a quite different approach from The Lord Bless. The song is really peaceful, calm and slow. But it gives quite a nice message through the song. May you love Him, and serve Him all your days. Then in Heaven, may you see His face...

A Gaelic Blessing (****)

Actually, I don't really know from where did this song come. It also contains words of blessings. Also in different style. I think the word Gaelic suggests that it is some sort of French or old British song. Deep peace of Christ, of Christ...

All Things Bright And Beautiful (****)

Also a song about our Earth, this song gives us insight that God creates this world beautifully, and everything is simply perfect. All things bright and beautiful, all creatures great an small...

Jesus Child (****)

Another song from his Christmas line, Jesus Child offers a quite delicate experience initially. When I first sung this song, some of the measures on the first page was sung like a rap song, with numerous quick beats. The song is cheerful and nice for Christmas. Sing Hallelujah! Sing Hallelujah! Worship the Jesus child and praise His mother mild! Glory to God, the angels host are singing: listen to the story of the Jesus child!

Well, those are the 10 best songs from John Rutter according to me. If you like the same, or maybe different from this list, just leave me comments!

New Smukiez Choir promo is on the net now!

A new academic year in SMAK 1 means there'll be some promos for extracurriculars. Smukiez Choir is also one of them. As in previous years, Smukiez Choir will sing a song, which I'm going to keep secret now :) But since last year, the promo also provide some sort of commercial, or video promo, of Smukiez Choir.

I made the promo video at last year's promo, and so do this year. I made nothing new actually. I use the same song as last year's; almost the same words and pictures. But I refine all of those things, and it looks much better now.

Please take a look at the new promo, enjoy!

Indonesia Jaya, you know, a very nice song!

Left to right: me, Mario, Bryan, Stacia, Astrid

At our Graduation last June, me and four of my colleagues, that is myself (the tenor), Stacia (the great soprano), Astrid (the idol), Mario (the bass), and Bryan (the idol too), sang a couple of songs. Initially, the school won't let you to use any songs. They usually had determined what songs to be sang, and will use it for every classes. For instance, they'd had used the song "Bunda" (Mother) in remembrance of the parents; "Terima Kasihku" (My Gratitude) of the teachers; "I Offer My Life" for commitment song; and "Indonesia Pusaka" (Precious Indonesia) for the nation. Well, we changed those songs last month.

I chose the song personally, of course with help of my four colleagues, so that the songs reflected all those themes. This was the result:

1. In remembrance of our parents: instead of using the song "Bunda", we used the song "Mama" which was performed by Il Divo; then performed by Stacia with the three boys as accompanying vocals.
2. In remembrance of our teachers: instead of using the song "Terima Kasihku", we used the song "Because You Loved Me", a very famous song performed by Céline Dion. The words "I'm everything I am, because you love me.." is simply a right one to express our gratitude to the teacher; of course other sentences did the same thing. This song was performed at the Graduation by Astrid.
3. Our song for the nation: instead of using the song "Indonesia Pusaka", we used the song "Indonesia Jaya" (Triumphant Indonesia). I was remembering my days at elementary school when I was searching for the song. I remembered about this amazing song. "Berpeganglah tangan, satu dalam cita, demi masa depan: Indonesia jaya!" (Hold your hands together, one in our dream, for our better future: triumphant Indonesia!") The message of this song is already nice, even better combined with the melody itself. This song was performed by all of us.
4. Our commitment song: instead of using the song "I Offer My Life", we used the song "You Raise Me Up", surely a famous one from Josh Groban. Actually, Ms. Melisa Suryani (our teacher and president of the committee) requested this song. Well, it's nice actually!
5. Lastly, we added a new spin: a song dedicated to our friends, we sung "Your Love", which was originally performed by Gita Gutawa and Delon. Me, and Stacia, performed it at the graduation; but it was not too satisfying for me; since the show ran for more than three hours, and we was so tired back then. But the song is good really.

It's time to take a note of the song Indonesia Jaya. I posted the song at the "Best song for now" section in this blog, at the right side of your screen. Well, this song means a lot for me actually because it has quite a deep meaning. You have to listen to the song by yourself, so that you can understand by yourself the meaning of the song. Try to listen, and enjoy!

Anyway, I'll give you a hint of the lyric:

Hari-hari terus berlalu

Tiada pernah berhenti

S'ribu rintang jalan berliku

Bukanlah suatu penghalang

Hadapilah segala tantangan

Mohon petunjuk yang kuasa

Ciptakanlah kerukunan bangsa

Kobarkanlah dalam dada

Semangat jiwa Pancasila

Hidup tiada mungkin

Tanpa perjuangan

Tanpa pengorbanan

Mulia adanya

Berpeganglah tangan

Satu dalam cita

Demi masa depan:

Indonesia jaya!

PS: I've not been able to translate the song into loose English. If you have any idea, please tell me!

A choir that I dreamed...

You know, for these couple of days somehow I'm dreaming about a choir of my own. Well, not my own in the sense of ownership. The thing that I mean is that, I establish a choir that composed of the best singers I've ever encountered, trained so well and having some concerts. What a dream, are you agree?

Well, not merely concerts. I have a desire that this choir gets itself in hearts of the society, by singing not merely classic songs, but also pop ones. And, I want the choir to contribute something more than just singers. I want this choir to contribute for the good of the society, or even the peace of the world.

Ok, these are the members of this hypothetical choir. I hope, it fate allows, this choir will be established some time in the future, and bring back all the memories of good singing into a new passion for the good of us.

Choir name: unknown, to be determined

Trainer: unknown, to be determined

Conductor: unknown, to be determined

Members:

Sopranos	Altos	Tenors	Basses
Stacia Sabrina Michelle Jennifer Gabriel Sarah Kezia Immanuel Irene Handayuni Nesya Hanna Wijaya Yuanasari	Sherlin Tan Hapsari Cinantya Putri Ganesha Chrysta Dhewie Marsha Permatasari Renata Raissa Michelle Marcella Jennifer	Matthew Hanzel Krisma Adiwibawa Ernest Rene Wilson Limandibrata Jesse Wisesa Jayadipta Detya Perkasa Jeffta Josua Bryan Tanri	Mario Junitin Simorangkir Ramanda Sebastian Arya Pugala Kitti Reinaldo Hutapea Albert Satya Hendro Wijaya

Feels like ever saw such names once or twice? Well, those are my friends in Smukiez Choir, actually. They, well, we, are simply the best singers I've ever encountered in my entire life. I hope, if fate allows, this choir can be made together sometime in the future, singing and dancing for the sake of mankind. Above name list may be expanded too, those names are merely the ones that pass around my mind now. We'll see!

Give some comments about it! xD

PS: I'll keep this post and update it periodically. I just want to keep the hope alive =)

10 Best National Anthems

National anthem | nøʃnəl ˈønθəm |: a solemn patriotic song officially adopted by a country as an expression of national identity (from Oxf0rd New American Dictionary).

National anthem is one particular song that identifies one country all in all. The vision, the message, what clearly defines its country is clearly stated in the national anthem. Actually, instead of focusing merely on the message, national anthems often use bright, great arranging quality, so that everyone who hears the anthem; if they are the citizen, feel so proud of their nations; or if they are not, feel how great is the country.

I am fond of listening to national anthems. and I even able to memorize some national anthems. But from around 200 countries with each of their national anthems, I personally like some of them. Here, I choose 10 which I consider the best.

Let's begin!

1. Indonesia Raya/Great Indonesia (Republic of Indonesia)

Indonesia Raya (National Anthem of Indonesia) -

No kidding, of course I like my own national anthem. I even consider it as the best. It's dynamics, words, melody, simply the best. Composed by Wage Rudolf Supratman, it was first played at the Youth Congress in the year 1928. His 'premier' was considered one of the milestone in Indonesia's struggle for independence.

2. The Star-Spangled Banner (United States of America)

The Star-Spangled Banner (National Anthem of the United States of America) -

This is also a great national anthem, maybe second best to Indonesia Raya. It's words, movement, dynamics, are also great. It was composed by Francis Scott Key, first as a poem; but then rendered into a national anthem. It was passed by the Congress to be USA's national anthem in 1931.

3. Gosudartsvenny Gimn Rossiyskoy Federatsii/Hymn of the Russian Federation (Russian Federation)

Hymn of The Russian Federation (National Anthem of the Russian Federation) - Presidential Orchestra, Pavel Ovsyannikov, cond.

Current Russian national anthem's melody was actually taken from the Soviet's national anthem. It was composed by Sergei Mikhalkov. It aroused controversy in modern Russia, whether it is proper to use a communist nation anthem in a much liberalized nation. This anthem has its own mood: an impression of big, great orchestration is nicely shown in this song.

4. Inno e Marcha Pontificale/Pontifical Hymn and March (Vatican City State)

Inno e Marcha Pontificale (National Anthem of the Vatican City) -

This is one of the longest one-stanza national anthem in the world. Composed by Charles Gounod in 1869, this song is great for its changing mood throughout the whole anthem.

5. La Marseillaise (France)

La Marseillaise (National Anthem of France) -

French Revolution was the single most defining moment in France history. This song was one of their struggle song. Was written by Claude Joseph Rouget de Lisle in the middle of the Revolution, this song represents what happened as foreigners at that time attacked France, and all French are told to hold firm, "Aux armes, citoyens!" (to arms, citizen!)

6. Schweizerpsalm/Swiss Psalm (Switzerland)

Swiss Psalm (National Anthem of the Swiss Federation) - USA Navy Military Band

This maybe the only national anthem in the world which has four official languages: German, French, Italian, and Romansh. Those are four official languages in this federation. Words of this anthem sounds like a Christian song, and reflects the vision that God loves their nation.

7. Yi Yong Jun Jin Xing Qu/March of the Volunteers (People's Republic of China)

March of the Volunteers (National Anthem of the Peoples Republic of China) - New Japan Philharmonic Orchestra

It begins with a famous horn blow and a drum roll, and continues with a highly patriotic song. That's what reflecting from this song. It was written by Nie Er and Tian Han. It also shows China's willing to be a powerful, self-reliant nation. See the first line of the anthem, "Qilai! Buyuan zuo nuli de renmen!" (Arise! All who refuse to be slaves!)

8. Advance Australia Fair (Commonwealth of Australia)

Advance Australia Fair (National Anthem of Australia) - USA Navy Military Band

I don't know why, but I think the words "Australians all let us rejoice, for we are young and free" is not 100% correct; but this is still a very nice song. Sang by Human Nature in the opening of Sydney 2000 Olympic Games, the song was composed by Peter Doods McCornick in 1878. Some alterations was made to this song, and the current version is sung in two stanzas, instead of four.

9. Kimi Ga Yo/May Your Reign Last Forever (Japan)

Kimi Ga Yo (National Anthem of Japan) -

One of the shortest national anthem in the world, according to Wikipedia, this particular anthem always bring some sort of chill to me; because it bears a sense of tradition within its notes. It has only 11 measures and 32 characters. Words came from the Heian period, some 1300 years ago, while melody came from the 19th century, composed by Yoshiisa Osu, Akimori Hayashi, and Franz Eckert.

10. La Marcha Real/The Royal March (Kingdom of Spain)

Marcha Real (National Anthem of Spain) - USA Navy Military Band

To close this list, I put Spanish national anthem here. Spain's national anthem is one of the rare occurrences when its national anthem has no words. It's composer(s) is even unknown. When performed (such as at football matches etc), the song is followed by humming from the crowd, simply silent, or even singing unofficial words made by various people.

That's 10 best national anthems through my personal consideration. Maybe you can try to hear some of them, and feel the mood of the song. =)