JC SYF (Live Thoughts) Part 1/4

Hi all,

I didn't update live 'cause I didn't wanna incur the wrath of the ushers, anw, the following are my live thoughts. It's more or less what I thought at that point, but more polished. The predictions are in no way altered. :) I apologise for any typos. Do let me know if there are any errors. Thanks!


Yishun JC

Bogorod/tse Devo - Sergei Rachmaninoff
Varsha ("Monsoon") - Vanraj Bhatia

Prediction: S
Actual: S

Set piece started off a little flat, and the TBs could have projected for balance. Both the A and Ts could be more focused with their tone. First choice piece had some nice phrasing, but had a couple of pitch errors (As esp). Felt the sound from the Ts could be fuller. Final piece had some split notes, and I didn't really think the piece was executed well (in terms of expressing the intent of the composer) and as such was a tad bland for me. However, overall it was alright and should deserve a silver.


Victoria JC

My Love Dwelt in a Northern Land - Edward Elgar
The Phantom Waltz - Hendrik Hofneyr

Prediction: GwH
Actual: GwH

Sops started the set piece a little flat. Nice phrasing in the piece, but had some pitch problems towards the end. Generally liked the set piece, thought they captured the mood well. The first choice piece, by Elgar, was generally good all-around, but had some pitch errors. Thought the piece could have tugged at one's heart-strings more. The final piece was avant garde. There were a few messy moments and were thus unclear at parts. However, towards the end they got the feel of the waltz. Overall a great performance.

Raffles Institution JC

I thank you God for most this amazing day - Eric Whitacre
Ronde - Maurice Ravel

Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: G

The guys started the set piece a little flat at the starting chord. T were a little too harsh at the middle section, while the As were slightly flat at the end section. They could have made the ending and its chord 'grander'. Overall, pitching, dynamics and phrasing was good. First piece is by Eric Whitacre and is a risky song-choice given its length. The beginning was very musical, however, I personally felt the rest of the sections were a little detached at times and didn't flow quite so organically. There was also a T sticking out at times. However, it was a generally solid performance and very musical. Final piece is technically difficult and the TBs started off a little flat. Diction was also not very clear and there were some pitching errors. They ended sharp. Should be a HG but perhaps GwH if they can forgive the mistakes in Ronde.

Jurong JC

The Blue Bird - Charles Stanford
Street Calls - Leong Yoon Pin

Prediction: CoP
Actual: CoP

First thing I noticed were the gloves. What's up with them? They would have looked perfectly fine without them. Generally for all three pieces, pitching was a major issue. It was especially so for Ts. There was a B who was sticking out and they lacked subtlety in their phrasing. Some of you felt that I was too harsh with my criticism but this was honestly difficult to listen to.

Anglo-Chinese JC

Forvarskvall - David Wikander
Dayo Dayo Kupita - Nilo Alcala

Prediction: HG/ GwH
Actual: GwH

Closing off before the break's ACJC. Overall, having heard them for so many years, I was kinda disappointed, but if one judges objectively without any past preconceptions, they did pretty alright. The set piece had some pitch errors, but my general critique's the tone, which is though homogenous and tight, is slightly airy (all), and lacked depth (men). First piece was generally musical, and had a homogeneous sound, but still some pitch errors. Second piece was alright. Challenging rhythmically but I felt they delivered pretty well but didn't really 'wow' the crowd. There was a tenor sticking out though. Overall, they were well, but as I said, was a little disappointed as I had high expectations of ACJC.