Little Music Note

March 13th, 2010 by Reb

Choi Siwon （崔始源）, one of my favourite singer of all time. At the age of 23, he’s already become known world-wide along with the group that raised him – Super Junior.

Most people see him as a singer, actor, celebrity, a rich kid, a person with good manner, notable family background…

But I see him as more than that.

I see him as a devoted Christian, fighting to live in the world of impossible, believing that he could make a difference in the dark and twisted entertainment industry. He overcame all the obstacles in his life to be in this place for the exact reasons. When he stepped into this field against parent’s will, he claimed: “I want to make a difference”. More than once he has mentioned in writing that he would love to know the names of fans who needs prayer so he can mention their names in his prayer. Four years of mocking and disapproval he received from everyone around him, he didn’t grow apart from God; he didn’t give up on his faith. Instead, he sang Who Am I (By Casting Crowns) at Super Show II – one of the most important concerts of SJ’s celebrity path.

He is not the lead singer among the 13 members of SJ, thus he does not get many solo chances. In fact, I believe this was the first time he had a chance to perform live solo piece by himself. As a pop star in Korea, if you don’t use the chances that are presented to you wisely, you will be replaced, very fast. He could have used this chance to really show the world how talented he is, or prepared something that is considered “popular”.

But he chose to use 1 keyboard, 5 friends, and his own voice to glorify God.

It is as simple as that. Everyone sings, everyone knows how to sing. What would you be doing other than singing?!

But he just sang, and sang the words to the world – Who am I, that the Lord of all the Earth, would care to know my name…

On top of that, he was singing a Christian worship song in China. It is one thing to be singing it in Korea, because Christianity is much more tolerated there; He sang it in all three cities in China – BeiJing, NanJing, ShangHai. I could imagine how much courage it must have took for him to fight for this chance.

I believe these were words from his heart. He knows he can make a difference by standing on that stage and singing these words to fans who loves SJ and loves him. This is his way of spreading the gospel to people around him. These are the words he want everyone to know:

Who am I, that the Lord of all the earth
Would care to know my name
Would care to feel my hurt
Who am I, that the Bright and Morning Star
Would choose to light the way
For my ever wandering heart
Not because of who I am
But because of what You’ve done
Not because of what I’ve done
But because of who You are
I am a flower quickly fading
Here today and gone tomorrow
A wave tossed in the ocean
Vapor in the wind
Still You hear me when I’m calling
Lord, You catch me when I’m falling
And You’ve told me who I am
I am Yours, I am Yours
Who am I, that the eyes that see my sin
Would look on me with love and watch me rise again
Who am I, that the voice that calmed the sea
Would call out through the rain
And calm the storm in me
I am Yours
Whom shall I fear
Whom shall I fear
‘Cause I am Yours
I am Yours

This song has special meanings for me, because it kept my faith during my dark days. When something really important was gone, or maybe never existed, it comforted me. It reminded me that I am His; no matter what happens, He will look His work.

When the song ended, Siwon said a prayer: “Dear Father God…In Jesus’s name, Amen. 神祝福你们 (God Bless you all)”.

This is the story of Siwon standing firmly on a popular celebrity stage in front of the whole world. With millions of people watching his every move, judging everything he say and do, he and his Christian friends from SJ – DongHae, SungMin, RyeoWook, EunHyuk, KyuHyun gave an inspiring performance while telling the world how PROUD they are to be God’s children.

Although he is not the lead singer that does everything perfectly, and although he didn’t get the cheer and applause he would’ve got if he did something that was more familiar for the audience. He was strong enough to tell the world about God’s love, because he knows what his purpose is.

The Lord works in mysterious ways doesn’t He; Don’t ever lose Faith! ^^

March 12th, 2010 by Reb

Here’s a recording from a while ago, playing the same piece: Beethoven’s Pathetique Sonata, by Sharon.

This was during a piano lesson one day preparing for her annual “mini-concert”. So it wasn’t a prepared recording, but she did an awesome job!

PS: Sorry about the shakiness, she wasn’t suppose to know I was recording or else she will get nervous =D

Good job girl! ^^

March 6th, 2010 by Reb

I decided to upload this clip because I am extremely proud of my little students.

Here’s Olivia’s attempt at Beethoven’s Pathétique Sonata 2nd Movement. She has only been playing piano for little more than 1 year. So this was a tough piece for her to accomplish, but she did an amazing job!

PS: This is a modified version of Pathetique so it’s only the first 1/3 of the original piece and is simplified for younger players.