Beautiful program! Mao's channelling a bit of Michelle Kwan here -- I mean that as a sincere compliment.
Beautiful program! Mao's channelling a bit of Michelle Kwan here -- I mean that as a sincere compliment.
Actually it is one of the most beloved graceful hymn used 'patriotically' to show remorse, stoicism and determination against adversity in solidarity and servitude in Britain. It is also practically Britain's national hymn taught to every child at a young age and we used to sing it at least once a week at morning assemblies. Given the words and the circumstances it was written just after 1st world war, it is a song for healing, memorial for the dead soldiers and tribute to them.Originally Posted by goldenpleasures
I had initial weird feeling reading it was used for a Japanese tsunami charity performance due to familiarity of the song because it is just so 'British', but after watching Mao's performance, I have to say I love it!
It was just beautifully done, Mao at her luminous best and one of the most emotionally connected skate I have seen from her for a while. Even her costume works (!) The message of the song is delivered beautifully - well done Mao!
Last edited by os168; 08-01-2011 at 09:44 PM.
I know what you mean, os168. I always associated it with Britain, and I was surprised to learn that Mao had skated to it. But when you see the lyrics written out, you realize that it can be the expression of love for any country. How creative of the person or people who came up with the idea! Add to this that the music itself is beautiful whether performed with the lyrics or in the symphonic form Holst created in "Jupiter" (always my favorite section of The Planets).
Elsewhere on another thread, we're talking about whether skating to vocal music is ever warranted, or whether the lyrics are a distraction. Of course it's a matter of personal preference. But I'd use this program as an example of the power that vocal music can have in certain circumstances.
I was thinking exactly the same! Such a beautiful program from Mao and very "Kwanish"Beautiful program! Mao's channelling a bit of Michelle Kwan here -- I mean that as a sincere compliment.
It is certainly not taught to every young child now. Maybe it was when you were a child, but it was never taught to me or my contemporaries. I didn't know the music until I developed an interest in classical music, and I learned about the hymn subsequently. Things have changed.
Actually you might be right, but it depends on if you went to private, grammar or public schools (UK elite boys schools), but even that they taught at selected state schools. In my old school and my brother's they are certainly still singing them during morning assemblies along with other well known British hymns. In anycase, to say it is not a patriotic hymn is just plainly wrong since it was written as one, what you may feel about it personally nowdays is another issue.
Last edited by os168; 08-02-2011 at 07:26 AM.
Very Kwanish with the spread eagles, flying camels, use of the spirals and movement and musicality.
I think she is perfect for this style!
Funny. So many of them suddenly claims Asada belongs to Kween's heirloom.
So many of who?Funny. So many of them suddenly claims Asada belongs to Kween's heirloom.
Them. You really don't get it?
No.
The Jupiter program is indeed beautifully skated by Mao. Elegant, fluid, and light. Excellent.
Mao's new program is so beautiful.
When Mao is not forced to skate for points her freeskating can seem reminscent of Janet and Michelle.
But Mao seems quite unique to me and I think her style is her own and does not need to be compared with the great expressive skaters of the past.
Last edited by janetfan; 08-02-2011 at 11:37 AM.
I don't think Mao is being compared to those skaters as much as she's being associated with them. Like Kwan and Lynn, Asada's skating transports many of us out of the everyday and into some higher realm where music becomes visible. When I see a program like this, delivered the way Mao delivers it, I think that this is what skating is for, and that I'm so lucky to be a fan of skating.
In that sense she is like Kwan to me, but not because she in any way skates like Kwan.
Exactly. That's how I feel too.
It helps the resemblance that her beginning cross-foot spin and final pose were classic Kwan moves, and that lovely spread eagle of course. But physically and stylistically, she is softer and more flexible than Kwan (though they both have good lines and extension). What they most have in common is musicality and expressiveness. I feel like Mao has really matured in this piece, more sure/confident of herself than ever. Michelle Kwan was a performance prodigy. Even at 15, she had total confidence in her ability to hold the audience captivated and enthralled, to take them on an emotionally journey with her -- no hesitation, no doubt, no aloofness. Even if she made mistakes, you didn't feel like the "spell" was broken.
I feel like Mao is finally at that level of performance with this exhibition. She made very light of the stumble she had on the footwork. I hope that she can bring this level of skating to her competitions too!
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