Patrick Chan

[TGee]

More Finlandia photos, thanks to littlelithium!

http://3flip3loop.tumblr.com/post/151716232866/its-photo-time-and-this-time-its-patrick-chan

Gotta go update my blog post now!

really interesting....

I am seeing, in this set of photos, both comfortable maturity and recapturing of youthful joy in skating.

 

[4everchan]

ok... i admit it...

I am obsessed.

I have been watching the journey non-stop. There are so many details in the choreography already, yet it's seamless and smooth... Cannot wait to see it when everything is landed.

Now that we have seen the program :

What kind of costume do you see for Patrick here ?

 

[Ayara]

Well, now when I see his LP, I think, that Patrick choose dark colors. I still want to see something white or light in his costume, but... But music is so deep, that methinks it would be dark or gray colors of his shirt.

ok... i admit it...

I am obsessed.

I have been watching the journey non-stop. There are so many details in the choreography already, yet it's seamless and smooth... Cannot wait to see it when everything is landed.

Now that we have seen the program :

What kind of costume do you see for Patrick here ?

 

[vivley]

ok... i admit it...

I am obsessed.

I have been watching the journey non-stop. There are so many details in the choreography already, yet it's seamless and smooth... Cannot wait to see it when everything is landed.

Now that we have seen the program :

What kind of costume do you see for Patrick here ?

A couple of weeks ago I had a vision of him wearing a dark blue-gray shirt... And now you've reminded me to update the costume page, thanks!

How are you integrating this new obsession with your views of the music? Would you still like to write a long (blog) post on Patrick's choice of music this season?

BTW, the composer was very gracious when I tweeted him my comments...: It's really nice to see all the compliments about this LP and the music on Twitter.

Geoblocked link but i hope that anybody can see and shared it


https://svenska.yle.fi/artikel/2016...rldsmastare-oppnade-tavlingssasongen-i-esbo-i

Thanks, Calica! I like this part of the article:

"An exciting and unique partnership between athletes and musicians, allowing for changes in the music during the season's races in case it would be needed."

So true! I'm sure that the music will be adjusted slightly throughout the season to accommodate changes to Patrick's layout.

 

[4everchan]

HEHE

i won't write about musical choices for this season... i just cannot. Being anonymous allows me to be blunt here. I wouldn't have that leisure if I were identifiable and who knows, I wouldn't want anyone including Eric to find out who I am ... it's not impossible nowadays so I prefer to stay quiet

remember one thing : do I like POTO : NO... did i love Patrick's POTO : OMG YES!!!

Do I like Mackie : yes... Do I like bublé's version.: not my favourite... "did i like Patrick's programs to it : not my favourite...

so what I can say here...

is the journey my favourite piece of music : no...
Do i like Patrick's skating to it and Wilson's choreography : masterpiece IMHO.

Patrick is thus, making me LIKE the music like a movie for instance, Amelie, made me like the music of Yann Thiersen


I think my rambling is making sense right? i hope so....

when I think about a costume for patrick here, I think about Eric's LP costume... i'd like something like that funny, maybe it's because I am thinking about Eric.

gray would be nice. I'd like patrick in tights with a flowy shirt

 

[calica]

So cute
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-u7iuKCneJY

 

[calica]

Nothing new but always is good read about him:

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pair-skating-and-ice-dance/news/2016/10/feature-patrick-chan

 

[Violet Bliss]

Nothing new but always is good read about him:

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pair-skating-and-ice-dance/news/2016/10/feature-patrick-chan

Au contraire, I find new and very reassuring insights into his mindset this season, a little explanation of his split with Kathy, as well as where he's at technically in his training and what to expect for Skate Canada. I'm looking forward to his GP debut as well as the new season with excitement.

Thank you calica for bringing this article.

Worth noting especially for 4everchan,

P: The long program is composed by Eric Radford. A lot of people don’t know that he plays piano. He has achieved the highest level of certification in Canada, the World Conservatory of Music, he’s a master pianist. We were at a reception and there was a piano in the lobby and he started playing. I said, ‘this music is amazing, who is it and what is it’ and he said ‘I wrote what I’m playing’. The minute I heard it I could picture myself skating to it. That’s how it started. It’s still a work in progress. After he finished his short program, Eric is talking about my program. He is such a caring person. He said, ‘I was listening to your long program the other day and I noticed there is a section I can give it a little more depth and little more base’. I was like ‘that’s perfect. I’m glad you hear that and I agree. Now that you mention it I can hear it’. So it’s going to be changing. I think the music will change as the year goes on, which is exciting. That’s the advantage of having a friend who is the composer. He can constantly evolve the music. It’s amazing, because no one else is doing that and I do it, because I want to and it gives me joy and excitement. I think Eric deserves that kind of recognition, beyond his skating he deserves recognition for how genius he is when it comes to composing. There are not many people in the world who can compose music and also be a high level athlete. That is two very different industries, and he is able to do both. He knows the rhythm of skating and you can hear it in the music. When David (Wilson) and I choreographed the program it really was choreographing itself, on section after the other. Maybe he (Eric) didn’t do it on purpose, consciously, but maybe subconsciously, because he is a skater. He actually has been a single skater. So maybe subconsciously, the piece just came out naturally for a skater.

How special is that!

 

[vivley]

Back after a crazy Friday...

HEHE

i won't write about musical choices for this season... i just cannot. Being anonymous allows me to be blunt here. I wouldn't have that leisure if I were identifiable and who knows, I wouldn't want anyone including Eric to find out who I am ... it's not impossible nowadays so I prefer to stay quiet

is the journey my favourite piece of music : no...
Do i like Patrick's skating to it and Wilson's choreography : masterpiece IMHO.

So are you saying that someone would be able to identify you if you just gave your opinion on the music without revealing any details about your personal life? E.g., if you were to guest blog, I would just put "4everchan is a professional musician," for the opening bio.

But very well, just know that you have a standing invitation to guest blog if you like.

Nothing new but always is good read about him:

http://www.isu.org/en/single-and-pair-skating-and-ice-dance/news/2016/10/feature-patrick-chan

Good information, and I feel bad for Kathy, knowing that they had such a close relationship and she is still having a hard time with the split. But I'm happy for Patrick that he is in a much happier training environment - one that will help him in every way. Whereas before he was training alone, now he has a family to train with!

Also, the article confirms what I said earlier - that the LP music will change and evolve throughout the season. It's already a hit with many FS fans, so I think Eric should sell it on iTunes (people are already asking).

 

[4everchan]

Au contraire, I find new and very reassuring insights into his mindset this season, a little explanation of his split with Kathy, as well as where he's at technically in his training and what to expect for Skate Canada. I'm looking forward to his GP debut as well as the new season with excitement.

Thank you calica for bringing this article.

Worth noting especially for 4everchan,


How special is that!

Well two things :

1)
The level of certification of Eric is the ARCT from the Royal Conservatory which is definitely NOT the highest level in Canada it's simply the highest offered from the RCM and it's equivalent to a level entry into a bachelor's of music in performance. This doesn't mean Eric is not good it just means that it's not the highest level of performance and mastery a musician/pianist can get in Canada... Seriously, Patrick here, you disappoint me anybody with a bachelors in piano performance goes through much more refined and advanced training than Eric did, and let's not talk about graduate degrees

2) Well, didn't I say that it was like Eric was composing the piece ON the Choreography ? I felt that was happening already so I guess I was somewhat right I am not surprised to read these words because that's why, even if I am not a fan of this type of music, I feel that the piece is perfect for Patrick and perfect as a LP. It is organically composed with someone's needs in mind rather than chosen to fit an agenda.

I think Patrick's LP is one of the most satisfying programs built in many years. I just cannot wait to see it with everything in it and perfectly executed. It's a program people will still be looking at 30-40 years from now.

 

[4everchan]

Back after a crazy Friday...



So are you saying that someone would be able to identify you if you just gave your opinion on the music without revealing any details about your personal life? E.g., if you were to guest blog, I would just put "4everchan is a professional musician," for the opening bio.

But very well, just know that you have a standing invitation to guest blog if you like.



Good information, and I feel bad for Kathy, knowing that they had such a close relationship and she is still having a hard time with the split. But I'm happy for Patrick that he is in a much happier training environment - one that will help him in every way. Whereas before he was training alone, now he has a family to train with!

Also, the article confirms what I said earlier - that the LP music will change and evolve throughout the season. It's already a hit with many FS fans, so I think Eric should sell it on iTunes (people are already asking).

I think that there are ways to find out with collected information here and there. and while sharing more and more detailed knowledge to give substance to a blog, something worthy of what a professional musician would write, it could narrow things down...

For instance, I was given the opportunity to write musical reviews for online blogs. I refused. I am still a very active musician so I cannot review peers without risking conflict of interest. I feel that a post by me about Patrick's musical choices is perhaps not the proper way to contribute... however, i am happy to discuss things in a very informal manner, without doing a thorough analysis

I feel that some other people will be very happy to discuss the music, they did last year with the Chopin

If the music goes for sale, youtube will mute it... it will have tools to recognize it... please Eric, don't

 

[Violet Bliss]

Now that Patrick is not getting custom designed costumes, he goes get himself custom designed music for his competitions. :2thumbs:

A connaisseur always finds his way.

 

[4everchan]

Now that Patrick is not getting custom designed costumes, he goes get himself custom designed music for his competitions. :2thumbs:

A connaisseur always finds his way.

many skaters can get custom design outfits...

not many skaters can do justice to custom design music.

 

[TGee]

Now that Patrick is not getting custom designed costumes, he goes get himself custom designed music for his competitions. :2thumbs:

A connaisseur always finds his way.

I feel a bit out of the loop....sincerely, do we really know that custom designed costumes are not in the future?

Uhm, I think you have it right that Patrick and Marina are two connaisseurs. If they have a concept of what a costume needs to be to reach their vision, they'll hunt it down and or have it created.

 

[4everchan]

the SP used to be his Ex number so it's normal too, that they would choose to work on that because Patrick knows it inside out. I agree that there's some work to do on the LP but I don't think it will change much. I think that Wilson's choreography is just right this year. It was perhaps a bit too much and ambitious in the Chopin, yet Patrick delivered... but here, it suits the music.

I have to say I am pleasantly surprised (however, sorry Eric... music is okay when listening but totally not memorable and I have listened to it 3 times already)

I have written a detailed post of my impressions in the finlandia thread... if you want to read it... i just don't want to cross post too much..

Mango I think that we will have some surprises with the layout...

1) the 4t-3t is probably the first jumping pass... Patrick had a rough landing, couldn't tag the 3t... REFOCUSED (which was great to see) and nailed the 3A beautifully...
2) of course, we all expect the 3S to be a placeholder for the 4S... which will have some consequences in the layout later one.
3) I wasn't surprised to see Patrick fall on the 4T... but a bit disappointed it was UR....however, I think it's because he was perhaps thinking too much about having to tag a combo to it...
4) REFOCUSED and landed another super 3A... His 3As for me, was the highlight of his program so early in the season.. May the 3A prevail all year!
Loop... fine...

LUTZ... i am sure that this is supposed to be his last combo jump...

Once again, I think Patrick lost focus thinking too much... he had the opportunity to do 3Lz-3T this time... (or even 3Lz-3T-2tor2l)

but of course, the landing with the touch down meant no combo.

In the ideal world Patrick by then will have landed 4T-3T, 4S, 3A-2t...

His options will then be

3Lz-2t-2l like last season OR 3Lz-1/2L-3S like in the Olympic season.

Finally, since he messed the combo on the 3Lz, this time around he probably thought about tagging it onto the 3F but then lost focus obviously and perhaps was tired...

I really don't expect him to have a 3 jump combo right at the end like this...




Comparing Patrick to his main competitors...

We haven't seen Javi yet but I would think that Javi will have a 3 quad layout. If he does 4 quads, he will have to take out a 3A... which is not a great option in terms of risk and reward.

Yuzu is presenting a 4quad 2 3A program. In terms of base value, he is pretty much doing the same layout as Patrick EXCEPT that the 3Loop is for Yuzu, a 4 Loop. This gives him about 7-8 points advantage. However, some of the levels for other elements could close the gap. In the end, Patrick is closing the gap this year if both go clean, compared to last year.

So, the LP is not the main issue. I would say that it's the SP that could be deciding since Patrick doesn't have two quads in it, and his competitors do.

Final words : Patrick's skating in this new LP is unique. It's introverted yet deep with emotion. It's gorgeously flowing across the ice. It has many nice steps that go with the music perfectly. It's as if Patrick had been skating on the ice, and Eric had matched his music to his skating, music being written AFTER the choreography. I think we need to see this program skated cleanly and I beg the skating gods to give us at least ONE during the season.. with or without 4S ... I couldn't care less... I just need to have a program to go to, like I do with the 4cc Chopin, or the TEB vivaldi

see 4everchan knows it all LOL jk LOL always wanted to quote myself lol

 

[4everchan]

I feel a bit out of the loop....sincerely, do we really know that custom designed costumes are not in the future?

Uhm, I think you have it right that Patrick and Marina are two connaisseurs. If they have a concept of what a costume needs to be to reach their vision, they'll hunt it down and or have it created.

not from the same designer though... they had a deal until 2014

 

[Violet Bliss]

I feel a bit out of the loop....sincerely, do we really know that custom designed costumes are not in the future?

Whereas Patrick had Tuly to research, design, and custom tailor his costumes from 2009 up to the Sochi Olympics, he now has a contract with a large sportswear company to supply his outfits. I didn't see any special design for him last season. While Tuly did some exclusive, quirky yet elegant costumes for him, with haute couture touches yet constructed for skating, Patrick tends to pick out simple and basic clothes when left to his own choosing. Custom designed costumes in the future? Maybe after the next Olympics

Program music, OTOH, I can see him being very selective, particular, and meticulous about. Now he can custom tweak the music with Eric. What a wonderful collaboration!

I haven't commented so much on his skating this season because I don't know yet what words to use. It's simply up another level in a league way up there by himself, with these new programs yet to be polished and seasoned. I totally understood when 4everchan said he was obsessed with them. The skater composed music may have something to do with it.

 

[4everchan]

^^ obsessed is a light word...

Patrick has reached a new level, the level he was aiming to reach when he came back...

 

[Violet Bliss]

It's as if Patrick had been skating on the ice, and Eric had matched his music to his skating, music being written AFTER the choreography.

Whether or not you quoted yourself, 4verchan, I remember this statement from you very well even though I did not respond to your post. As I said, I haven't put my mind to how to describe Patrick's skating as exhibited in his new programs. After all, the real skating season hasn't even begun and who knows how good these programs will get to be?

I was impressed by your statement as from a musician's perspective that I wouldn't have been able to put in such a sentence. Now its aptness has even been officially veriified by Patrick himself!

As a NLP practitioner, you probably would agree Eric's music is a gift from the Universe manifested by Patrick's current state of mind - confident, eager yet relaxed and at ease. As he is fully aligned within himself, circumstances are aligned for him without and will continue to be if he keeps the inner focus and peace. We can see now his troubles last seasons went with his outward focus on others. Turmoils within were met with turmoils without, with all those unexpected events negatively affecting the competition outcomes even as he was physically prepared.

It was right for him to return last season to deal with all the mental obstacles so there is now a fresh new Patrick. I have great expectations for him this season and hope that his experiences will support and re-enfore his positive mindset to culminate in a life peak in 2018.

 

[4everchan]

Bliss,

You are reading my mind I think that we could all feel the nerves and fear in Patrick's return skates last year. Somehow, for Skate Canada, he managed to find the zone but IMHO, the comeback period wasn't over. Unfortunately, he didn't have a chance to skate his LP at TEB and GPF was on and off. So I would say that he started to build on his confidence from 4CC on, and we could feel that at worlds but it wasn't yet fully grounded.

Just with the early skates this season, Patrick's words and attitude are showing something of a mature athlete and (dare I say?) performing artist. Both these pieces have extremely deep sources for Patrick, sources hydrating his heart with love and peace. Skating to the music his parents love, and skating to the music of a friend he loves, and that on top of that, was written specifically for him, after he heard little bits of it. This is a special opportunity for Patrick, one that sometimes happens once in a lifetime. A gift from the universe, as you say perfectly well. For having performed pieces written for me, I understand how special that state of mind is: it gives one freedom, nobody can dispute the authenticity and uniqueness of a performance when you're the first one to ever give it. Perhaps Patrick feels that in The Journey, he is himself, truly himself, without worries about other skaters and their performances, without thinking about what other skaters have done on the same music. It is a very empowering state from which Patrick could develop huge belief in himself, in his strength in his dedication to his sport and art.

I know the programs are in progress and will change. However, I think that they exude immense ease of feeling and joy in the SP and deep love and peace in the LP. I am just beyond myself and I hope to see them performed better and better as the season gets going. I am almost wishing he weren't planning to add the 4S at this point but of course I definitely support him to do so and gain some of the ground he needs to gain in BV.

I just bought tickets for Nationals. I just had to. I feel Patrick's (and Eric and David) Journey is one of those programs that people will talk about for generations way beyond ours.