English Blog

My Spanish Study 1/24/11 January 25, 2011

With Mr. Santa’s generosity, I got a fancy Spanish language program which I can study myself. It is well made with computer program and supportive CDs we can study in the car. So far I am using this program during my lunch time if I eat myself. 1 hour is good period. It is really […]

A Movie – Rabbit Hole 1/23/11 January 25, 2011

It is about the couple who lost a young son with a car accident, and they go through a horrible struggle. Nicole Kidman does a great job, and the story is very touching. The picture is beautiful, but somehow it seems the story is little shallow. It seems unrealistic. Is it the reason this movie […]

Dudamel and LA Phil, Mahler No. 9 1/15/11 January 16, 2011

LA Phil is preparing to go on to the European Tour starting next Tuesday 1/18. Prior to their tour they have been performing their 2 tour programs. OF course Dudamel conducts Mahler without the score. It is about a 80 minutes long symphony. This piece is just gorgeous and beautiful. It gives us musical universe. The […]

2011 Happy New Year 1/3/11 January 3, 2011

I hope everyone is starting a year 2011 wonderfully. I successfully came back from a family visit in midwest on a new year day without any delay or cancellation. That is already a BIG accomplishment in those days. On Sunday January 2nd, I attended 2 parties, one at the Council general of Japan’s official house […]

J. S. Bach: Mass in F Major, BMV 233 at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles 12/26/10 December 27, 2010

I went to listen Bach’s Mass in F Major for Christmas worship at First Congregational Church of Los Angeles. I mentioned about this church before during their Bach Festival. This church has a long history of great music making. Some churches are going for more casual direction, like a community center in these days, and I found it […]

A Movie – Lisztmania 12/26/10 December 27, 2010

I saw “Lisztmania” when I hosted a party in Houston. One of guests brought it and we watched together. I remember we totally enjoyed it with some drinks. I just wanted to remind myself how silly it is. So I watched it again. It is very 70’s! I mean it is really. There are a […]

A Movie – Tampopo 12/23/10 December 24, 2010

I watched Tampopo on DVD at home. I love this movie, and have seen it for several times. It was produced by Juzo Itami in 1986. If you have seen Japanese animation movies and Kurosawa movies, please try this one. Are you interested in Japanese food? You will enjoy this movie. Tampopo changed the style of […]

A Movie – Shoot the Piano Player 12/22/10 December 23, 2010

I watched DVD of this movie tonight. As you guess, this is a foreign film (to me). The director is François Truffaut. Oh well– I found this DVD in the closet while I was cleaning up last week. I guess my husband bought this movie to avoid shooting me. It was still wrapped. It is […]

Violin Dreams by Arnold Steinhardt 11/15/10 November 15, 2010

I am reading a book “Violin Dreams” by Arnold Steinhardt. He writes about his parents as Jewish. It is very touching, and the music in their lives has been deeply attached to their long history. Mr. Steinhardt writes “Jews believed that only music could give these prayers wings strong enough to deliver them to God.” […]

Bicentennial Celebration Concert for Chopin and Schumann 11/9/10 November 9, 2010

It was a beautiful fall day to play a noontime concert at Occidental College. The night before, we had a rain and we woke up with a fresh air and blue sky. Perfect! The theme of the concert was 2 Bicentennial composers, Frédéric Chopin (1810-1849) and Robert Schumann (1810-1856). Occidental College has a cozy performance venue, […]