Steinway & Sons

This truely is a piano that cannot be compared to any other.

Renowned for being "The One" amongst many pianists, I finally got a chance to come up close, touch and play on a Steinway - four Steinways actually. A replica of the very first pianoforte ever built by steinway: The No. 1 Steinway (1836).

Then a Steinway square piano made in 1726.

Third was the Wagner Steinway, which Richard Wagner supposed owned one, and the one Listz apparently played. (The model, not the actual piano). And lastly was the Steinway Model B Music Room Grand - which Yong Siew Toh has in every of its music studios.

Because of innovation and tonnes of research on sound quality, Mr Steinway and his sons managed to manufacture a piano that cannot be rivaled up till today. Like bells ringing at every touch of the key, the sound quality of this magnificent instrument definitely stands out. Touch wise, the volume control and feel is just heavenly. Now I understand why its the choice amongst professional pianists.

All this for a piano. And it comes with at a whooping price of $150,000. Thats potentially 3 cars in Singapore.

It has always been a dream to play on a Steinway, and I'm so happy I managed to do so today.

A collage of photos taken, courtesy of Matthew.

"A Steinway is a Steinway, and there is nothing like it in the world" Arthur Rubinstein

Inferior Complexity

We're all in a race.

I shall always strive to do better than before, but never to strive to be the best, cos it's disappointing when you never seem to be anywhere near.

A changed heart

Going to CEFC has really been a tremendous blessing for me. I have been reminded and refreshed of many truths week after week, many things which I have forgotten and taken for granted. Truths which I have lost focus on because of the things and duties of the world, which although I need to do, ought not to be the centre of my attention.

Today's sermon was just right to the point. A reminder of what is the gospel of Jesus Christ. In it's core essence, it's a changed life, through the redemptive power of His love. The part of 'changed life' woked me up. The gospel isn't meant for unbelievers only. It's also meant for believers as well.

A changed life doesn't come from works, programs or church, it can only come from Him. A changed life causes a change in mindset, a change in goals and aspirations. A changed life causes change in outward actions and deeds. But a changed life can also be changed by corruption. Whilst everyone has their own personal struggles and trials that we must all face in this pilgrimage, God does give comfort in His word.

"Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." Hebrews 4:14-16

So prone to wander, so prone to fall. I thank God for the promise of His love, and the faithfulness of His forgiveness, that we can even come boldly before Him. Without them, I'll be lost forever.

everlasting love

Just came back from a wake. My friend's dad passed away.

There are many things in life that can happen unexpectedly -- everyone knows that. Except that, it just often slips our mind when all's going well. Wakes are one thing that brings people who have not seen each other for a long time together. Condolences are passed and support being displayed. People chat and catch up with each other, reminiscing about life. Its definitely not a happy occasion, but you can't expect everyone to look sad right? I just don't get it.

For christians, death means a new life awaiting on the other side. Because of our hope and faith in Jesus, the victory over death has been won. This is the comfort christians can all share. But still, memories of loved ones still lurk around, and that's painful.

"For I am persuaded, that neither death, nor life, nor angels, nor principalities, nor powers, nor things present, nor things to come, nor height, nor depth, nor any other creature, shall be able to separate us from the love of God, which is in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 8:38

The love of God is powerful.

And this verse reassures me. Believe it or not.. I still get afraid of the dark at times, when I'm the last to sleep at night.

Dreams

I have been getting quite alot of dreams of late. In fact, it has been running for the past few consecutive nights. A couple of wierd ones, just that I can't really remember the details. In a particular one, I overturned my dad's car in a crash, probably due to the not-so-nice experience I had at Newton Circle that day. Another where I think I screwed up this semester's exams so badly. Hmm, and there was one the other night where I got 4 As and 1 E.

Back in reality, the nights watching 'House' got me exploring of the option of graduate medical school. (Things a drama can do to you.) It has been my source of motivation lately though. Graduate medical school means an additional 8 years including housemanship after undergraduate studies, which means I'll be 32. But M.D. for biomedical research would be a big plus. Oh, but wait.. I think I need a CAP of say... 4.9? haha. dreams are nice. I'll just see where God leads..

Exams are due in 2 weeks time, but I'm already thinking how to spend this upcoming vacation fruitfully. Was thinking of getting a part time job in some commercial lab, but a friend recommended me to volunteer an attachment with one of the professors. Guess I'll start mass-mailing out my services soon, if anyone wants me. Hopefully I'll find what area I really wanna be into...