man and machine ~

The cello is a wonderful music instrument. To me, at least. I still remember the moment I held the first cello, which eventually became my very first cello. The smell of the wood, the surface of the finger board and the feel of the cello strings. Then there's the bow - a simple piece of wood with horse hair. From that moment on, I knew in my heart it was going to be a start of a very long relationship between man and machine.

I am blogging via mobile while on my way for a gigue in Alor Setar. As I am on the road, it becomes a good time to just watch the road go by and have some flashback moments.

I still remember clearly trying to play my first few notes. It was definitely tougher than it looked despite the fact that I already have music knowledge from learning the piano. But whe i finally got the basic notes right, the sound of the cello was simply amazing. It was bold yet gentle. It was strong yet refine. Simply amazing!

Till this day, many people ask me, "Why the cello?". No particular specific reason per say and quite honestly I really think it was love at first sight. But the first thing, one word i can use to describe the cello - "personal". The very moment the cello is placed between my legs and i let it lay on my chest, it's just so similar to hugging a teddy bear. I can easily wrap my arms around the cello. To me, because I am so physically close to the instrument, it's like being able to speak thru the music i make by playing the cello. It's like being emotionally connected to the cello.That's as personal as music can get.

Although i started off my music education on the piano, the cello quickly became my major instrument. That's just goes to show how close i am to my cello.

As i am travelling up north for this gigue, i am all excited to perform. Not because i want to show off my skills but i want to show people what the cello is all about. Man and machine in harmony...... a machine not that of speed, power or design but a machine that of audible beauty.