Word of the week series:2

This series of articles were taken from the newspaper website, http://www.themetrunuitimes.com/ It was formerly known as The Mata Nui Times. Following recent events, the newpaper has started to extend to other places, creating franchises such as The Bara Magna Times and so on. The website is widely regarded as the state-sponsored propaganda arm of Makuta Teridax. In fact, one fo the main Imperium newspapers, the 'Terra Times', went as far as to comment that "this newspaper and its contents are so heretical that even calling it so would be an insult to real heretics." Despite this, it is known that members of the Imperium, ranging from the Adeptus Astartes (or Space Marines) to Inquisition officials to even some High Lords of Terra (like the Adeptus Mechanicus Fabricator-General) are known to subscribe to this electronic newsletter due to some of its weekly specials. Recently however, due to some events during the Reign of Shadows, publication of articles were disrupted and suspended indefinitely for quite a while, and have only just resumed. Head editor of the newspaper, Tanma, has apologised, blaming it on "anarchists, arsonists and apostates" who are "out to destroy the Great Spirit, His Greatness Makuta Teridax, and therefore precipitate a drop in the shares of this respected newspaper company". The articles are regularly contributed by various contributors from all sources, irregardless of time, universe and even dimension.

As noted before, all the following words generally apply to the NJC Music Programme and Piano Ensemble, better known as the Scholotoire, although other people are quite welcome to try using them. They generally pertain to events, people and stuff of the Scholotoire.

Today's word of the week:
Thuzadian [adj. thoo-za-dee-ern] 3 Dictionary Results

-adjective

1. NJC Music Programme Having an immense craving, desire, and hunger for any kind of music knowledge. When one is in the Scholotoire, one is expected to have a thirst for information on music that borders on the Thuzadian. This means being willing to listen to all the 20th century music in the library, sight-reading all the Bach inventions, and reading all the notes given to you by the General. - Unknown
2. NJC Music Programme Being exceptionally knowledgeable on information and facts concerning anything about music, such as composition, history and aural perception. Few Pianifexes or even Primoris Liches can match the mind of General Kiakas. His knowledge is downright Thuzadian. He seems to know every musical work and composer, especially the 20th and 21th century ones which many music students are ignorant of, such as Ligeti, Boulez and Stockhausen. - High Pianifex Gayle
3. NJC Music Programme, Archaic Having an unusual and often obsessive interest in music knowledge that is forbidden or otherwise anathema to Scholotoire consciousness. I would regard an obsession with pop-music as particularly Thuzadian. Beware that you are not ensnared by such wiles of the Heresy. - Then Primoris Lich, Saint Andrew

Source:
Warcraft: Reign of Chaos, Frozen Throne, and World of Warcraft. Derived from the eponymous archmage-turned-necromancer-turned-lich in the story, Kel'Thuzad. Already very knowledgeable, powerful and respected in life, he pledged his soul and service to one of the main antagonists in Warcraft, the Lich King, in return gaining more knowledge and power (hence the meanings behind the words). Kel’Thuzad has an exemplary service record to his new employer, helping to develop and spearhead the Undead Scourge’s invasion of Lordaeron. His CIP record is laudable as well, having helped to develop a school (the Scholomance) as well as providing a spiritual and theological counseling service for human beings. Currently, he resides in the floating necropolis of Naxxramas, where he helps to defend his employer’s domains against the invading armies of the Horde and Alliance. Possessing a doctorate in Necromancy, as well as an honorary professorship from the Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music in Piano Performance and Composition, Kel’Thuzad spends his free time playing and conducting in several chamber orchestras.

Contributor:
Ras Frostwhisper, Overseer of the Scholomance

Happy birthday Shostakovich!

Well, his birthday was yesterday, really.

And happy birthday Gershwin!

Advertisement: Upcoming NJC Music Programme Tannhauser Production

This was found on the website of the newspaper, The Metru Nui Times, at http://www.themetrunuitimes.com/. It was formerly known as the Mata Nui Times by readers and observers. The website has a section where upcoming art and music events are displayed for the public's knowledge. In playing the widely acknowledeged role of being Makuta Teridax's propaganda arm, it constantly touts these advertisements as 'benefits sent by the Beloved Leader for the Greater Good'.

As follows:


'TANNHAUSER PRODUCTION NOW ON DVD!

Opera lovers can now purchase their own copy of the NJC Music Programme's production of Wagner's opera, Tannhauser, at any good music store in Metru Nui! Widely acclaimed by music critics universe-wide, this production is bound to amaze and delight at every turn. Its contains various post-modernistic techniques to convey the Programme's own interpretation of the Great Wagnerian Classic. Conducted by the acclaimed General Kiakas, this opera production is a must-see for all opera lovers!

Tannhauser:

Roles of the Opera:

(Heinrich) Tannhauser
A musician and a member of the Scholotoire: Dominic


Elisabeth
The Pianifex's niece: Shou Jin


Wolfram von Eschenbach
A musician, Tannhauser's best mate and a member of the Scholotoire: Shou Yu


Herrmann
Pianifex of the Scholotoire and Elisabeth's uncle: Andrew


Walther von der Vogelweide
A musician and member of the Scholotoire: Chester


Biterolf
A musician and member of the Scholotoire: Liang Jie


A young shepherd girl: Julienne


Pilgrims
Penitents hoping to seek redemption:

Kang Ming

Dennis
Wei Ye
Ying Xuan
Josephine
Yi Jing

Ladies of the Scholotoire
Talented musicians:

Xiang Yi
Gayle
Erin
Liu Min
Lichen
Audrey
Deirdre
Kelly
And:
Rachel, Christina and Irene as guest stars.

Three Charites:
Audrina
Esther
Vivian

With Cleon Tan as Venus,

Master of the Venusberg as well as a Music Professor.

Production Director: Phoon Yu

Played by the Metru Nui Philharmonic conducted by General Kiakas

Sypnosis of the Opera (in 3 Acts):

ACT 1:
Place: The Venusberg

Following the solo ballet, Tannhauser, a willing captive of Venus, realizes that despite the pleasures that Venus can offer, he is already tired of these and wishes to return to the mortal world. Venus is greatly displeased despite his praise and passionate pleas for release and condemns him for his fickle-mindedness, saying that one day; he will ask to return to the Venusberg. He tries to charm him again, but Tannhauser invokes the name of General Kiakas as his ‘salvation’. These words release him from Venus’s hold and send him back to the real world, where he lies motionless in the mud. It is springtime; a shepherd girl sings an ode to Spring and a group of pilgrims passes him by. He is eventually found by the Pianifex and his companions, Wolfram, Walther and Biterolf. The group tries to persuade Tannhauser to go back with them, but he refuses. Wolfram then points out that his love song (previously he had fled because he was bested in a singing competition) has won him the heart of Elisabeth, the Pianifex’s niece, and Tannhauser then joyfully agrees to go back with them.

ACT 2:
Place: The Music Room of the Scholotoire.

Elisabeth has been living retired from the world since Tannhauser’s departure. When she hears that he is back, she joyfully agrees to be present at a contest of song. Wolfram then leads Tannhauser to her, where they have a little reunion. The guests then arrive for the singing competition, received by the Pianifex and Elisabeth. Wolfram starts first, saying that love is like a pure stream, which should never be troubled. Tannhauser hotly replies that love should be in the pleasure of the senses, despite everyone supporting Wolfram. The other singers sing along the lines of Wolfram, and Tannhauser replies separately to them, before, in a fit of passion, he sings a love song praising Venus and says the infamous line, that if anyone is to discover true love, he is to “make haste, make haste, to the Venusberg!”

The congregation reacts in horror, the Ladies leave and the remaining members set upon Tannhauser, with Biterolf being the biggest denouncer, until Elisabeth defends Tannhauser and says that he should be given a shot at redemption. The others are doubtful, but since Tannhauser has expressed his penitence, the Pianifex agrees, expelling Tannhauser on pain of death from the Scholotoire grounds until the President of the Student Council has granted him salvation.

ACT 3:
Place: Elysium Fields

An autumn scene. Elisabeth has been praying for Tannhauser that he might seek redemption, with Wolfram observing. The Pilgrims return redeemed, and Elisabeth searches for Tannhauser among them, but in vain. She then decides to return back to the Scholotoire. Wolfram stays on in the field, before spotting another pilgrim in torn garments. When he goes to investigate, he is shocked to discover that it is Tannhauser, and reminds the latter that he is not to be near the Scholotoire on pain of death. He then asks Tannhauser about his story, who first refuses to reply, then decides to tell it. It turns out that Tannhauser, in his penitence, decides to carry out extra acts of penance, more so than a regular pilgrim. When he reaches Rome, he meets the President, hoping to get forgiveness. However, the President lambasts him and says that, “For indulging in the pleasures of the Venusberg, you shall be perpetually damned in the fires of hell” as surely as the President’s staff “cannot sprout leaves.” Tannhauser curses the forgiven pilgrims and, in despair, calls on Venus to take him back. Wolfram quails in terror, and Venus appears, to Tannhauser’s delight. He agrees to forgive Tannhauser for his infidelity and welcomes him back. Wolfram then notices a bier bearing Elisabeth’s corpse and calls out the name of Elisabeth, permanently breaking Venus’s hold over Tannhauser. Tannhauser rushes to the corpse, collapsing with the words, “Holy Elisabeth, pray for me.” A young pilgrim enters ahead of his fellows and says that the President’s staff has sprouted leaves, a sign that Tannhauser has finally gotten divine redemption.

Praise for Tannhauser by the NJC Music Programme:
"Good Stuff!"--Makuta Teridax

"All for praise!"--The Metru Nui Times

"A great production. Surely no opera lover can miss this as much as no one can miss the Great Journey."--The High Charity Times

"One that rivals the Greater Good in distinction."--The T'au Chronicle

"Bring it on!"--The Witch King of Angmar, Minas Morgul (Minas Ithil)

"One of the greatest production of our times"--Gresh, Bara Magna

"Not to be missed. If geniuses that small can produce such a masterpiece, it behooves us to 'make haste, make haste' to watch this concert to pay tribute!"--Thel'Vadam (The Arbiter), Sangheilios

"Just as knowledge begets curiosity and vice versa, so I feel that in watching this, we will not only learn more from so young ones, but also thirst for more such productions."--Hieronymous Tzeentch, Eye of Terror

Next up: Elektra by the people who brought you Tannhauser! The NJC Music Programme? Nah! It is the Metru Nui Dance and Drama Company!

Word of the week series:1

This series of articles were taken from the newspaper website, http://www.themetrunuitimes.com/ It was formerly known as The Mata Nui Times. Following recent events, the newpaper has started to extend to other places, creating franchises such as The Bara Magna Times and so on. The website is widely regarded as the state-sponsored propaganda arm of Makuta Teridax. Famous Istar political commentator Gandalf the White, from the Undying Lands, Middle Earth, stated that "This newspaper has become something like an extra appendage (and vulgar at that) of the insidious new political establishment." However, he also noted that "The newpaper does provide some of the most witty things that I have ever seen. Not even the Valar can beat that!" These articles are regularly provided by contributors from all sources.

This new series is aimed at adding to the English vocabulary from all kinds of different and disparate sources for the benefit of the Music Programme. Did you know that if a certain word is repeated often, it can become part of the English vocabulary as it sinks into public consciousness?

All these following words generally apply to the NJC Music Programme and Piano Ensemble, although other people are quite wellcome to try using them. They generally pertain to events, people and stuff of the Music Programme.

Today's word of the week:
Skakdi [n. ss-kark-dee] 2 Dictionary Results

-noun, plural (same)

1. NJC Music Programme A (derogatory) term applied to a person who lacks classical concert etiquette, be it talking too much during concerts, or clapping in between movement etc. Among the crowd in last night's concert were some Skakdi who obviously could not tell movements apart, clapping at every chance they got.
2. NJC Music Programme A (derogatory) term applied to a person who shows little appreciation of classical music (inclusive of post 1945 avant garde). Why do you think we have so little people [in the Music Programme]? Its all the Skakdi out there who do not appreciate classical stuff!--General Kiakas

Source:
Bionicle 1st series, 2006. Derived from the vicious group of savages who lived on the island of Zakaz, watched over by first Makuta Spiriah, then Makuta Krika. Physiologically speaking, these creatures were tall, with organic spines on their backs and had permanent bestial smiles on their faces. The Skakdi are regarded by most citizens in Metru Nui as no more than barbarians. It is somewhat true given that the citizens of Zakaz are generally at war with each other due to the genetic engineering conducted on them by the Spiriah, which altered their physiology and psychology. The whole island of Zakaz is in chaos and anarchy due to the ongoing civil war. Despite being regarded as barbarians, the Skakdi do possess a rather high intelligence, which generally goes towards avarice and cruelty in their actions. Currently, the Skakdi do not have a delegation in the Matoran convention and rely on their Makuta delegation.

Contributor:
Toa Helryx

the Epitome of being Wuliao (forwarded email)

'be Awed by my Prowess!' =D

did you know

that they actually DO have music books at Jurong East Regional Lib? I went there for the first time yesterday, and they do have quite a fair bit of stuff. Though we probably have half the collection, and that some of them are really REALLY old (think pub. in 80s).

But it's a nice place. Big. Surrounded by books. And there's this very cool book on opera, which illustrates the synopsis of the popular operas! (It's actually for kids, I think, but who cares)

Now, to find time to actually READ. Ham.

The Inauguration

This was found in the newspaper website, http://www.themetrunuitimes.com/ on 12th of February. For those of you who are unfamiliar with this website, it was formerly known as The Mata Nui Times. It has since, following recent events, become the state-sponsored propaganda arm of Makuta Teridax. This was drawn from a recent reporting done at a recent conference by Tanma.

As follows:

'MAKUTA TERIDAX WELCOMES NEW JH1S, JH3S AND SH1S INTO THE NJC MUSIC FAMILY'

Today, at an inaugural press conference, our Dear Leader proceeded to welcome the arrival of new music students into the midst of the NJCians. On behalf of 'the citizens of the Makutaverse', as he insists on calling his rightful domain, he congralutated the Hunter on receiving such good music geniuses, and encouraged the students to greater heights and not to give up. He then proceeded to dedicate the opening address to giving advice, encouraging and supporting the new JH1s, JH3s, and SH1s.

As follows:

"NJC friends, I come to you in the wake of recent events to issue a clarion call to reason. Let no music student deny the perils of our time. While we battle one another, divided by the petty strife of irrational antagonism, the tide of a greater conflict is turning against us, threatening to destroy all that we have accomplished. It is time for you as friends and comrades in music to set aside our differences and unite! The tides of an unwinnable examination are upon you'all, and you must seek refuge on higher ground, or be swept away by the Tides of Darkness.

The old music syllabus of neoclassicism is no more. Whatever semblance of concordance, familiarity and protection it once provided is a phantom, a memory. With a new topic of Nationalism on the onslaught for the A-Levels, who will you turn to for protection? The devastation that will be wrought by these frequent changes of syllabus will be self-evident. You may quake under Copland, or shiver under Bartok. Students shall struggle with Gamelan and Indian music. Unprecedented, even unthinkable, and unimaginable though they may be, these are the signs of our time. They are the prophetic oracles of that which is to come. Soon, you would be swept aside in the ensuing flood of despair in the chaos

The time has come, music students, to rally to a new banner. One that is aligned to your common venerable cause. In duty lies purpose, unity lies strength, and destiny lies hope! Already, many dissident music enthusiasts have joined your great Alliance. Out of the many, you shall forge an indivisible and unbreakable whole, bounded together by your love of music and comradeship! And from the Coliseum, I shall step forth to watch over you!

From this day forward, let no music student clash with any other like-minded comrade. Let no student conspire against this new egression. And let no student consort with your nemesis. And to all the enemies of NJC Music Programme, seek not to bar their way, for they shall win through, no matter the cost!

We of Metru Nui have always been behind you. Despite the change in leadership, I shall uphold the charge of my predecessors and become the stalwart defender of your grand cause! Fare you well, young geniuses! And remember, treasure the three virtues of Unity, Duty and Destiny. They shall be your sole compass in this consuming tides of evil.

And now regarding the economic recession in Metru Nui..."

Wise advice indeed. The Great One has indeed emphasised the importance for the group to stay unified regardless of their differences. Temporal differences must be swept aside to support each other to maintain their interest in music.'

...

'Later, when questioned, opposition members also agreed with the Grand Hierarch's words, despite their obvious distastes for our Leader. Opposition leader Turaga Dume (pronounced Du-ma) stated that music students, as "young geniuses", must "step forth and receive their talents as heirlooms, accepting it and nurturing it to bear fruit". Most other citizens of Metru Nui were also in concord with our Dear Leader.

And with that, this correspondent wishes the students good luck in their future music endeavors.'