Where other conductors seek to bring an air of mystery to the beginning, this interpretation was somewhat more sure-footed. Instead of the concertmaster solo bringing in the first theme, the whole first violin section came in. I thought more ebb and flow could have been brought to the music, which is certainly not difficult. In addition, more flavour could have been injected into the playing of this piece - this is Chinese music. I felt that generally the Orchestra could do with more confidence, and Mr Lim could give them that by communicating more to the orchestra.
More motivation is also in order.
It is their first attempt at writing an orchestral piece and they said that they were disappointed with the result, saying that the orchestra would have done better had they had more rehearsals. I still think, however that the piece was a weak one. Derek Lim 's personal computer has succumbed to the attacks of the full moon.