Which music would you like Mao to skate to in the future?

I think it's not matter whether the music has been used many times, because this is our 'wish'.
It's so fun to imagine "How it would be if Mao skated to this song?". I always think about it when I saw other skaters skated to beautiful music or when I heard lovely music.
Mao has boundless potential, so it's fun to imagine her skated to various type of music!
BTW, Daphnis and Chloe (dlnnyc mentioned) would also be nice for Mao.

Absolutely Piano Concerto No. 1. It's soft as well as dramatic, wonderful! I love Tchaikovsky.

I made a montage of what it may look like performed by Mao (2 seconds longer than it should be, I guess, but I couldn't reduce it. Editing piano music is hard =/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP8gSsAAcEI

I don't think there's any problem is using a piece other skates have already skated to. Each person gives his own touch to the music, so it's never the same.

I'd love to see her skating to "Por una cabeza" again, although tango is always present in figure skating scene. Mao gave so much life to that music.

alyssa wrote:

Absolutely Piano Concerto No. 1. It's soft as well as dramatic, wonderful! I love Tchaikovsky.

I made a montage of what it may look like performed by Mao (2 seconds longer than it should be, I guess, but I couldn't reduce it. Editing piano music is hard =/)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eP8gSsAAcEI

I don't think there's any problem is using a piece other skates have already skated to. Each person gives his own touch to the music, so it's never the same.

I saw your video, and acknowledged the fact that Mao has grown to be capable of skating to grand pieces like this. First I was afraid that maybe the music might be too big for her, but it wasn't at all! Thanks so much for the video! It enlightened me alot!

I remember that when Miki was in her teens and said she wanted to skate to Ravel's 'Bolero', her coach then told her she wasn't ready for it yet. I would've thought the same for Mao with Tchaikovsky's piano concerto if it were 3-4 years ago maybe, but from your video, it was clear that Mao's moves can handle it, no doubt. I think it's because she went through training with Tat. Some of the music she chose for Mao for the last 2 seasons were pretty heavy, but experiencing such music has made Mao capable of skating to music with a lot of scale. At present, I can't imagine any other female skater(who hasn't retired yet) being able to handle music like Tchaikovsky's piano concerto well, except Mao. Plus I think orchestra and piano music is the perfect blend for her.

I really would like to see them make a program for her with this muisc. Remember Mao went to seniors first with Tchaikovsky's 'Nutcraker'? If she skated to his piano concerto in the future, it would really show what a great skater Mao's grown to be since then, it'll be quite moving to us fans.

Btw, I'd also like to see Mao skate to Mahler's 5th (Adagietto). The first half has an airy atomosphere fit for Mao's softness, and in some of the latter parts there are dramatic bits which would fit her strong step sequences, I think. Of course they'd have to edit it a whole lot and maybe raise the tempo a bit if it were to be used though. Try it out here (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n2UYct17bFw) with clips of Björn Andrésen in Visconti's masterpiece "Death in Venice".

Here's another Yoko Kanno piece that I like. "Sora" (it's so dreamy )
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AOShbNkxkX8

I am also a fan or Yiruma's works.

Here's a lovely Mao montage someone did to his piece "River Flows in You" https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5WNEsOjzbKc

And my favorite piece of his "Kiss in the Rain" The melody is so beautiful https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrl8weYTmGU

I think they all fit Mao's lyrical style very well.

Oooh, I love "Sora". Too bad they don't allow songs with lyrics in competition. It's so delicate and beautiful.

I would love it if Mao skated to Sakamoto Ryuichi's [BTTB]
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=btyhpyJTyXg -a.k.a "Energy Flow". It starts off starting with a somber/melancholic tone, then there's moments of ponderment, from there it builds & you finally reach enlightment and peace. It's so soothing and can really showcase the inner beauty and strength that Mao possesses.

I found this lovely piano piece of the main theme of Hayao Miyazaki's "Laputa-Castle in the Sky"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QlN4v7u8_5U
Also here's a piece from Princess Mononoke https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kE-EQPT0hlI&feature=related (It's so epic. )

I would love Mao to skate to these music pieces.

I had a thought the other day:

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

I know another skater (Rachel Flatt) used it this season, but I can see it being a masterpiece if skated by Mao.

There are so many parts of it that are very similar to Caprices- notably mvt 1- has the theme one of the caprices (of course, that Paganini style) and Mao, we all know, really shone in that program!
Then there's that beautiful movement- one that I really really love (Variation 18). Perhaps it's played many times, but it's one of my favorite movements out there.

It would be a blend of Paganini and Rachmaninoff! Perfect for Mao She can show her personality and grace!

Movement 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Z-HCq5EeU

Movement 3: (With the most beautiful movement ever)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90MuPqYtV_k&feature=related

sapphiresky wrote:

I had a thought the other day:

Rhapsody on a Theme of Paganini by Sergei Rachmaninoff.

I know another skater (Rachel Flatt) used it this season, but I can see it being a masterpiece if skated by Mao.

There are so many parts of it that are very similar to Caprices- notably mvt 1- has the theme one of the caprices (of course, that Paganini style) and Mao, we all know, really shone in that program!
Then there's that beautiful movement- one that I really really love (Variation 18). Perhaps it's played many times, but it's one of my favorite movements out there.

It would be a blend of Paganini and Rachmaninoff! Perfect for Mao She can show her personality and grace!

Movement 1:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z9Z-HCq5EeU

Movement 3: (With the most beautiful movement ever)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=90MuPqYtV_k&feature=related

I think this is a great idea. I LOVE Variation 18 as well, and I really like the version you linked here- so beautiful, and they really take their time in exploring the really beautiful moments. I was thinking the other day that I wanted her to use Caprice as a short program, but this would be a combination of that same joy as well as beautiful, lyrical parts in the same program, which would be even better.

I think Schumann would be great for Mao too. The way Lang Lang plays this piece reminds me so much of Mao and her lightness: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_i_0NDnBdkY

I recently came across a piano version of Niji by L'arc en ciel (who is my favorite jrock group ). The original song is fantastic but this piano version is simply beautiful. I hope can Mao can skate to something like this in the future.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VmGer9d3Sys

That sounds great aoi88!

After I heard Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto the other day, I thought Mao should skate to it too!

I think violin music brings out Mao's growing maturity- I thought the Fantasy SP performance showed musical maturity, and violin can show her strength as well as her soft side.

Here's Sarah Chang's rendition of Mendelssohn's violin concerto:
Pt. 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCLxso5XDN4&feature=related

Pt. 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_3PJf4lAj0&feature=related

Pt. 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0ixoV8mtc&feature=related

Ideally, the track would be a nice mix of the 1st and 2nd movements, although if it's just an SP, I can see only the 1st mvt being used.

sapphiresky wrote:

I think violin music brings out Mao's growing maturity- I thought the Fantasy SP performance showed musical maturity, and violin can show her strength as well as her soft side.

Agreed! Piano music suits Mao best, but Fantasia for Violin and Orchestra had changed her into 'a lady skater', and matched her very well.

As for Mendelssohn's violin concerto, Miki skated to it for LP and became World Champion! I loved the program and costume. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8ngijAUxLMU&feature=related

It would suit Mao, but how about Tchaikovsky's one? Maybe I'm influenced by the movie 'Le Concert' https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h0UUrar3uGg and 'Nodame Cantabile'.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=scxxoiHaWX8
It might be too much for Mao, but she skated to 'Bells', so now she can skate to any type of music, I think!
Thinking about Mao's program is so exciting! Can't wait to know it!

I'm glad you linked that mingming!

The Tchaikovsky violin concerto is like...my favorite one ever! I love that one, although I'm concerned about the difficulty of turning it into a figure skating piece of music- it's difficult to edit and cut.

My favorite version is by Akiko Suwanai- she won the Tchaikovsky violin competition when she was 18, the youngest competitor to win.

Here's her performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWu8ND3SQzU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnzRuJ12V5s&feature=related

And I'm excited to find out Mao's programs too! I actually just really miss her skating haha...off season will end soon!

Oh wow! I've been wanting to contribute to this thread, but I keep on forgetting. :albino:

Well, anyway, I must confess that even though I listen to classical music, I am not an expert in picking out those which would be suited for skating. However, since these are just selections which we would "LIKE" to see Mao skate in the future... Then there is no problem, is there? 8D

SP:
Le cygne from Le carnaval des animaux by Saint-Saens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b44-5M4e9nI
-There's a certain softness in this piece that I think would suit our Mao! I loved Johnny's interpretation of this during 2006 and I would love it even more if Mao skates to this!

Handel's Sarabande by Maksim Mrvica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn70QSetC_E
-It's pretty passionate, but it's not too overwhelming that Mao would get lost in the music. It's the kind of music that Mao would love to challenge!

Airs Gipsies by Sarasate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCwfT7Zs-l4
-It's a great piece that combines the clarinet and the piano. Mao could pick up the interesting bits and connect them to make a great SP.


FS:
Piano Concerto by Tchaikovsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWerj8FcprM
- Hands down! I think it would be a dream come true for everyone if Mao skates to this. The complexity of the music would be hard to interpret and animate on ice... But Mao's style of skating would totally fit! I especially love the montage that I saw because it just makes me want to imagine how fitting it would be for Mao!

Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor Concerto" by Beethoven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yftk_cnbwKQ
-Midori Ito skated to this, but as much as I enjoyed her performance, she was pure power and energy and I hardly saw some lightness that can be picked up from the notes. Mao skating to this could be a tribute to her idol, and in turn, she can perfect and make it her own.

Chaconne by Bach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bVRTtcWmXI&feature=related
-Very dreamy, with a sense of melancholy. The violin would help bring out the mature side of Mao, just as other forumers had said. I'm sure Mao can give justice to this timeless piece!

Oriental Wind by Joe Hisaishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwlsNxaORtE
-I LOVE JOE HISAISHI! I think this piece is pretty out there compared to my other suggestions, but this one would help bring out Mao's passionate character more. It's not too soft and it's not too 'wild.' If Mao skates to this, I'm sure that the crowd would be up on their feet!

Howl's Moving Castle Theme by Joe Hisaishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8J68cPXhX4&feature=related
-Did I just say I love Joe Hisaishi? Haha! Well, this is one of the pieces that would probably be unsuitable, but it's really pretty... And well... Just listen to it. 8D


EX:
Be Still Thy Soul by Anael
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKNcfHtg
-It's really very calm and soothing. It'll probably be like 'So Deep is the Night,' which is a program that I liked.

The Prayer by Charlotte Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXqop7ZsAMo
-A beautiful song that is played around the world because of its melody and message.

Adiós Nonino by Piazzolla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccY5IcwWyV8
-It's tango music! Exciting, fiery, passionate and something that is along the lines of "Por Una Cabeza"

Prisoner of Love by Utada Hikaru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o3CvcJ9MzM
-IDK. The video was really cute and I can't help but imagine Mao skating to it. If not this, then maybe 'First Love' or Ayumi Hamasaki's ballads (Mao listens to Ayumi Hamasaki right?)

Phew! My choices probably are not to everyone's tastes, but I enjoyed making this list. Hopefully, Mao would be able to skate to a piece that would emphasize her strengths and downplays her weaknesses.

It's so fun to browse through this thread.

aoi88, I would also love to see Mao skate to Laputa's main theme. I remember muting Mao's Bells and trying to make a montage of songs from Laputa's soundtrack instead, and it worked pretty well.

I'd love to see Mao skate to this song for an exhibition, I think it's called Garnet:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lbXSHRV3xpQ

sapphiresky wrote:

I'm glad you linked that mingming!

The Tchaikovsky violin concerto is like...my favorite one ever! I love that one, although I'm concerned about the difficulty of turning it into a figure skating piece of music- it's difficult to edit and cut.

My favorite version is by Akiko Suwanai- she won the Tchaikovsky violin competition when she was 18, the youngest competitor to win.

Here's her performance:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GWu8ND3SQzU

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rnzRuJ12V5s&feature=related

And I'm excited to find out Mao's programs too! I actually just really miss her skating haha...off season will end soon!

Yes, that's true.. I sometimes feel uncomfortable because of strange editions when I watch figure skating.
I like Akiko Suwanai too! She is so popular in Japan and I've listened her violin live, but don't remember at all because I was small.
I'm not familiar with violin, but her notes are gorgeous and I can't believe she was 18 at this time!

About Adiós Nonino by Piazzolla(klarification mentioned), many skaters had skated, but I also want to see Mao skates to it! It would be elegant. I can't stop my fancies.

I started a thread on this subject a year or two ago, and I wrote a really long list of songs. I was going to copy, and paste it here, but I couldn't find it anywhere So I will try to remember them all!...........

1. The Sleeping Beauty Waltz by Tchaikovsky! I know Mao doesn't like to skate to young, princessie music anymore, but I can't help but keep hoping she will use this music someday! Pretty princess music is actually my favorite music for skaters to use! I hope at least someone if not Mao, will finally use this music someday, cause it's so pretty!

(After this there is really no particular order in my favorite songs for Mao)

2. Angel of Music from Phantom of the Opera - Why? Well because Mao is an angel of music, of course! Plus it's a really pretty song. I also wouldn't mind her doing some sort of Phantom of the Opera Medely (just as long as it didn't have much, or any of the heavy, scary, main theme song in it)

3. A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes - Yes, another Disney princess song. lol. I'd like to see her use this one for an ex. Either the origonal, or some pretty instrumental version.

4. Ave Maria - Either Bach or Schubert

5. Swan Lake by Tchaikovsky - Yes, Tchaikovsky is probably my favorite classical composer!

6. Who Wants to Live Forever - The version Shen and Zhao used. I think It would be beautiful for Mao.

7. The Princess Leia Theme Song - Someone made a video of Mao skating to this song a while back, and ever since, I have been in their boat - I really want Mao to use this song too! Not only is it really pretty, but I think it would suit Mao really well.

8. Moderato Nobile by Erich Wolfgang Korngold - Beautiful! I actually know about this song because of Okami's video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGIa2-STsvM&feature=PlayList&p=1B0929F841F0FDC6&playnext_from=PL&index=10

And that's pretty much all aI can think of off the top of my head right now ...

sapphiresky wrote:

That sounds great aoi88!

After I heard Mendelssohn's Violin Concerto the other day, I thought Mao should skate to it too!

I think violin music brings out Mao's growing maturity- I thought the Fantasy SP performance showed musical maturity, and violin can show her strength as well as her soft side.

Here's Sarah Chang's rendition of Mendelssohn's violin concerto:
Pt. 1:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CCLxso5XDN4&feature=related

Pt. 2:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0_3PJf4lAj0&feature=related

Pt. 3:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hr0ixoV8mtc&feature=related

Ideally, the track would be a nice mix of the 1st and 2nd movements, although if it's just an SP, I can see only the 1st mvt being used.

This concerto of Mendelssohn's is one of my favourite's! I've loved it ever since watching Sasha skate to it in one of her 2000 programs. The music is beautiful, and it would be interesting to see what Mao can do with it. My only concern is that the tempo may be a bit fast to suit Mao's lovely flowing style. But still, it's worth a try

@Star85 - I want to see Mao skate to a song from Phantom of the Opera too! I would like to see Mao skate to 'Wishing You Were Somehow Here Again'. And, of course, Ave Maria is always a good choice for skating music

I should mention Joe Hisashi's Fragile Dream. Someone used this music to accompany Mao's Clair de Lune SP. It's exquisite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p64jGPU742M

I want Mao to skate to Micmacs à tire-larigot soundtrack. Raphael Beau wrote such a gorgeous music to it! I can't find this music on youtube but here it's trailer https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wbf3MRHZ0j0&feature=related

I think ~Reflections of a Passion~ is a beautiful theme
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eSyZ9t05a-w

Mao skating would be so

klarification wrote:

Oh wow! I've been wanting to contribute to this thread, but I keep on forgetting. :albino:

Well, anyway, I must confess that even though I listen to classical music, I am not an expert in picking out those which would be suited for skating. However, since these are just selections which we would "LIKE" to see Mao skate in the future... Then there is no problem, is there? 8D

SP:
Le cygne from Le carnaval des animaux by Saint-Saens
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b44-5M4e9nI
-There's a certain softness in this piece that I think would suit our Mao! I loved Johnny's interpretation of this during 2006 and I would love it even more if Mao skates to this!

Handel's Sarabande by Maksim Mrvica:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zn70QSetC_E
-It's pretty passionate, but it's not too overwhelming that Mao would get lost in the music. It's the kind of music that Mao would love to challenge!

Airs Gipsies by Sarasate
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yCwfT7Zs-l4
-It's a great piece that combines the clarinet and the piano. Mao could pick up the interesting bits and connect them to make a great SP.


FS:
Piano Concerto by Tchaikovsky
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BWerj8FcprM
- Hands down! I think it would be a dream come true for everyone if Mao skates to this. The complexity of the music would be hard to interpret and animate on ice... But Mao's style of skating would totally fit! I especially love the montage that I saw because it just makes me want to imagine how fitting it would be for Mao!

Piano Concerto No. 5 "Emperor Concerto" by Beethoven
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yftk_cnbwKQ
-Midori Ito skated to this, but as much as I enjoyed her performance, she was pure power and energy and I hardly saw some lightness that can be picked up from the notes. Mao skating to this could be a tribute to her idol, and in turn, she can perfect and make it her own.

Chaconne by Bach
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5bVRTtcWmXI&feature=related
-Very dreamy, with a sense of melancholy. The violin would help bring out the mature side of Mao, just as other forumers had said. I'm sure Mao can give justice to this timeless piece!

Oriental Wind by Joe Hisaishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kwlsNxaORtE
-I LOVE JOE HISAISHI! I think this piece is pretty out there compared to my other suggestions, but this one would help bring out Mao's passionate character more. It's not too soft and it's not too 'wild.' If Mao skates to this, I'm sure that the crowd would be up on their feet!

Howl's Moving Castle Theme by Joe Hisaishi
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u8J68cPXhX4&feature=related
-Did I just say I love Joe Hisaishi? Haha! Well, this is one of the pieces that would probably be unsuitable, but it's really pretty... And well... Just listen to it. 8D


EX:
Be Still Thy Soul by Anael
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UeKNcfHtg
-It's really very calm and soothing. It'll probably be like 'So Deep is the Night,' which is a program that I liked.

The Prayer by Charlotte Church
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BXqop7ZsAMo
-A beautiful song that is played around the world because of its melody and message.

Adiós Nonino by Piazzolla
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccY5IcwWyV8
-It's tango music! Exciting, fiery, passionate and something that is along the lines of "Por Una Cabeza"

Prisoner of Love by Utada Hikaru
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7o3CvcJ9MzM
-IDK. The video was really cute and I can't help but imagine Mao skating to it. If not this, then maybe 'First Love' or Ayumi Hamasaki's ballads (Mao listens to Ayumi Hamasaki right?)

Phew! My choices probably are not to everyone's tastes, but I enjoyed making this list. Hopefully, Mao would be able to skate to a piece that would emphasize her strengths and downplays her weaknesses.

I loved your Handel suggestion, that`s my fave

aoi88 wrote:

I should mention Joe Hisashi's Fragile Dream. Someone used this music to accompany Mao's Clair de Lune SP. It's exquisite!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p64jGPU742M

that would be sooo nice I really love this music

and this one from sarah chang:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlcca97wow4

I would really love if mao skated to one of those some day!!

ballerinamao wrote:

and this one from sarah chang:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Jlcca97wow4

I would really love if mao skated to one of those some day!!

That would be a great choice. It would let Mao discover more sides of her artistry but still let her balletic movements shine. I just discovered Sarah Chang; she's such an amazing player! Plus this piece is so gorgeous.

i would love to see Mao-Chan skate to Medetation by Massanet. i also feel the same way about Dance of the Baroness by Maksim

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PGd4Rs-O3ws&feature=related - Medetation

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zG8tEPmhCzk -Dance of the Baroness


or anything by Yiruma too <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM0x101VUHk - What Beautiful Stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrl8weYTmGU - Kiss the Rain

midnightfrostifyx wrote:

or anything by Yiruma too <3

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jM0x101VUHk - What Beautiful Stars

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wrl8weYTmGU - Kiss the Rain

I didn't know this musician. Both are delicate and beautiful Thanks for sharing!