Silician Sketchbook

For me, the flag presentation during the opening ceremonies of the 2008 Summer Olympic Games was easily its defining moment. It was, really, the epitome of dignity, backstopped by an arrangement that is light years from its revolutionary roots.

And I say all this, knowledgeable of the fact that there was some audio sleight of hand involved.

But you know, I respect the pressure, and the methods, involved in putting on a show, or any kind of display. Sitting in a band, there was no shame in “faking” your way through a technically difficult passage, when the band or a section thereof had to dial down its volume, or if you were just plain tired and you had to stagger play with your chair mate. Whatever it takes to win, right? I suppose, but at the same time, who steps onto the stage to make a fool of themselves? Comedians excepted.

In retrospect, the Italians and the Australians were also feeling heat. We should be so fortunate that, this time around, the admission didn’t come so long after the fact that it doesn’t matter. Maybe.

For those interested, the real voice behind Lin Miao Ke, Yang Peiyi, later performed the same song, backed by the same (recorded) choir, as well as a live children’s vocal ensemble.