Though one of the most famous TVB opening theme songs ever, I completely forgot about 網中人 (Man in the Net), till two years ago in 2017.
Second Cantopop Electone arrangement for 2019, and a quick story before I go into details.
TVB’s Man in the Net is from 1979 and while I was already around then, I barely remember anything about the series. Yup. Other than that LEGENDARY hamburger gorging segment, I have no other recollection about the series or the theme song.
I probably would have forgotten the opening theme song for good too had I not assembled a Cantopop playlist prior to my 2017 Hong Kong trip, and chanced upon the original recording in YouTube.
Yup. That was how it happened. Reacquainted with the original recording from 1979 thanks to YouTube. Then utterly, deeply in love after listening to Teresa Cheung’s recent live performances.
All right, story’s over! Free downloadable Electone sheet music, ELS-02C registration data, etc, at …
Free Yamaha Electone Score & ELS-02C Registration Data for 網中人 (Man in the Net)
Warning! The registration and Finale PrintMusic files are zip files! You might need to disable your virus/malware protection before downloading.
As I have disabled the function, do not right-click to save as. On PCs, simply click on the links and the file should auto download in a separate window.
Electone Registration Data for Stagea ELS-02C
PS: “Man in the Net” is not the actual English name of the song or the TVB series. The official translation is The Good, the Bad and the Ugly. Most people that I know, however, just call it Man in the Net. The Net Man. Net and Man. Man CAUGHT in Net. (LOL)
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New Electone Score Layout!
- I’ve partially revamped my layout, in part to resolve various spacing issues. I’ve also, ahem, included a more “professional” looking header to give the score a more “Electone-y” look. As in, alike those sold in Japan. (Hey, I worked as a graphic designer for 18 years. I’m been yearning to do something like this for over a year)
- I say this with pride, and with great embarrassment too. I FINALLY figured out how to properly do a Coda system in Finale PrintMusic 2010. You know, with a space between the DS and the Coda and all that. Gosh, I can’t believe I was doing it all wrong before! I assumed the space wasn’t possible.
- In view of that accomplishment, here’s a quick note to other Finale PrintMusic users who might be, err, having similar issues. The software is actually pretty powerful once you get the hang of it. (Yes, even my 2010 version). The problem though, a lot of functions i.e. drop-down menus are hidden till you select the right icon tool. And then you have things like the “Create A Coda System” command which is strangely not under the repeat menus. One seriously needs to experiment and investigate, a lot, to understand this notation software in and out.
Arrangement Notes
- The most audible change in this arrangement, as compared to the original Man in the Net recording by Teresa Cheung, is my removal of claves from the rhythm. You know, the signature da-da-da-DA in the intro and so on? To be honest, I quite like the original sound. But after much consideration, I decided it’s just a little too retro.
- If you’re familiar with the preset rhythm patterns of the Stagea ELS-O2 series, you’d know I largely based my user rhythms on the Asian Pop Style. If you ask me, that Style is just perfect for “網中人.” For that matter, any other 8-Beat retro Cantopop song too. I happen to also adore the reverb-soaked drums. It has such a strong HK live performance flavour.
- Truth be told, I’m not entirely satisfied with my fine-tuning of the lead sound i.e. the Alto Sax. It still sounds somewhat grating when the note goes beyond two counts. At the same time, other typical leads like Tenor and Soprano Sax, Oboe, or Flute, are either too brash, too shrill, or too meek. (In other words, the adjustment is beyond me) Please feel free to change the lead if you find the sound unbearable. I’ve linked everything for your convenience.
- On (3), I did my best to mitigate the issue by varying Aftertouch on the sustained notes. I didn’t include A.T. in the score, though, for depending on how you do it, the sound could become too harsh. Please take note.
- In general, because I’m so enamoured with Teresa Cheung’s live performances, this arrangement is a hybrid of the 1979 original recording and recent live performances.
Up Next!
A quick call-out for my next project, which I aim to finish before April!
A certain idea occurred to me while I was notating the melody. As in, my previous A certain idea occurred to me while I was notating the melody. As in, my previous arrangement was The Bund. This time, it’s Man in the Net. If you’re familiar with the associated TVB drama series, you’d know both starred Chow Yun Fat. Thus, given I’ve “done” two TVB opening theme songs associated with him, why not aim for a miniseries?
A Chow Yun Fat 70s and 80s TVB drama series opening themes compilation.
🙂
I’ve already started work on the third one. If you’re a fan of Fat Kor, I think you can guess what’s up next.
Full List of Downloadable Electone Scores and Stagea ELS-02C Registrations. ( English / 中文 / 日本語 )
Check out my other Electone posts here!
