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Concerto
for Zheng and Chamber Ensemble
(Commissioned by Harvard Fromm Foundation, dedicated
to Haiqiong Deng)
Movement I: Dots
This movement uses the ideas of Pointillism and Klangfarbenmelodie,
focusing on texture rather then melody.
Movement II: Lines
The second movement, in contrast to the first, is lyrical
in emphasis. These melodic lines involve strong Asian
influence. Antiphonal and homophonic textures are used
between the soloist and the ensemble.
Movement III: Convergence
Within complex textures, this concluding movement integrates
the previous materials: connecting dots and lines, while
expanding and developing them into a greater hierarchy.
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CRUSH
CRUSH was inspired by a dynamic player of a fantastic
instrument: Haiqiong Deng on the zheng. Lately, I have
been focusing on combining Chinese instruments with
Western instruments, for it is my sincere hope to promote
indigenous Eastern instruments’ further incorporation
into contemporary music. While meeting with Haiqiong
and her friend, saxophonist Richard Scruggs, I realized
that soprano saxophone and zheng would be a great combination
to compose for, especially since I am a native saxophonist.
This duo would be especially inspiring for my particular
stylistic accent: combining musical elements from Asia
with signature American roots (Jazz, Funk, Techno, Latin,
etc.) within a contemporary Classical context. I chose
the title CRUSH, since it relates to various technical
and emotive concepts of the piece. First, the most indicative
timbral effect of the zheng is to bend (or literally
crush) the string, creating a glissando effect. Also,
the rigorous sound of the soprano saxophone (especially
of the sonic resources Richard can produce) has a rather
“crushing” effect. Next, the different styles
I evoke are crushed together in an eclectic combination.
Asian heterophony, a texture I utilize, literally crushes
the two timbres into one. The jagged rhythms and sycopations
from American music that I use, literally “crush”
time. A crush is also a passionate focus, for which
the materials and stylistic attributes are well defined
and put together. Finally, a crush is a concentrated
benevolent affection for something or someone, which
is surely the way my wife (Chihchun Lee) and I feel
professionally and platonically about the zheng, Ms.
Deng and her musical abilities. |
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