a long instant of green’s fading
(Workshopped by the Riot Ensemble)
“The passage of time shifts with our perception, yet fading touches everything, always.”
In "A Long Instant of Green's Fading", I delve into the mysterious nature of time. Inspired by a stroll through Chester, where every snapshot captured fleeting moments amidst a changing world, I sought to capture the essence of change and fading. The contrast of vibrant green against washed-out colors in one photo sparked my creative journey, leading me to explore the subjective experience of things disappearing.
An instant is quite a short, tiny moment, yet I say it's long—kind of paradoxical. Longer periods of time make it easier for us to observe the process of "fading". Time is a concept of relativity. When we are in a hurry, our time seems shorter; but from another perspective, it might provoke us to think more and make decisions in a very limited time, which then makes time seem longer. Thus, a "long instant" might not be a paradox, dialectically.
Dispersing Branches
(premiered by the Sofia Philharmonic Orchestra)
Branches growing from the trunk, pigment dissolving into water, we observe nature's processing phenomena. From a single line to complex textures in high density, from segregated substances to an integrity, we witness the evolution. Bathed in the refraction of sunlight, indulging in the dispersing scent, we are enveloped by the harmonious cacophony dispersing around us.
HAMGAA-TS-AAGMAH
(premiered by the RNCM Brass Band)
HAMGAA-TS-AAGMAH is a rearranged rendering of a Cantonese phrase (in Cantonese Pinyin). The original phrase, 冚家产 (ham gaa chaan), is a widely used expletive in Cantonese with a particularly scathing tone, often expressing frustration or anger. Roughly translating to a curse on one’s entire family, it embodies a cultural way of voicing strong emotions and social disapproval. In this composition, each phoneme is continuously reconstructed, allowing the coarse sound to occasionally emerge through the instruments. Profanity plays an essential role in language, representing unique aspects of culture by expressing raw, unfiltered emotion and identity. This piece reflects that cultural element through sound, transforming the intensity and directness of Cantonese profanity into a layered musical experience that embraces both the beauty and rawness embedded within spoken language.
a mirror of six hues
(Preimiered on 28/07/2023, Guangzhou)
In this musical piece, six colors are showcased, divided into three groups. Each group features a pair of similar colors, akin to the mirror's reflections. Our world, like a mirror, reflects similar hues when viewed from different dimensions.
Singularity
"A drop in the ocean" is a Chinese idiom, conveying the concept of insignificance within a vast entity. Within the universe, numerous particles exist, and even a minuscule particle can encompass the entirety of the universe. Singularity serves as both a physical and philosophical concept that aptly elucidates the underlying natural laws and conveys the essence of my music. In contrast to colossal and discordant sounds, subtle musical motifs paint a vibrant portrait, allowing me to demonstrate this idea to you.
sun-dried cuba
The aroma and flavor of coffee often ignite our creative thoughts. Cuba, situated in South America, is a major producer of coffee beans annually. The exquisite taste and lively sun-dried process of these beans enhance this musical composition, evoking feelings of wandering through the streets of Cuba.