Starry Sky, a Concerto for Dizi and Orchestra
Inspired by the sky and the universe, this composition is a concerto for the traditional Chinese instrument, the bamboo flute (Dizi in Chinese pronunciation), with the Western orchestra. As a United States-based Chinese composer living in places where Western and Eastern cultures blend, I am deeply influenced by the five thousand years of fine traditions of Chinese civilization and the independent way of thinking from Western philosophies. Hence, I have composed a work that forges connections between traditional Chinese and Western elements for the last work of my student career. The inspiration for the composition derives from the existence of the universe. The starry sky is vast, mysterious, and unpredictable. I have loved looking up at the sky since I was a child and was curious about it. Since ancient times, human civilizations have never stopped thinking about and exploring the universe. The desire for space exploration resonates strongly with me, reminding me of my work to seek truth in the ocean of knowledge. This work is structured in four sections with three major thematic motives. The beginning of my music, starting with a series of blasts of chordal succession, not only serves as the introduction to the composition by presenting melodic lines in a fragmented manner but also demonstrates all motives. Music in the latter parts is the extension and continuation of materials from the first section. From rehearsal marks E to H, the full melodic theme is gradually introduced in the Dizi solo part, which imitates the recitative of the ancient Chinese poem, “Questions to Heaven,” because this poem presents the earliest work that presents curiosities about the universe and outer space. From rehearsal marks H to M, the music is set in a fast tempo, gradually building up energy for the upcoming climax at rehearsal L, which reprises the beginning of the piece with the theme of chordal succession. Followed by a solo cadenza, the music ends in a tranquil, but more flowing mood, indicating the peace and stillness of the universe.
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