Crossroads of the Earth

Crossroads of The Earth is a single-movement mixed quartet in five sections, set for flute/piccolo, alto saxophone, violoncello, and piano. My inspiration for this composition stemmed from the environmental awareness film 11th Hour which vividly portrays the adverse effects of humanity's historical disregard for the environment through compelling and urgent imagery. The film prompted me to reflect deeply on contemporary environmental issues over the course of this nine-minute piece. The first section (mm.1-19) employs bright colors and the hocket technique, creating a sparkling effect to represent the beautiful, safe, fresh, and harmonious planet we currently inhabit. The second section (mm.20-60) utilizes whole tone and octatonic tone clusters, along with abrupt shifts in dynamics and registers, conveying a sense of tension and crisis. This section suggests that human behaviors are gradually leading to a series of detrimental consequences in our lives. In the third section (mm.61-91), faster rhythmic patterns and a tighter texture drive toward the climax, generating a strong sense of chaos and disorderliness. This reflects the idea that the environmental pollution of the Earth has spiraled out of control. The fourth section (mm.92-123) depicts how humans are subjected to nature's vengeance, showcasing individual instruments with bombastic, heavy chords. The final section (mm.124-140) draws on the pitch and rhythmic designs from the first section, returning to a calm yet simultaneously unresolved conclusion. Punctuated pitches enter the listener's mind, provoking a deeper contemplation of the environment.

Name thesis:degree_name

Master of Music

Level thesis:degree_level

Masters

Discipline thesis:degree_discipline

Music Composition (UMKC)

Grantor

University of Missouri--Kansas City

Year dc:date.issued

2024

Author dc:creator

• Wang, Jiaqi

Advisor dc:contributor.advisor

• Chen, Yi, 1953-

Handle dc:identifier.uri

https://hdl.handle.net/10355/98641

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:mospace.umsystem.edu:10355/98641