Program & notes

There are few works of art, music or film out there of which I can honestly say I am simply at a loss for adequate words to describe. “First Circle” is a monumental work full of joyful energy and an indescribably heartfelt melodiousness which a true fan of music can never forget.

The title track “The First Circle” is certainly one of the greatest musical compositions and recordings of the past century. The power and passion of this piece, as it progresses gracefully from a series of simple handclaps to its explosive and magical climax, takes one’s heart and soul on an unforgettable flight.

〈BeyonD the bEnd〉 is scored for percussion soloist with percussion ensemble (5 players total). In the opening of the work the ensemble sings, in unison, chant-like lines that present both the sonic thematic material and the poetic reference the piece hinges on.

Musically, the piece is tied to a three-note motive of B♭, D♭ and E♭ — those letters highlighted in the title — heard throughout. The theme refrains from developing, yet transforms as it is bent into different timbres through orchestrational treatment.

The work is structured around a poetic theme inspired by a short unfinished poem by Brandon Reid Swaim: “When you bend something / It will strike back and bend you / This is the relationship / Between society and nature.”

The piece was inspired by a legend shared by several indigenous tribes of Taiwan. It is said that in ancient times there were many suns in the sky and the people were suffering, so the tribesmen decided to shoot down the extra suns.

Metaphorically, this kind of struggle occurs not only in ancient times but on a daily basis — we wage this battle deep inside every day as good and evil struggle within us.

The work is for six mallets and three percussionists, allowing it to express the multi-tonal quality of competitive playing. The performers’ movements on stage represent the scene in which the suns are shot, creating a great sense of theatrical tension.

“Attraction 2” was created as a dedication to the Ju Percussion Group. Just as a man cannot escape the attraction of the earth even for a brief moment, a composer cannot flee from his inner demons, his own culture, and his taste.

According to the composer: “The composition involves my normal impression toward rhythms and some groups of virtuosity, such as Shakti — flaunting my youth. In this piece, I sometimes attempt to break this music addiction. Through musical passages I impose stop, rest, meditation, trying to interrupt the flow of rhythms, while it quickly returns to a natural state.”

This is a six-mallet marimba composition with a three-percussion accompaniment.

In the process of pursuing musical perfection, I have passed through many stages: chasing technical proficiency, exploring performance possibilities, indecision regarding the achievement of goals, a sense of loneliness, and finally a commitment to my love for music. The composition is divided into five sections — Chase, Exploration, Indecision, Loneliness and Commitment.

A deep thanks to Professor Ju and the Ju Percussion Group for their ongoing support of new, creative compositions, which has infused the field of percussion with energy, vitality and endless possibility.

The style of the piece — in both form and context — is that of a bustling outdoor market (Tsá-Tshi), one full of life and community. Different stalls have different appearances, much like the traditional markets in which you can smell different smells, see different sights, and feel the beating heart of Taiwan.

The entire piece is performed in a whimsical manner, nimble and agile, similar to a dotted collage. The seven performers each portray a different stall, coming together to create a bustling marketplace before our very eyes.