Xiao SU: Apocalypse

Sheng: Le-Ning CHU / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra, Tien-Ku Percussion Group / Chih-Sheng CHEN / National Concert Hall / Taipei, Taiwan. 2020.02.13 / Video: Jacob Audio and Video Arts, Jacob Chang / Audio: Chao-Hui Wang. (Taiwan premiere)

The creative inspiration for this work comes from a journey to Tibet. The composer uses traditional Chinese musical instruments in combination with the sheng that plays complex rhythmic patterns, rich overlapping chords, and uses various wind techniques, showcasing its expressive capabilities. Elements of traditional Tibetan Buddhist culture are added with creative musical techniques and express the fascinating solemnity of traditional Buddhist music. The dazzling sunrise, gorgeous sunset, closeness to the galaxy at night, the prayer flags displayed all over the mountains and plains, and the prayer wheel in the hands of the pious old mother… all these left a deep impression upon the composer. When the sun shines above the golden Jokhang Temple, people feel the enlightenment from heaven in the chanting of monks from the temple.

(Translation: Kiah Mok Goh / Edit: Patty Chan)