Kuang-Chih CHENG: Worshiping Dong Huang (commission, world premiere)

Erhu: Pei Chin CHUANG, I-Shan CHUNG / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra, Tien-Ku Percussion Group / Chih-Sheng CHEN / National Concert Hall / Taipei, Taiwan. 2016.08.28 / Video: Jacob Audio and Video Arts, Jacob Chang / Audio: Chao-Hui Wang.

The composer was inspired after reading “Nine Songs”. This is the second work from the “Nine Songs” series which was written by Qu Yuan, a legendary poet of the Chu State during the Warring States Period.

The first section begins with “Worshiping Dong Huang” in which the composer incorporates the themes of worship and sacrifice. Worship: when everyone has the same belief, together it becomes a force that is beyond our imagination. Sacrificial rituals: people believe these rituals will bring hope with prayer. The music is divided into three sections: Heaven, Nature and Worship. The combination of the different musical instruments highlight the close relationship between heaven and earth. The two leading performers bring out both awe and deep longing, and depicts the forces of nature. The rituals begin with the gathering, climaxes with dancing, and the fading music symbolizes the ending and departing.

This work is sponsored by the Cultural Office of the City of Taipei.

(Translation: Anthony Ko / Edit: Patty Chan)