Sparks
Work Overview
Instrumentation: flute, yangqin, and percussion
Commission: Tangram Collective
Premiere: Tangram Collective (2022)
Program Note
Sparks (2021) for flute, yangqin, and percussion is a reflection of the tumultuous times in which it was written, a realization that our COVID lockdowns have ignited many movements of positive change and collective energy in our communities. Writing Sparks took an earnest focus, requiring efforts to integrate an instrument that I have never written for before into my own sound world. The piece is energized by an attention to rhythm and linear direction, moving quickly upward or downward and made more intense by irregular punctuations. Its ammo is rhythmic precision, fast-paced runs, and a laser-focused energy that keeps the players on their toes.
There are moments of calm in the piece as well, providing a ruminating contrast to the drive of the rest of the piece and allowing for melodic clarity particularly in the flute and yangqin. An especially poignant section comes at the 3/4 mark in the piece, where the piece reaches its softest, most delicate core and the percussionist picks up a wine glass, wets the rim, and “plays” the instrument. The sound is a clear but soft tone, complemented by the harmonics of the flute and tremolo murmurs of the yangqin. The piece doesn’t rest there though, as the energy of the former half returns with a distinct color change of Chinese Paigu drums. The energy is relentless until the end, and the clangor of the tam-tam first heard at the very beginning brings the work to an exciting conclusion. This work is less about “East Meets West” and more about exploring different timbres and colors in a unique way.
Many thanks to Tangram, in particular Alex Ho and Reylon Yount, for this commission and collaboration.
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Errata List
Artists are welcome to contribute any errors or notes for this work on our collaborative errata list.