《新 | 琵琶语》Neo | Pipa Voices
《新 | 琵琶语》 Neo | Pipa Voices (2017)
Adapted from the Theme Of 《琵琶语》 Pipa Voices by 林海 Lin Hai
Approx. Length - 6’20 (or 5'00, Skipping Optional Repeat)
For Chinese Orchestra
Also Available for Chinese Plucked Strings Ensemble (弹拨乐团) or Ruan Trio (Gaoyin Ruan, Zhongruan, Daruan) and Guzheng
New age zen, passion and action - all in one package!《琵琶语》 Pipa Voices is a recent popular instrumental by film composer Lin Hai (used as opening and closing theme of the 2004 movie《一个陌生女人的来信》Letter from an Unknown Woman). This adaptation takes the original zen feel, but slowly morphs it into a passionate tutti moment, and eventually evolving into a high-energy, epic rendition, like a heroic war movie theme.
The zhongruan is the first to state the melody, while the pipa is featured when the passage is repeated. This is a subtle gesture to a little fun fact: the ruan is thought to have a history of over 2000 years and was once known as ‘Qin pipa’, while the pear-shaped pipa, which we know of today, may have been introduced later during the Han Dynasty and was referred to as ‘Han pipa’ - evolution of pipas!
Listen!
Singapore Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Quek Ling Kiong), 2018
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Bass Sheng (optional)
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona (optional)
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Sanxian (optional)
Guzheng
Vibraphone
Shaker
Suspended Cymbal, Wind Chimes
Congas
Dagu
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●○○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●○○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●○○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●○○○
Remarks:
- The conductor may choose whether or not to perform the repeat on sections A - D (bars 5 - 22). If the passage will not be repeated, the zhongruan/pipa solo at sections A and B may be allocated to either instrument, or both.
- Very friendly for wind musicians, mainly within the single most comfortable octave of dizi and suona (eg the first octave for suona).
- Taking into consideration that the dizi and suona are generally harder instruments to learn due to tone control and intonation issues, this adaptation allows you to focus on training them in those areas without worrying about other issues like rapid notes.
- The plucked strings section have slightly more challenging parts and really take the limelight on many occasions. Perfect for orchestras with a developing wind section and a more advanced plucked strings section.
- The slow melodic passage provides an often-lacking chance to teach melodic phrasing and handling for the plucked strings section, including taking care to project and sustain notes in a beautiful manner.
- Since 琵琶语 was actually a new age piece, I introduced a one-bar motif in the fast section that is very *reminiscent* of a new age composer very familiar to ruan (or should I say, qin pipa) musicians - Liu Xing. Check it out and you'll know what I mean!
Suite from “How to Train Your Dragon”
Suite from “How to Train Your Dragon” (2017)
Original Music by John Powell
Approx. Length - 5'10
For Chinese Orchestra
Fill the concert hall and all hearts with exciting and moving music from the DreamWorks movie, How to Train Your Dragon! Chinese instruments will feel right at home in the Irish and Celtic-influenced music, drawing out the flavors in an all-new way. The audience and musicians alike are sure to be riding not only dragons, but emotions as well, as the suite takes you on a journey of adventure and love. (The movie How to Train Your Dragon 3 is to be released on March 1, 2019, you'll be just in time for the hype)
Listen!
Singapore Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Quek Ling Kiong), 2018
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
1 Qudi
2 Xindi (1 optionally doubling on Xiao)
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Bass Sheng (optional but recommended)
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona (optional)
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Sanxian (optional)
Guzheng
Sleigh Bells
Vibraphone, Cymbals
Tam-tam, Suspended Cymbal (2 separate musicians)
Dagu (or Taiko Drum)
Bass Drum
Snare Drum
Paigu (+ optional additional low tom)
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu I, II
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●●○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●●○
Percussion: ●●●○○
Overall: ●●●●○
Remarks:
- Technically-demanding piece for dizis, gaoyin sheng, yangqin and huqin
- Great opportunity to train both the musical and technical abilities of the orchestra
《那些年的小幸运》A Little Happiness of Those Years
《那些年的小幸运》 A Little Happiness of Those Years (2017)
As Sung by 田馥甄 Hebe & 胡夏 Hu Xia
Original Music by Jerryc & Mitsutoshi Kimura
Approx. Length - 4'40
For Chinese Orchestra
A mash-up of two popular themes from the Taiwanese romance movies《我的少女時代》(Our Times) and《那些年，我们一起追的女孩》(You Are the Apple of My Eye). Highlights include a reminiscent gaohu solo; the innocence of youth portrayed by the plucked strings; a beautiful, shimmering chorus in an oriental counterpoint; and the two songs weaving in and out of each other, eventually coming together as though all our life narratives are connected. Perfect item for your orchestra to highlight the colours of each section in a Chinese orchestra and how they blend together, and for bringing everyone back to experience the sweet love of our youth.
Commissioned by the Singapore Management University Chinese Orchestra and music director, maestro Quek Ling Kiong.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Sanxian (optional)
Guzheng (optional)
Triangle
Suspended Cymbal
Drum Set
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone
Timpani (+ optional rainstick)
Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass (or E. Bass)
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●○○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●○○○
Plucked strings: ●●○○○
Winds: ●●○○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●○○○
Remarks:
- Some syncopation in the melodies which may be tricky for young students or to rehearse quickly, but can be simplified if necessary
Video:
Singapore Management University Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Heng Xiangle), 2017
《好想你》I MiSS U
《好想你》 I MiSS U (2017)
As Sung by 四叶草 Joyce Chu | Original Music by Namewee
Approx. Length - 3'40
For Chinese Orchestra
A really cute and sweet little song, this arrangement packs a new punch by using the forces of the Chinese orchestra and is a complete revamp of the acoustic feel of the original song. Watch out for interesting bits of musical cameo appearances, including Pachelbel’s Canon in D, 五月天’s (Mayday)《突然好想你》, and a jazz bridge. Challenge: get the audience to post pictures of your concert on social media and hashtag #IMissYou____(your orchestra name) / #好想你____(your orchestra name) after the performance! An item to create a memorable concert!
Commissioned by the Singapore Management University Chinese Orchestra and music director, maestro Quek Ling Kiong.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Sanxian (optional)
Triangle
Tambourine
Suspended Cymbal
Drum Set
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass (or E. Bass)
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●○○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●○○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●●○○
Remarks:
- Some tricky rhythms in the later part of the piece, but can be simplified if necessary
- Difficulty level for plucked strings will be significantly reduced if chords are played divisi, suitable for students at an elementary level
- Some fast notes required in the winds, and the jazz-inspired bridge may be challenging for young suona players (can be simplified if necessary)
Video:
Singapore Management University Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Heng Xiangle), 2017
《梭罗河之呼唤》The Cry of Solo River
《梭罗河之呼唤》 The Cry of Solo River (2017 - 2018)
[Featured at the Singapore Chinese Orchestra Composer Workshop 2018]
Approx. Length - 10'00 (Full Version) / 5’00 (Short Version)
Click for audio recording of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra!
For Chinese Orchestra
The Cry of Solo River is a rhapsodic sketch of the scenes, lives and culture along the Solo River (also known as Bengawan Solo), the longest river in the Indonesian island of Java. The piece depicts the mysterious sense of beauty and source of life along the river, inspired by the many discoveries of early hominid remains made at several sites in its valleys. An altered phrase of the folk song Bengawan Solo is used as a recurring theme, and compositional devices based around concepts of impressionism and gamelan are employed.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
1 Qudi
2 Xindi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Bass Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Tenor Suona
1 Bass Suona
1 Alto Guan (doubling on Soprano Guan)
1 Bass Guan
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Sanxian
Guzheng
Vibraphone, Paigu
Yunluo
Suspended Cymbal, Wind Chimes
Large Gong
Pengling, Bass Drum
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu I, II
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●●○○
Overall: ●●●○○
《十一月之序曲》November's Overture
庆友情与生命:《十一月之序曲》
In Celebration of Friendship and Life: November's Overture (2011, revised 2017)
Approx. Length - 4'40
For Chinese Orchestra
What does November mean to you?
It may be a time of festivities with friends, after getting through a year together.
It may be a time of reflection upon life, as another year of bittersweet memories draws to a close.
An overture in this very month of November -
one written as our journey through the ups and downs,
through celebrations,
through reflections,
through memories.
An overture written for friends, and the overture for life and new beginnings!
November’s Overture is a concert overture. The piece opens with a short fanfare-like section before unveiling the main theme in a lyrical andante. This then gives way to an allegro portraying both lighthearted and austere moments. After a pensive adagio, the overture finally culminates with a reprise of the main theme presented in a different fashion, concluding, using the various earlier themes, with a vibrant celebration.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Tenor Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Guzheng
Xylophone
Wind Chimes
Tambourine
Crash Cymbals
Suspended Cymbal
Snare Drum
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●●○○
Video:
Victoria Junior College Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Low Heok Hong), 2011, premiere
Caprice of Nature (for string orchestra)
Caprice of Nature (2014)
[First Place (Singapore) at the International Composition Competition ‘Maurice Ravel’ 2015]
Approx. Length - 5’15
For string orchestra
‘Caprice of Nature’ depicts the multiple facades of Mother Nature, who is ever so enigmatic and dynamic. The short opening passage speaks of the mystery behind nature. Without warning, the forces of nature sweep all into the allegro passage, where the main theme is introduced. Irregular and changing time signatures throughout portray the erratic, unpredictable behaviour of nature. The coda recapitulates the main theme, but this time as a stately procession with a steady 2/2 time signature, illustrating the reverence of mankind for nature's creation and destruction.
Full Instrumentation:
Violin I
Violin II
Viola
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Violin I: ●●●●○
Violin II: ●●●○○
Viola: ●●●○○
Cello: ●●●●○
Double Bass: ●●●○○
Overall: ●●●●○
《然界畅想》Caprice of Nature
交响音画《然界畅想》 Symphonic Portrait: Caprice of Nature (2015 - 2016)
Approx. Length - 8'30
For Chinese Orchestra or Chinese Chamber Ensemble
Watch!
Ding Yi Youth Ensemble (conductor: Tan Qing Lun), 2015, premiere
Victoria Junior College Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Lim Kiong Pin), 2016
‘Caprice of Nature’ depicts the multiple facades of Mother Nature, who is ever so enigmatic and dynamic. The short opening passage speaks of the mystery behind nature. Without warning, the forces of nature sweep all into the allegro passage, where the main theme is introduced. Irregular and changing time signatures throughout portray the erratic, unpredictable behaviour of nature. The coda recapitulates the main theme, but this time as a stately procession with a steady 2/2 time signature, illustrating the reverence of mankind for nature's creation and destruction.
The work is characterized by the use of the orchestra to make musicians and audience alike feel one with nature. Uncommon percussion instruments such as the thunder drum, rain stick and thunder sheet are used, while other mainstream percussion and orchestra instruments adopt techniques to create sounds of nature, setting the stage for an immersive experience.
Full Instrumentation (Chinese orchestra version):
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Bass Sheng*
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona*
1 Alto Guan (doubling on Soprano Guan)*
1 Bass Guan*
Yangqin
Liuqin*
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Guzheng
Suspended Cymbal, Egg Shaker, Chime Tree, Tam-tam, Vibraslap
Rainstick, Congas, Clapper, Tom-toms (or Paigu)
Bass Drum, Thunder Drum, Thunder Sheet
Xylophone, Cymbals*
Vibraphone, Yunluo*
Suspended Cymbals, Wind Chimes
Timpani
(7 percussionists)
Gaohu
Erhu I, II
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
*May be omitted to fit smaller orchestras. Precise details upon enquiry.
Full Instrumentation (chamber ensemble version):
1 Bangdi
1 Qudi
1 Soprano Sheng
1 Alto Sheng
1 Yangqin
1 Pipa
1 Zhongruan
1 Daruan
1 Guzheng
Percussionist I:
Bass Drum, Suspended Cymbal, Egg Shaker, Wind Chimes, Tam-tam, Vibraslap
Percussionist II:
Rainstick, Congas, Clapper, Suspended Cymbal, Tom-toms
Optional third percussionist on timpani
1 Gaohu
1 - 2 Erhu I
1 Erhu II
1 Zhonghu
1 Cello
1 Double Bass
(18 musicians)
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●●○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●●○
Plucked strings: ●●●●○
Winds: ●●●●○
Percussion: ●●●○○
Overall: ●●●●○
《隐藏的英雄》Hidden Heroes
《隐藏的英雄》 Hidden Heroes (2017)
Approx. Length - 5’00
For Chinese Orchestra, or Solo Erhu with Chinese Orchestra
Click here to listen to an excerpt! (for xiao, yangqin, and strings)
Inspired by the journey of my friend, Singaporean visually-impaired erhu soloist Stephanie Ow; dedicated to her, Very Special Arts and its 2017 concert, 'Welcome to My World - A Concert by People with Disabilities'. Hidden Heroes features a majestic, sweeping main theme that brings out the power of the orchestra, as well as emotional melodies that reach out to hopes and dreams. The piece is divided into four parts: [1] With Soul: A World A of Hidden Heroes; [2] With Voice: Dreams; [3] With Heart: Endeavour; and [4] With Spirit: Rise of Our Hidden Heroes.
Even without the gift of sight can one find an even more powerful voice in music to inspire others and create a better world. Hidden Heroes is an ode that brings to light these figures in our community who bravely overcame unthinkable obstacles, for they have brought us light in our own darkness through their acts.
Featured on Deutsche Bank 2017 corporate giving video, “Dream Beyond”.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Guzheng
Xylophone
Suspended Cymbal, Wind Chimes
Large Gong
Dagu
Paigu (or Tom-toms)
Timpani
(Solo Erhu)
Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●○○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●●○○
Oriental Winds
Oriental Winds (2017)
Approx. Length - 11'00
For Symphony Orchestra and Solo Bansuri, Suling and Xiao
-----
"Plenty of beautiful sounds to savour...magical"
"Concertgoers were all getting to enjoy themselves oohing and aahing to Lok's score...this has the makings of an effective concert work"
- The Straits Times, reviewed by Dr Marc Rochester, published 2018 February 13
"Loved it very much...a tremendous dynamic development, making it a thrill to listen to"
- Lianhe Zaobao, reviewed by Quek Yong Siu (originally in Chinese), published 2018 February 24
-----
Oriental Winds is an evocative and cathartic work for symphony orchestra and 3 solo ethnic flutes - the Indian bansuri, Malay suling, and Chinese xiao.
The various motifs in this piece were inspired by the ethnic groups, while the frequent use of quintal harmonies were intended to portray tranquility and being free from attachment (one can say, to functional harmony), free like the wind. Impressionist concepts and orchestration techniques also influenced the creation of the piece.
Opening: A pale shimmer among mist and clouds. An oboe is the first to call out into the vast, formless world, receiving only distant echoes from clarinets and flute. A trombone follows, receiving even shorter echoes. Muted string trills then blow over and carry the orchestra into a mystical scene, set by the harp and vibraphone moving freely. The congregation is invoked to create the soundscape, as various instruments utter and foreshadow the first main motif at different moments. Different winds start to creep in, each starting as a mere zephyr, growing in intensity, weaving in and out, before fading into empty air.
The world begins to take form: the oboe, once again, along with violins, sing the main theme. Here, divided into 4 sections, the violins start to drop out from each phrase section by section, each clinging onto their last note, like a lingering breeze. The humble theme then passes to the clarinet family, bassoon, horns and celli, singing in unison in rich, intense registers. Rumbles from the percussion instruments seem to build up, before the texture dissolves once again. The second main motif is quoted twice, heralding the arrival of the soloists. Each ethnic flute recalls the motifs, adopting them with different cultural nuances, telling tales as they know them. The orchestra woodwinds return shortly after the various tales, each instrument reminiscing, contributing a part of the melody, before the orchestra sweeps into an evocative and passionate moment with the main theme finally reprised in full again, led by a tutti string section. The horns counter with a melody based on the second main motif, while the high woodwinds present relentless gusts of wind with their ostinato - the whole orchestra and soloists are united.
However, this moment is short-lived - the strings suddenly descend with a great chromatic scale into a frenzy. The percussion section brings forth a windstorm, where pairs of Chinese cymbals, big and small, are rubbed against each other, conjuring roaring gales. Adding to them, a Chinese cymbal, placed reversed on the lowest timpano, is rolled upon and pedalled, creating howling sounds.
As the congregation is invoked again for this soundscape, the orchestra emerges with a fast tempo in an odd 11/8 meter, the magnificent winds of change sweeping across the surface of the Earth against all odds towards the future. After a few solos, the pulsing rhythm abruptly reaches a standstill, upon which the 3 soloists trade dances with the bass clarinet, bassoon and trumpet. The accompanying orchestra winds are tranquil and reflective, with instruments contributing to the texture one by one like rays of light. The violins and violas soon join in the flurry of the soloists, moving across their registers, eventually building to a sudden breakout. The 3 solo flutes, edged on by the hi-hat, glide rapidly, picking up from one another, finally moving together and merging into one. The orchestra launches into the concluding passage, even faster than before, eventually losing a beat every successive bar and getting more and more tense, a cathartic rush before a final gust closes the scene.
Commissioned by the Asian Cultural Symphony Orchestra. Premiered at their concert, "Oriental Winds", on 2018 February 10 under conductor Adrian Chiang.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Flutes
2 Oboes
2 Clarinets in Bb
1 Bass Clarinet in Bb
2 Bassoons
4 Horns in F
2 Trumpets in C
2 Trombones
1 Bass Trombone
1 Tuba
Timpani
Triangle, Xiaocha (small Chinese cymbals), Taiko Drum (or Dagu)
Suspended Cymbal, Dacha (large Chinese cymbals), Hi-hat
Bass Drum
Tam-tam, Vibraslap
Wind Chimes, Temple Blocks, optional Wind Machine
Vibraphone, Tom-toms
Harp
Audience (soundscape)
Solo Bansuri
Solo Suling
Solo Xiao
Strings
Difficulty Levels:
Strings: ●●●●○
Woodwind: ●●●●○
Brass: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●●○○
Overall: ●●●●○
《兆》The Harbinger
交响音诗《兆》 Symphonic Poem: The Harbinger (2013 - 2014)
Approx. Length - 7'30
For Chinese Orchestra
Written in the style of a symphonic epic, The Harbinger sketches impressions of a post-apocalyptic future and the signs which foreshadow it. Portents and presages abound, with the recurring motif of the Harbinger guiding us to the realization of uncertainty.
Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Bass Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona
Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Guzheng
Glockenspiel
Vibraphone
Tubular Bells
Suspended Cymbal
Bass Drum
Tom-toms (or Paigu)
Timpani
Gaohu
Erhu I
Erhu II
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass
Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●○○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●●○○
Video:
Victoria Junior College Chinese Orchestra & Alumni (conductor: Lim Kiong Pin), 2014, premiere