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World Premieres
2016-2019 2008-2009 2006-2007 2001-2005
2005: Awakening
Behzad Ranjbaran (b. 1955)The Second Annual Great Mountains International Music Festival
Nunmaul Hall, Yong Pyong Resort - Gangwon Province, Korea
"Preserving the sanctity of peace is a common desire of all humanity. It is hard to understand why humans at times are drawn to war, when prosperity and happiness can be gained by peace. It is so fitting to celebrate peace with music, an inclusive art form that transcends time, cultures and generations.
Awakening was composed as a reflection on war and peace. It is one continuous movement with three interconnected sections: Andante con fuoco, Largo spirituali and Andante con fuoco. The melodic and harmonic basis of Awakening is a short motive, heard at the outset of the piece and is continuously varied and transformed as the work progresses. The agitated first section is followed by a meditative and contemplative middle section (largo spirituali). The final section shares many characteristics of the first section but with a sense of optimism that brings the piece to an energetic finale.
The score of Awakening is dedicated to my dear friend, Hyo Kang."
2003: Sinfonia for Strings
Eric Ewazen (b. 1954)Recorded at American Academy of Arts and Letters - New York, NY
"Sinfonia for Strings is a rich and resonant celebration of the world of string orchestra sonorities. Capable of both great virtuosity and smooth-as-glass legato lyricism, the string orchestra provides the composer with a world of colors and varied musical emotions. The first movement is gutsy and rhythmic, with exciting moments of driving energy, syncopation and sonorous, ringing chords. The second movement, built on a melody which is soft and delicate, builds to a heroic climax, returning to the gentle and understated main theme at the end. The final movement opens with rousing and playful themes which pave the way for a joyful fugue, and a heroic finale.
2001: Murmurs in the Mist of Memory
Augusta Read Thomas (b. 1964)Harris Concert Hall, Aspen Music Festival - Aspen, CO
"Murmurs in the Mist of Memory is a four-movement work that was composed in 2001. The piece possesses a wide spectrum of nuance, at times, lyrical, abstract, passionate, subtle, vivid, aggressive, colorful, floating, rhythmic, elegant, clean, and light. Each movement features a different attribute of the Sejong Soloists' phenomenal technique?individual and collective?left hand as well as bow arm. The aim was to capture concisely, a specific "universe" or "mood" in each movement in the short space of three or four minutes, such that the musicians would escort the listener through a mini suite of diverse expeditions into remembrances."