From afar: for symphony orchestra
Abstract
Details
- Title: Subtitle
- From afar: for symphony orchestra
- Creators
- Wenxin Li
- Contributors
- David Gompper (Advisor)Jean-François Charles (Committee Member)Nathan Platte (Committee Member)Scott Conklin (Committee Member)
- Resource Type
- Dissertation
- Degree Awarded
- Doctor of Philosophy (PhD), University of Iowa
- Degree in
- Music (Composition)
- Date degree season
- Autumn 2024
- DOI
- 10.25820/etd.007704
- Publisher
- University of Iowa
- Number of pages
- xviii, 62 pages
- Copyright
- Copyright 2024 Wenxin Li
- Language
- English
- Date submitted
- 12/09/2024
- Description illustrations
- music
- Public Abstract (ETD)
from afar, a composition in three movements scored for full orchestra, draws inspiration from the Tibetan horn dungchen, the Chinese percussion ensemble luogu, and the plucked seven-string Chinese zither guqin. Each movement explores the unique timbres, techniques, and cultural significance of these traditional instruments within a contemporary orchestral framework.
The first movement captures the deep, resonant tones and harmonic complexity of the dungchen, evoking its ceremonial majesty through layered textures and dynamic swells. The second movement channels the vibrant energy of luogu, with its driving rhythms and intricate interplay, reimagining the percussion ensemble's energy through orchestral forces. The final movement reflects the introspective spirit of the guqin, embracing free phrasing, pentatonic scales, and delicate ornamentation to create a meditative soundscape.
The title, from afar, speaks to both physical and cultural distances, honoring the rich traditions of these instruments while reimagining their essence in a contemporary orchestral language. This work invites listeners to embark on a journey that bridges past and present, exploring unfamiliar yet profoundly evocative sonic landscapes.
- Academic Unit
- School of Music
- Record Identifier
- 9984774867502771