The sound of Formosa: a thesis recording project of original works for horn and piano featuring Taiwanese composers

This recording project presents original compositions for horn and piano written by Taiwanese composers. It offers a unique window into the artistic perspectives and creative voices of Taiwanese composers. Through collaborations with renowned artists like Wan-Yun Liang, Chi-Jou Cho, and Chang-An Chen, this project expands the existing repertoire while promoting Taiwanese composers on the international stage. The diverse array of pieces showcases the breadth of Taiwanese musical creativity, ranging from works influenced by traditional elements to modern experimental styles.

This project, fulfilling a long-held dream of mine, showcases horn and piano pieces exclusively by Taiwanese composers. It encourages horn players to step out of their comfort zones and explore diverse genres, immersing themselves in rich music cultural expressions while bringing a fresh, innovative approach to the horn and piano literature. Each piece creates a dialogue between the composer and the musician, allowing for artistic expression while respecting the original creative intent. The recording process itself became an enriching learning experience as I carefully studied and interpreted the nuances of each unique composition.

This album's music crosses boundaries, encouraging communication and increasing understanding while preserving and enhancing the horn and piano repertoire by Taiwanese composers. Horn players can create a more comprehensive and engaging recital program by selectively blending pieces from this album with standard horn repertoire. This approach exposes horn players to a wide range of compositions while remaining connected to the core horn literature. Ultimately, by integrating local Taiwanese musical traditions into the horn and piano literature, this project facilitates cross-cultural exchange and promotes cross-cultural understanding.