anew for 8-part wind band and percussion (2020)

Instrumentation:

(flex-band, grade 4 level)

Part 1 – Flute / Oboe / Clarinet (Eb) / Soprano Saxophone (Bb)
Part 2 – Clarinet (Bb) / Alto Saxophone (Eb)
Part 3 – Clarinet (Bb) / Trumpet (Bb) / Alto Saxophone (Eb)
Part 4 – Clarinet (Bb) / Trumpet (Bb)
Part 5 – Horn (F)
Part 6 – Tenor Saxophone (Bb) / Euphonium
Part 7 – Trombone / Bassoon
Part 8 – Bass Clarinet (Bb) / Baritone Saxophone (Eb) / Tuba / Contrabass
Part 9 (opt.) – Percussion (Suspended Cymbal, Xylophone)

Duration: ca. 5' 30"

About the piece:

"anew" is a reflection of the current situation we live in amidst the COVID-19 pandemic: the uncertainty and chaos, yet coupled with our hopes and anticipation for a better future. It explores the trajectory of the virus spreading, rapidly changing the world; yet also our ability to start anew and adapt to a new normal.

I wrote "anew" during the summer of 2020 when the pandemic first hit and Singapore was under lockdown. It felt like everything came to a standstill; it was difficult to plan for the future and we had to quickly adapt to various new measures. When I was first approached by NUSWS to write this piece, I wanted to explore a different side of composition that I hadn't done before - to write something tonal and melodic, yet retaining the colourful textures and indeterminate elements that are a part of my compositional language.

I was inspired by the multitude of band pieces that I had learnt and performed when I was younger, having been in the concert band since high school. Although there are no direct connections to any particular piece, the narrative of "anew" follows that of the typical band composition, and also encapsulates emotions and feelings similar to what we have been experiencing: the worry and anxiety, intertwined with acceptance and a sense of hope.

It feels surreal that we are still in the midst of the pandemic in 2022, but as things shift towards a new normal, there is hope that performances can resume to a somewhat similar level as before. I hope that this piece will resonate with both musicians and audiences alike, as we continue to brave through the pandemic and create a new beginning together.

Commissioned by NUS Centre For the Arts for NUS Wind Symphony, made available by the Ho Hwee Long Music Score Commission Fund

First performance: 

March 2022, Singapore

Performed by:

NUS Wind Symphony, Francis Tan (conductor)