Bloom for orchestra (2018)

Instrumentation:

2,2,2,2 - 4,3,3,1, timp, perc, hp, strings

Duration: ca. 5'

About the piece:

Bloom explores the growth of a single sound as it develops and expands into various harmonies, textures and eventually a chaotic mass of sound. This process is depicted through several perspectives: from the overall structure of the piece to each individual gesture. The loudest and most chaotic section of the piece uses some form of indeterminacy, in which performers are required to repeat short gestures of sound, yet deliberately not align with each other. This creates a huge mass of sound and texture, as though many different sound sources are heard at once. This also allows a slightly different and hence unique performance each time the piece is performed.

This piece was inspired by my fascination with combining different instrumental timbres, and exploring development of sound. The chaotic section is influenced by Lutosławski's Symphony No. 4, and attempts to emulate my experience of being in a rehearsal space when musicians are warming up: you hear different phrases repeated at their own pace; they are completely contrasting yet they are somehow able to coexist with each other.

Commissioned by the Singapore National Youth Orchestra

First performance: 

December 2018, Esplanade Concert Hall, Singapore

Performed by:

Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Peter Stark (conductor)

Subsequent performances: 

December 2018, Victoria Concert Hall, Singapore
Xinghai Concert Hall, Guangzhou
Hong Kong Cultural Centre Concert Hall, Hong Kong
Singapore National Youth Orchestra, Joshua Tan (conductor)