Tides for large ensemble (2017/2018)

Instrumentation:

Flute, Oboe, Clarinet/Bass Clarinet, Bassoon, Horn, Trumpet, Trombone, Tuba, Percussion, Harp, Violin I, Violin II, Viola, Cello, Double Bass

Duration: ca. 11'30"

About the piece:

Tides explores the depiction of waves and their motion of ebb and flow. I attempt to depict the motion of waves in different scales, from the overall structure of the piece to the materials used. In the first movement, I depict this motion through the harmonies used and in the glissandi present in the trombone, harp and strings. As with waves, there is this sense of unpredictability which I present in the form of interruptions and loud passages. The second movement uses running notes and chord clusters as material, and explores more of the “wave” gesture together with timbral material. This piece focuses a lot on the use of timbre and colour to complement harmonies.

First performance: 

October 2018, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore​

Performed by:

Teo Shao Ming (flute), Alyssa Yam (oboe), Stephanie Tan (clarinet), Emerald Chee (bassoon), Bryan Chong (horn), Kenny Ooi (trumpet), Pawin Pungbua (bass trombone), Pawin Urapevatcharewan (tuba), Lee Yu Ru (percussion), Nigel Foo (harp), Pei Yi-Ting, Natalie Koh (violins), Wei Jun-Ting (viola), Wan Chao-Chiu (cello), Edmund Song (contrabass), Lee Jia Yi (conductor)​

Subsequent performance:

November 2018, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore

Score can be accessed here