Hansol Choi - S'eoS'aN'ak_i'l (서산낙일) For Violoncello Quartet

Program Notes: This piece was written with the imagery of a sunset in mind. The title means "sun setting over the mountains." The Korean translation also translates to a kingdom that has grown so weak that it can no longer sustain itself. I wanted to portray not only a sunset but the settling of something within. When truth, grief, reality, pains, joy, and many other emotions settle within, I am often met with what can be both anxiety inducing and hopeful at the same time. The sunset marks the end of the day. It also marks the beginning of the evening. Nights have often been portrayed as both forboding yet beautiful. I wanted to portray the setting in of grief... but also end of it as well. Where something ends, something else hopefully begins anew. Just as the sun sets over the mountains and the fields creating a beautifully unavoidable scene, so will the new seasons of life find us. The main hymnal material used in this piece is the 'Doxology' of the protestant church: "Praise God, From Whom All Blessings Flow." "Doxology" by Thomas Ken Praise God, from whom all blessings flow; Praise Him, all creatures here below; Praise Him above, ye heav'nly host; Praise Father, Son, and Holy Ghost. Amen.

Recorded by Giovanni Albini

highSCORE Festival 2023

Villa Penicina Pavia, Italy 7/20/2023