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Chorus
2024
Alto
Bass
Gong
Marimba
Soprano
Tenor
- Program Notes
- “Jasmine Flower” is a renowned Chinese folk tune from Nanjing, which has been notably featured in Verdi’s opera Turandot. As a composer from Nanjing, I have always aimed to incorporate this folk tune into my own work. My adaptation involves a reinterpretation of the melody, focusing on the text's meaning rather than preserving the original tune intact. The text, in Chinese Pinyin, translates to: "Flower of jasmine, so fair! Flower of jasmine, so fair! Budding and blooming here and there, Pure and fragrant all do declare. Let me pick you with tender care, Sweetness for all to share. Jasmine fair, oh Jasmine fair." The composition is structured in three main sections. The opening is free and aleatoric, creating a mysterious atmosphere as it gradually builds into a powerful tutti sound, celebrating the jasmine’s beauty. This section transitions into a dynamic middle part featuring percussion inspired by traditional Nanjing opera, reflecting the excitement and personal connection to the jasmine flower. The text here, focusing on “Let me!,” highlights a personal reaction to the flower’s beauty. The final section shifts to a softer, sweeter tone, emphasizing themes of tenderness and shared sweetness through “wordplays” in the music. The piece concludes with a repeated mention of “jasmine,” symbolizing the flower’s enduring significance. This work not only honors the jasmine flower but also serves as a personal tribute to Nanjing, reflecting the city’s historical richness, vibrancy, and beauty. The folk tune becomes a metaphor for my deep affection for my hometown, expressed through my musical adaptation.
- Recording Notes
- Performance at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Auer Hall in March 2024
- Performer Credits
- Notus Contemporary Vocal Ensemble