Daniel Cui: Twelve Seconds for Orchestra

Daniel Cui

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Orchestra

2023

Program Notes: Twelve seconds is based on one of the most Horrendous war atrocities that humankind has ever seen, which is also known as the ‘Rape of Nanjing’. In December 1937, after the Japanese army captured Nanjing, which was the capital of China, marked beginning of a six-week long massacre. During those six weeks, 300,000 were murdered, many more tortured, humiliated, and raped... Every 12 seconds, one person was killed... hence the title of this piece. Musically, this piece is constructed with 12-second-long blocks to reflect the idea of the title. In this work, I also attempted to recreate scenes from the massacre, including the sound of sirens, weapons, screaming, and killing. Most of the information is gathered from the book "The Rape of Nanking" by Iris Chang. For ironic purposes, I have also quoted from a Japanese song named "Umi Yukaba" (If I go away to the sea), which was composed in the same year as the 'Rape of Nanjing'. The purpose of the song was to brainwash the Japanese people into believing that dying for the emperor is the most supreme honor there was. The quotation of this song is present and developed in different sections, functioning as the main driving musical motif. From the extreme approach and the disturbing musical scenes created by this work, I intend to raise awareness of this massacre, as it is to some level, buried in history due to many political reasons. I also intend to reflect on the cruelty of war, of how wars can turn people into demons. Most importantly, as someone born and raised in Nanjing, I would like to show my respect and condolences to victims. May the dead rest in peace, should the living never forget and repeat...
Recording Notes: This work was first premiered by the Indiana University Jacobs School of Music Chamber Orchestra, conducted by Jeffery Meyer on March 22nd, 2024, at Indiana University Jacobs School of Music, as part of the 2024 American Composer Orchestra Earshot.
Performer Credits: Indiana University Chamber Orchestra; Conducted by Jeffery Meyer