prism for large ensemble (2019)

Instrumentation:

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

Duration: ca. 10'

About the piece:

prism (n.):

(optics) A glass or other transparent object in the form of a prism, especially one that is triangular with refracting surfaces at an acute angle with each other and that separates white light into a spectrum of colours.
(Oxford Dictionary)

prism explores the gestures of dispersion and refraction in music, as well as the transformation of sounds and timbres into a multitude of different colours. The initial gesture of dispersion of material is multiplied, varied, sometimes reversed and converged; yet always providing a sense of movement in the music.
This piece is part of my Final Year Project, which consist of a set of 3 pieces that have an overall theme of exploring timbre and resonance. prism is the second piece in the set, and specifically focuses on the combination and development of timbre in a large ensemble setting.

First performance: 

March 2019, Yong Siew Toh Conservatory of Music, Singapore

Performed by:

Teo Shao Ming (flute), Alyssa Yam (oboe), Stephanie Tan (clarinet), Goh Mok Cheong (bassoon), Bryan Chong (horn), Kenny Ooi (trumpet), Hendrik Kwek (trombone), Pawin Urapevatcharewan (tuba), Lee Yu Ru (percussion), Nigel Foo (harp), Luong Khanh Nhi (piano), Lau Joey, Natalie Koh (violins), Danish Mubin (viola), Wan Chao-Chiu (cello), Man Gege (contrabass), Lee Jia Yi (conductor)