Ssa-reng, ui......
(2006)
for Soprano, Alto-Saxophone, Percussion, Kayageum & Live-electronics (ca. 8 min.)
commissioned by the B.E.A.M
This piece explores two enigmatic words which have served as a source of inspiration
to me by their phonetic unfamiliarity.
"Ssa-reng" is an old oral notation which describes a sound color for a Korean traditional
string instrument, the Kayageum.
"Ui, du eo reong shyeong" is a refrain in ancient rhymed verses from an old Dynasty of
Korea, the meaning of which has been lost in the mists of time.
To make a sensuous association between diverse cultures in the musical language of the
western and eastern instruments, I intentionally overlapped the highly complex layers of
two musical styles in various intensities or contrasts.
The process of first part is an extreme stretching of the phonetics from "s-ss" over "a-rrrr-e"
to "-ng" of "ssa-reng", where the whole vocal and instrumental structure is congruent with the onomatopoeic sound of the word.
Live-electronic serves to this expansion with its time-stretching technics.
The second piece tracks the uplifting emotional process depicting a kind of rapturous joy
through certain rhythms.
Live-electronics enhance these rhythms through modulating the velocity.
By chanting repeatedly "ui, du eo reong shyeong", I hope the same instinctive joy
which my ancestors would feel in their simple life might be shared beyond time and space.