Memory Theatre (2010)
for Bassoon Quartet (optional contrabassoon on Bassoon IV)
Program Note
I always believe that the listening experience of a new composition is like watching
a show, where each character (musical motif or gesture) lives their lives through transformations and interactions, and have a somewhat determined path (musical direction) to go through the
journey. Memory Theatre is a very personal journey. My memory of the solo bassoon line at the beginning of Stravinsky’s Rite of Spring was the first inspiration behind this composition. It is one
of the early “characters” that I was trying to give “lives” to through transformations and development. The other memory was Bergmüller’s “La styrienne” from his 25 Piano Etudes, which I loved to
play as a young pianist. I was surprised to find the two have some common grounds – both begin with a neighboring grace-note gesture at the same pitch level. I juxtaposed these two seemingly
un-related musical memories, and was trying to have them “live” through my interpretation. Memory Theatre was scored for bassoon quartet (with optional contrabassoon on Bassoon IV), and was made
possible by the generosity of Taiwan National Foundation of Arts and Culture.
