Instrumentation
Brass Quintet, Percussion, Fixed Media Electronics
Duration
6 minutes
Year Composed
2022; Rev. 2025
A fanfare inspired by Chinese drumming.
Jigu (击⿎), a term that means “hitting the drum” in Chinese, is a piece inspired by the various styles of Chinese drumming. I am always fascinated and moved by the energy and drive which a Chinese percussion ensemble imparts with their spontaneous, collaborative, and sophisticated performance. I vividly remember going to events like the Chinese New Year celebration, being enthralled by the endless waves of rhythms and immersed in the festive spirit. When I realized that the concept and energy of Chinese drumming has similar musical elements and social function to a western fanfare, I wanted to merge these two musical genres into one and create a new sort of fanfare that exists between the two worlds.
