Landmarks (2024)
Instrumentation: String Quartet and Piano
Duration: 9 minutes
Program Note:
land·mark /ˈlan(d)ˌmärk/
1. an object or feature of a landscape or town that is easily seen and recognized from a distance, especially one that enables someone to establish their location.
2. an event, discovery, or change marking an important stage or turning point in something.
Landmarks is a two-movement work that holds deep personal meaning, reflecting both my individual journey and the cultural richness of Kansas City. The piece explores the idea of “landmarks” in both a personal and artistic sense, with each movement portraying a unique perspective on the concept.
The first movement, Self-Exploration, represents my personal journey as a composer during my time in Kansas City. This city has been an essential landmark in my life, serving as a place where I have been able to build and develop my musical voice. Drawing from my Korean heritage and jazz background, the movement features a blend of musical materials such as blues-inspired forms, plucking, glissandi, ricochet bowing, and more.
The second movement, Pure Inspiration, draws from the artistic landmarks that define Kansas City’s vibrant cultural landscape: the Nelson-Atkins Museum of Art, the 18th & Vine Jazz District, and the Kauffman Center for the Performing Arts. This movement captures the spirit of these iconic sites through the use of distortion, muted sounds, intense tremolos, and harmonics. These techniques evoke the rich artistic heritage that Kansas City is known for and its profound impact on my creative journey.
Landmarks is a tribute to Kansas City’s vibrant musical and artistic community, which has played a pivotal role in my growth as a composer. Through this piece, I hope to convey my gratitude and deep connection to the city and its culture, making it an integral part of my creative identity.
Performed by
Conductor: Emily Trapani
Violin 1: Jose Ramirez Villa
Violin 2: Qiufan Chen
Viola: Jixuan Lu
Cello: Seungchan Song
Piano: Andreas Landstedt
| November 18 2024 | James C. Olson Performing Arts Center, Kansas City, MO |