령: Requiem for Wandering Souls (2024)
Instrumentation: 3(3=pic.)/3(3+eh)/3(3=bcl)/3(3=cbn) 4/3/3/1 timp+3perc. pno. hp. str.
Duration: 15 minutes
Program Note:
Program Note: Requiem for Wandering Souls is about 령 which is Korean concept referring to a spirit or soul, often understood as a metaphysical presence that transcends the physical body. It may represent the spirit of a deceased ancestor, a supernatural force, or an ethereal energy that lingers in a particular place or moment.
The composition unfolds in three movements, each telling a unique story through the orchestra:
1. Wailing
2. Prayer
3. Ascension
The first movement, Wailing, portrays the wandering souls crying out in anguish. High-register tremolos in the strings create an unsettling atmosphere, evoking the eerie sound of their cries—raw expressions of sorrow as they drift without rest. These ghostly timbres alternate with powerful block chords, echoing their despair and shaping a haunting soundscape.
The second movement, Prayer, draws inspiration from a traditional oriental court music performed to honor royal ancestors and pray for the well-being of the nation. Delicate textures and serene melodies establish a meditative aura, offering spiritual grace and guidance. This movement serves as both a prayer for the living and a ritual for the wandering souls, gently guiding them toward their rightful resting places. The ceremonial character imbues the music with quite dignity and a profound sense of hope.
The final movement, Ascension, opens with sweeping upward scalar motions that build into powerful and radiant textures. This energetic ascent symbolizes transcendence, as the spirits are propelled toward their final destination. The sound of ritual bells echoes the shaman’s dance, a ceremonial act meant to placate the dead and ameliorates any danger from their presence. Together, these three movements present a poignant journey toward resolution—one that ultimately dissolves into the void.
Premiere: UMKC Orchestra conducted by Carlos Pacheco | March 17 2026 | White Hall, Kansas City, MO |