Chen, Yi: Remember

REMEMBER was composed as a memorial for Steven Stucky. Originally written for baritone voice and three instruments, the violin takes on the “human” role in this version for flute, clarinet, violin, and cello. Short falloffs at the ends of phrases imitate the sounds of sighing lamentation in Chinese folk songs. The music develops economically through many arresting textures, featuring each instrument in turn, and ends inconclusively, yet satisfyingly, as if its song has ended, but not its sorrow. For advanced performers.