Shen, Ye: Prelude

I composed Prelude for Ensemble Epoch. The Solo Violin part has a somewhat peculiar melody consisting of a constantly repeated G sharp. The Percussion part uses two instruments, the vibraphone and the bell, both with the same G sharp too. The Strings repeat a harmonic group three times, but each time it "grows" one more chord ... Composers often have some thoughts hidden in their music. However, the name "Prelude" is given in the hope that the listeners will not be bound by clues, but will be free to unfold their own imagination. I have a vague feeling that, as a composer, I would be better able to facilitate communication and understanding by returning more interpretive space to performers and listeners. Listening to the otherwise untitled Prelude, it is easy to recognize the time and circumstance of its composition. Those who have experienced such moments will surely understand. (SHEN Ye, 2024)