Murmurs in the Mist of Memory (2001)
For 11 solo strings
Commissioned by the International Sejong Soloists
Premiered by the International Sejong Soloists at the Aspen Music Festival, June 2001
Duration: 10 minutes
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Murmurs in the Mist of Memory
I. Ceremonial
II. Lullaby
III. Ritual
IV. Incantation
Dedicated to International Sejong Soloists, and commissioned for them by Young Ho Kim, president of Ilshin Spinning Co., Ltd.
Murmurs in the Mist of Memory is a 4-movement work that was composed in 2001. The piece possesses a wide spectrum of nuance, at times lyrical, abstract, passionate, subtle, vivid, aggressive, colorful, floating, rhythmic, elegant, clean, or light.
Each movement features a different attribute of the Soloists' phenomenal technique — individual and collective — left hand as well as bow arm. The aim was to capture, concisely, a specific "universe" or "mood" in each movement in the short space of 3 or 4 minutes, such that the musicians would escort the listener through a mini suite of diverse expeditions into remembrances.
Each of the movements is inspired by a short poem of Emily Dickinson. Each poem reveals impressions to do with light.
#228
Blazing in Gold and quenching in Purple
Leaping like Leopards to the Sky
Then at the feet of the old Horizon
Laying her spotted Face to die
Stooping as low as the Otter's Window
Touching the Roof and tinting the Barn
Kissing her Bonnet to the Meadow
And the Juggler of Day is gone
#1577
Morning is due to all —
To some the Night —
To an imperial few —
The Auroral light.
#1541
No matter where the Saints abide,
They make their Circuit fair
Behold how great a Firmament
Accompanies a Star.
#1556
Image of Light, Adieu —
Thanks for the interview —
So long so short —
Preceptor of the whole —
Coeval Cardinal —
Impart — Depart —
Augusta Read Thomas
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