A Remedy for Death For Mixed Ensemble

Abstract

A Remedy for Death is a three-movement composition for mixed ensemble, which is inspired by the love of God in the bible. The first movement, “The Fall of Man”, is based on the book of Genesis chapter three, when Adam and Eve ate the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil, sin entered into this world and human are separated from God. The music portrays the characteristics of sin, which are repetitive, endless and dark. The movement begins with the repetition of the musical note “A”, and then it develops into musical patterns, just like sin can derive from one single lustful thought and then develop to a wicked, repetitive cycle. There are also lots of descending gestures like glissandi, running notes, and octaves, to echo the title “The Fall of Man”. The second movement, “The Glorious Mystery”, is inspired by the amazing life of Jesus Christ. Starting from the prophesy, His birth, crucifixion, burial and resurrection. The music portrays this dramatic life story with a chant-like opening, foretelling the humble birth of Jesus. Both heart warming and heart breaking melodies can be found in this movement, as Jesus is willing to sacrifice himself for our sins, even as people keep rejecting, persecuting and mocking him. The movement ends with a triumphant and bright section with active interactions between instruments as a celebration of the resurrection. The third movement, “The Joy of the Spirit” is a musical scene describing people’s joyful spirit after repentance and salvation, and the knowledge that they can enjoy an eternal relationship with God. It begins with a fast and lively staccato passage, followed by different kind of contrasts in dynamics, articulations and timbre. Despite the variety of music gestures in the music, this movement begins and ends with tutti, which represents everyone living together in the harmonious and joyful atmosphere in the heaven. This composition aims to inspire people from dwelling and suffering in sin on earth to the hope of love and eternal joy in the heaven.