Compromise (Fusion) for suona and orchestra

Abstract

Compromise (Fusion) (for suona and orchestra) is a work that delves into the chemistry between the suona and a Western approach to orchestration. The suona has not yet been fully “discovered” by composers. Traditionally, music for the suona is characterised by the use of its distinctive techniques for fingering and embouchure. These traditional techniques often involve microtonal fluctuations and they produce a special colour in the timbre. The title of this piece, ’Compromise (Fusion)’, comes from the way this traditional Chinese idiom is fused with the western symphonic style – the soloist plays chromatic material with traditional suona technique, accompanied by a Western orchestra. These two voices from two different musical traditions eventually join forces to create a combination of traditional Chinese and modern Western colors.