A Glimpse of Asia

A Glimpse of Asia was written for the Seattle Asia Composition Competition and is dedicated to the Seattle Symphony, which organised it. The score was held at customs for more than a year and never reached the competition. Extensive research into Asian folk traditions led to two contrasting Japanese melodies, Chinese pentachords, Carnatic rhythmic patterns and instruments including muyu, Chinese cymbal, Chinese gong and taiko drum. These elements are combined in a polymodal, polyrhythmic orchestral texture that reflects the simplicity and tenderness I found in Chinese folk stories.