Cities And Memory

"This piece is based on a field recording of a drum and gong ensemble performance in Beijing's Forbidden City. In Chinese culture, such performances are traditionally associated with ceremonial events, including weddings, funerals, housewarmings, Lunar New Year celebrations, and dragon or lion dances. While the rhythms may initially seem repetitive, they are filled with intricate sonic textures and dynamic nuances. "In my composition, I deconstructed the original recording, isolating specific elements, such as the cymbal strikes, and used granular synthesis to generate new sonic materials. At the same time, I retained portions of the ensemble’s characteristic rhythms to encourage the audience to focus on these distinctive traditional sounds. To maintain a connection with the original recording, I introduced a steady percussive rhythm at 1:25, with its density meticulously designed to mirror the rhythmic complexity of the source material. "In Chinese tradition, drum and gong performances often serve as backg