Notes on We Gather Here Together/ Somewhere Faraway

 

March 2009

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This choral composition is tailored-made for Jordan Jazz, HKIED Chorus and Hong Kong school choirs during the first HKIED Choral Jazz Festival. The ultimate goal is to celebrate friendship between cultures.

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The idea behind this work was conceived by Dr. Paulina Wong, Dr. Allison So, and Dr. Tim Brimmer in November 2007 in Indianapolis. I am honored to be the composer who brings this noble idea to reality.

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Writing a choral work which involves three different spoken languages, cross-cultural musical styles, and choirs of different levels (from very basic to very sophisticated levels) has to be the most challenging composition project for me. The biggest challenge is not languages, styles, nor performance levels; it is the incorporation of all the above aspects in a logical, smooth and musical manner.

After months of contemplation, I finally decided upon Somewhere Faraway, a Chinese folk melody in Dorian mode, to be incorporated with We Gather Here Together, a German madrigal sent to me from Dr. Brimmer last summer.

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The composition is a series of variations based on these two melodies, evolving gradually from simple to sophisticated levels, and from traditional Chinese, European, to more contemporary American jazz styles. There are altogether six variations and a coda.

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Following is the outline:

1. "Somewhere Faraway" sung in Mandarin by soloist or a children’s choir (Choir I).  Text re-written by the composer, to suit the overall meaning of the work. English translation: “In a faraway place, my dear friend. Please sing with me, to pursue our dream, and to bring out hope.”    

2.  "We Gather Here Together" sung in Cantonese by a girl’s choir (Choir II). Cantonese text written by the composer (translation from English text)

3. Combination of "Somewhere Faraway" and "We Gather Here Together" sung in Mandarin and Cantonese by HKIED chorus (Choir III). Chinese text written by the composer.

4. "We Gather Here Together" sung in English by Jordan Jazz, straight-forward four-part chorale style.

5. "We Gather Here Together" sung in English by Jordan Jazz, jazz-up version.

6. Combination of Choirs II/III & IV singing "We Gather Here Together" in Cantonese and English. Cantonese text written by the composer.

7. Coda: Choirs II, III & IV singing new Cantonese lyrics and portions of English lyrics from "We Gather Here Together" in Cantonese and English dialogues, with Choir I humming "Somewhere Faraway". New Cantonese text:”The world will be better”and new English text:”Heal our world with love” written by the composer.

 

Combining modality with tonality is the essence of blending cross-cultural musical styles together.  Perhaps the idea of smooth incorporation of languages and styles in musical setting could be extended to the human society someday.

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This music is written at a time when the whole world is going through economic recession, and many people from different parts of the world are suffering from natural disasters, wars, political and social unrest. The world needs love and peace more than ever. As musicians and educators, we can use the power of music to send the message of universal love, peace and friendship to everyone. Let us forget about our differences and focus on our common dream. Let us care for and support each other, and bring new hope to a better world.

 

 

Sheung-Ping Lai