KALEIDOSCOPE: MARCH, SONG & CELEBRATION
by Benjamin Yeo
KALEIDOSCOPE is a three-movement work written for Symphonic Band, Choir and the GuZheng Ensemble, specially commissioned by the Xinmin Secondary School for their 65th Anniversary Celebration Concert series, “Kaleidoscope II”. The unique involvement of the different musical groups in this work showcases the thriving performing arts culture in the school throughout the past decades. The fusion of western and eastern musical styles also signifies harmony across cultures through the powerful language of music.
I. MARCH
The march features the symphonic band with a less conventional introduction from the traditional march music form. The slow and lyrical beginning marked “Andante Cantabile”, brings us back in time to the beautiful memories we have with our friends from school. A distant approaching drumbeat is then heard as it brings us back to the present. This is announced by the trumpeting fanfare statement at the start of the fast section. The rest of the march is characterised by a playful and cheerful theme, peppered with little hints of humour, portraying the traits of a happy youth.
II. SONG
The second movement, “SONG” featuring the Choir and the GuZheng, is based on the beautiful text set by lyricist, 施于淳:
新月光芒綿延長 點亮了黑暗
民居磚瓦承載多少重量 就承載多少希望
中途幾許徬徨 沿路幾經風霜
學無止境 書海無涯 培育之路卻不曾斷
永生化作晨光 將學子路照亮
垂範這份力量 為仁愛 為信義 勇敢奮戰
不論天搖地動 風刮雨刷 信念都堅固頑強
朽不去這風範 寫成一篇雋永詩章
Inspired by the first line of the text, which translates “the warm glow of the new moon illuminated the darkness”, the music paints a musical picture of a calm and peaceful night setting with the moon glowing in the night sky. The music transforms itself from a pentatonic (Eastern) to a more diatonic (Western) realm, and eventually ending off with a tint of the popular blues. This transformation depicts both diversity and versatility of the school from past to present. Do listen out for the moonbeam played on the vibraphone as it opens and closes the entire movement.
III. CELEBRATION
The final movement, “CELEBRATION” combines and displays the harmony of the performing arts groups. The music is programmed into three short episodes:
(i) Fanfare for a Celebration
(ii) Song of Hope
(iii) FINALE: A Glorious Future
“Fanfare for a Celebration” opens with the recognisable introduction motif from Xinmin Secondary’s very own school song, which can be considered the main drive for the entire movement. The Olympic theme-like treatment in this episode represents other aspects of the school’s achievements such as in the area of sports. This episode therefore aims to celebrate the all-roundedness of the school.
“Song of Hope”, as the name may suggests, marks the entry of singing voices, together with the GuZheng. Aurally, the entry is hinted by a familiar choral motif taken from the second movement, “SONG” played by the solo Euphonium. This song of hope can be considered one of the most expressive and emotional theme I have ever written. It begins sensitively with the voice and clarinets before it grows into a chorusing climax. The episode then tapers off with a delicate GuZheng solo. The values of hope and optimism of the school and its students are represented in this episode.
The optimism in the previous episode leads well into the finale segment, “A Glorious Future”. The Xinmin-fanfare motif is sounded again, and this time echoed by an off-stage trumpet. This aims to remind the students that it is their school, which lays the seed to their bright future ahead of them. The percussion solo now leads the whole ensemble into a celebrative mood recapitulating the different thematic materials heard previously. The peak of the composition is felt as the Symphonic Band, Choir and GuZheng contributes their part together as one heart, one voice. This movement marks the end of the whole work as it closes with a rousing finale!
It is indeed my pleasure to write this meaningful work for the school. I would like to wish the performers all the best for the world premiere of “KALEIDOSCOPE”, and hope that you, the audience will enjoy their performance of the music. Finally, I would also like to congratulate and wish Xinmin Secondary School a very happy and meaningful 65th anniversary!
– Benjamin Yeo
BENJAMIN YEO 