Compositions for Chorus

A Trilogy of Live, Love and Death

大型合唱三部曲《生・爱・天愿》

These three works for chorus can be performed as a trilogy, or as separate works.

Shui Diao Ge Tou & Song (2001, final revision 2003)– for mixed chorus, percussion and piano. Duration: ca 19’30”

Excerpt from Shui Diao Ge Tou & Song

Shui Diao Ge Tao & Song is the first choral work where Kui Dong implemented her unique composition ideas. The text weaves together the poetry of the Song Dynasty from a thousand years ago with contemporary American poems. The words by the great Song Dynasty literary figure Su Shi (a.k.a. Su Dongpo) and the American poet Denise Newman highlighted the large expanse in time and the cultural differences. In this choral piece, Dong skillfully connected the spiritual and structural similarities between these words.

Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On (2004–6) – for treble clef choir. Duration ca ~11’

Excerpt from Let the Crickets and Frogs Carry It On, Movement III: Ludamus Denuo

Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On is the pivotal piece in the trilogy. The work is divided into three movements, echoing the macrostructure of the complete piece. This work further explores the mixture of multiple languages—Chinese, English, Spanish, and Middle-Age Latin—as well as the underlying message of language development—from the languages currently adopted by modern society to the old, forgotten languages centuries ago.

This piece uses a seemingly simple nursery song to express a complicated subject: love. For the composer, the love from a child is basic, natural, and without boundaries. Their voices possess a special power and charm, and especially suitable for expressing deep yet pure sentiments.

Painted Light (2010) – for double chorus (mixed chorus and treble clef chorus). Duration: ca~ 19’

Excerpt from Painted Light

  • Movement III from A Trilogy of Live, Love and Death
  • Commissioned by Volti, Piedmont Children’s Choir and Conductor Rebert Geary
  • Performer: Volti and Piedmont Choir, Conductor: Robert Geary
  • March 4, 5, and 6, 2011, New works premiere program, San Francisco and Berkeley, CA (world première)
  • PURCHASE CHORAL SCORE

The third piece of the trilogy, Painted Lights,  extends the kinetic stage actions of Let Frogs and Crickets Carry It On, with its own theme on crisscrossing—between the timbres of the adult and treble choirs, the two choirs exchanging paths on stage, as well as the deeper metaphorical convergences of life and death. The piece ends as the two choruses take over each other’s original space on stage, signifying the return to nature and eternal love.

© 2024 Kui Dong