Zhou Tian: Transcend
Expected to ship in 1-2 weeks.
Shipping Policy- Composer: Zhou Tian (1981-)
- Format: Full Score
- Instrumentation: Orchestra
- Work: Transcend (2019)
Description
Programme Note:
A few years ago, I was delighted to be invited to compose a new work commemorating the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. When I learned that thirteen American orchestras—many located along the original route—would join forces to commission and premiere the piece across the country, I was truly honored, knowing the profound cultural significance this project would carry.
Begun in 1862 and completed in 1869, the Transcontinental Railroad effectively linked the United States from east to west for the first time. Its cultural legacy includes the contributions of thousands of Chinese and Irish laborers who toiled under severe weather and brutal working conditions. Numerous "hell on wheels" towns—described by the Linda Hall Library as places that "proliferated along the construction route and became famous for rapid growth and infamous for lawlessness"—sprang up along the way. As the settlements pushed westward, there was a mixing of ethnic groups and cultures.
Unfortunately, as the daunting task of laying tracks across rugged terrain intensified, many workers perished, and many others were denied the American dream with the enactment of the Chinese Exclusion Act in 1882. Yet those who remained brought traditional art and music into the fabric of American culture.
As a Chinese-born composer who immigrated to this country, studied at its top music schools, and now teaches at one of its leading research universities, I was inspired to create this work—to tell a musical story, to celebrate human perseverance, and to pay tribute to my own cultural heritage.
Transcend is composed of three movements. It begins with Pulse, in which rich, expansive strings gradually build into a relentless pulse of 152-BPM. The violent, percussive poundings that occur from time to time are like blasts of dynamite, evoking the tension and suspense of man versus nature.
Promise, the meditative second movement, is a vocalise for those who sought a better future. Lyrical woodwind solos, dashing flute and harp, and plush strings are met with melodies inspired by traditional Chinese folk music.
The finale, D-O-N-E, is based on the rhythm of the word "done" in Morse code. This single word was sent across the country via one of the first nationwide telegraphs on May 10, 1869, to mark the Railroad's completion. Throughout the movement, the "done" motif is passed back and forth to numerous instruments in the orchestra. An accumulation of materials sends the piece to a climax at the end.
"D-O-N-E" motif, based on the Morse code for the word
Transcend was jointly commissioned by Reno Philharmonic (Laura Jackson, Music Director), Utah Symphony (Thierry Fischer), Omaha Symphony (Thomas Wilkins), Sacramento Philharmonic, Boise Philharmonic (Eric Garcia), Arapahoe Philharmonic (Devin Patrick Hughes), Cheyenne Symphony (William Intriligator), Chicago Youth Symphony (Allen Tinkham), Central Wisconsin Symphony (Patrick Miles), Evanston Symphony (Lawrence Eckerling), Idaho State-Civic Symphony (Julie Sorensen), Michigan State University Symphony (Jim Forger), and Stanford Symphony (Paul Phillips). My deep gratitude goes to Laura Jackson, without whose passion, courage, and artistry the project would not have been possible. I want to sincerely thank all commissioning partners and the many kind and enthusiastic people who offered insights and personal stories during a year-long research and travel on this piece. As a composer, this has been truly an inspiring journey. ©Zhou Tian
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