SKU: A0.903776

CONFUCIUS SAID: STRING TRIO violin, viola, cello. An interpretation of some of the annual ceremonial music honouring the great Chinese philosopher. Quotations of his sayings about music are included, for a performer to speak. This piece is inspired by the Confucius Birthday Ceremony, probably dating from the Chou Dynasty, 1046-221BCE.   The music, called Shao Music, has been played in all its magnificence since then. The event is highly choreographed and controlled musically, aiming to reflect and celebrate Confucius' philosphies of peace.  Traditional Chinese music is primarily melodic, and western ears may feel the lack of harmonic richness. A player should read out the Confucius quotation at the beginning of each movement. 

 

 How to play... The melody and some of the bass line consists of the rows of pitch-classes in verses 1 and 2 of Honouring Confucius (Ta Tsai Kung-Tzu)   I have introduced rhythmic variety, harmony and some phasing and use the traditional pentatonic scale as rendered by the Chinese classical music instruments-drums, bells, flutes, and strings.  The flute symbolises balance.

 

A man without...is a very short saraband, a courtly dance using all the pitches of verse 2 in order, with the strings muted.  

 

It was by music... uses  major triad fanfares where possible, with an occasional portamento. 

 

Music produces a special... is a sensuous waltz:  as with most of the movements, I have shamelessly used a tonal harmony under the notes of verse 4 (illustrated). 

 

When music and courtesy... plays the notes of  Verse 6 in quintuple time over a drone.

 

If one should desire...is a barefoot parade (gymnopedie?) in Satie's style.

 

 

 

Duration 7 minutes.