#SNYCOSoundbites

#SNYCOSoundbites - Capriccio Taiwan

Concert: Musical Voyage
Date: 19 March 2022

Composed by Su Wen-Cheng

The original version of this piece was written in San Francisco for the Taiwan Music Competition (Chinese music ensemble set piece) in 1997. It underwent a revision in September 2000 and was since named Capriccio Taiwan. This piece consists of five sections:

The first section – The prelude. The dizi’s melodious tone conjures sentiments of homesickness.
The second section – The main theme. This cantabile (songlike) andante is played by the erhu solo. After a key modulation, the wind section takes over and paints a beautiful and scenic Taiwan.
The third section – Allegro. The composer makes uses of the distinctive sound and colours of the percussion, and rhythmic syncopation to portray a bustling atmosphere, which is supported by the full orchestra. The early part of this section has a cheerful and lively dance-like melody and rhythm. The later part of this section varies dynamically with note and beat transformation depicting the many challenges Taiwanese society faced in the course of its development.
The fourth section – Andante. The main theme returns. The orchestra sings of the beauty of home with a pounding sonic momentum.
In the finale – Presto. The theme of the earlier allegro section recapitulates; bringing the music to a lively and joyous end.

View the house programme of "Musical Voyage" here: https://bit.ly/musicalvoyage-snyco