kangyimusic

At the Los Angeles County Museum of Art (LACMA) lies a prominent symbol of LA - 202 restored antique street lamps titled "Urban Light" by the late Chris Burden. To quote him, this masterpiece at night transforms into "a building with a roof of light".

This piece was constructed using motifs from two famous melodies, "Simple Gifts" and "Amazing Grace". Bitonality, polyphony, and quartal harmony have become major focus areas of my compositions. Before the vaccines were successfully developed, the pandemic appeared to be endless peaks and troughs of infected cases. In "Seeking Light amidst Darkness of Pandemic", the seemingly endless waves of infected cases are represented by the melodic shape and intervallic relations. Beginning with D and G major, the tonality rapidly shifts to reflect the constantly changing realities when new societal restrictions were enforced. Uncertainty and anxiety dominate as we see businesses shut and an increase in families visiting food banks for the first time.

"Strength, Resilience and Hope" depicts the humanity and resilience of different communities working together. A beacon of light guides us through darkness and the music gradually gains clarity in texture. We show profound gratitude to the volunteers and frontline healthcare workers who risked their lives while we were social distancing.

The city and nation gradually recover and the piece returns to the opening keys of D major and G major in a coda section "Healing and Remembrance". When I completed this work in May 2022, communities in Southern California and around the nation were remembering the 1 million American lives lost by lowering flags to half-staff.

This piece is specially written for my wonderful wife Jean Luo and presented to her on her birthday.