kangyimusic

The Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo 독도 or Takeshima たけしま) are a group of islets claimed by both Japan and South Korea. The strained ties caused by wartime history has furthered fueled the dispute and elicited impassioned responses from citizens of both countries.
Two Korean and two Japanese melodies were used in the construction of the piece. Arirang (아리랑), Dokdo Song (독도는 우리땅), Song of the Seashore (浜辺の歌 Hamabe no Uta) and The Sea in Spring (春の海 Haru no Umi). Throughout the entire piece, the themes and melodic fragments are all derived from these four songs.
1. Tranquil waters
Contemporary techniques of various instruments are used to depict wind and bird sounds
amidst a serene landscape.

2. Deadly currents and torrential rain
Due to the location and the small size of the islands, the Liancourt Rocks can present unpredictable and harsh weather. Themes and melodic fragments make abrupt entrances and intervallic tension is also employed.

3. Reconciliation (Calm after the Storm)
The Korean and Japanese themes are presented fully for the first time. Both melodies reconcile by forming a counterpoint.
While writing this piece, I was conscious of the seating arrangements of the players and hence the positions of sound production. The constantly changing interaction of the players is the focus of the piece. The french horn has a very special role as an observer and peacekeeper. Musicians 'compete' for dominance in front of the french horn.