“The kindest ones are like water. The goodness of water benefits myriad things without the need for struggle. It dwells where others hate; thus, it is like the Way.” —Laozi “Only when the ship capsizes, would one realize the people are the water.” —Nguyễn Trãi “Be water! We are formless. We are shapeless. We can […]
Fantasia on the Theme of “Lưu Thuỷ” (Flowing Water) for String Quartet Read More »
In 2020, the police killing of George Floyd set off a global wave of both peaceful and non-peaceful protests against racism. As a Vietnamese student in the United States, I frequently encountered narratives that pitted people of color against each other, despite the shared experience of being victims of racism, white supremacy, and intolerance. Such
Through the Daughter’s Eyes for chamber orchestra Read More »
Brass instruments are commonly associated with loud military music, which portrays hunting and fighting, coming danger, and majestic power. While working on Waltz for solo trumpet, I wanted to explore another side of the trumpet: its passionate, lyrical, and seductive characteristics. This work is a dance of the soul, an invitation to fantastic freedom. https://youtu.be/H7UAT6cyVpM
Waltz for Solo Trumpet in C Read More »
The title “The Five Processes” comes from Movement II, in which the instrumental techniques and textures depict five processes of energy according to East Asian culture: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth in five variations of one theme. While the second movement is the center of this quartet, it shall not be separated from the
Piano Quartet No. 1 in e minor, The Five Processes Read More »
