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 surrounding movements. The first movement, Moderato, starts with a canon-like passage that leads to a stately first theme and the joyful and tender second theme. The third movement, in the form of Menuet and trio, is full of energy with the bouncing strings and the playful piano part that boldly stands out several times. Lastly, the Allegro Vivace movement ends the whole quartet with buoyant characteristics. This quartet symbolizes the chatty teatime of a group of friends captivated by life’s stories, the metaphysics of the universe, and casual gossips.
I. Moderato: 0:00
II. Theme and Five Variations: Metal, Water, Wood, Fire, and Earth: 10:28
III. Rondo: 21:08
IV. Allegro Vivace: 24:34
Senior Composition Recital, November 18, 2018.
Fellowship of the Strings: Matthew Hickey (violin), William Tiessen (viola), Mi Ran Choi (cello), Nguyên “Bobby” Nguyễn (piano)
On May 08, 2019, I was honored that the musicians from the Philadelphia Orchestra performed the first movement of this piece at the Composer’s Umbrella Recital, Wednesday, at Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts, Philadelphia. The reason for this wonderful opportunity is an interesting story regarding the composer Hannibal Lokumbe, and I will certainly tell more about someday.
Paul Roby (violin), Kirsten Johnson (viola), Yumi Kendall (cello), and Mark Livshits (piano).