The Pine Tree for Solo Flute

My piece for solo flute is inspired by the poem The Pine Tree [Vịnh Cây Thông] by Nguyễn Công Trứ (1778–1858).

Below are the original poem written by Nguyễn Công Trứ and my English translation.

Please click here for the score video: https://youtu.be/X8sjwk6VzWU.

Ngồi buồn mà trách ông xanh,

Khi vui muốn khóc, buồn tênh lại cười.

Kiếp sau xin chớ làm người,

Làm cây thông đứng giữa trời mà reo.

Giữa trời vách đá cheo leo,

Ai mà chịu rét thời trèo với thông.

I sadly sit down and reproach the Heaven,

I cry in happiness but laugh in sorrow.

In the next life, be human no more;

Be a pine tree that stands against the sky and resounds.

Under the sky, on the craggy cliffs,

Those who can endure the cold will climb to the pine tree.

Premiered at FSU Composition Recital Fall, October 21, 2022.

Samantha Donnell (flute)