The Gloomy Dawn
Instrumentation
Guitar Trio
Commissioned by Chamber Guitar Trio,
Manhattan School of Music
The Gloomy Dawn
2024
Usually, when people aim to compose a trio piece, they seek to maximize variety to create a dense, overwhelming sound. But what if we approach it from a different angle? What if we aim for a guitar solo vibe, limiting the use of chords and tutti? In my country, we have an idiom, "天壤之别 (Tian Rang Zhi Bie)," which conveys a difference as vast as the distance between the sky and the land. Therefore, I am going to be patient, patiently awaiting the sunrise. The beginning and ending of it will be completely different and dramatic. In this piece, I envision creating a striking contrast by pitting a "single" guitar against a group of them.
It comsists of three movements,
1 eclipse veil
2 aurora’s whisper
3 embrace from horizon
It's a linear story that will gradually develop as the music continues.
Regarding the title, it stems from my daily routine. Personally, I enjoy rising early, particularly before the sun ascends. The sensation of immersing into darkness and eagerly anticipating the sunshine truly resonates with me. Additionally, a favorite folk adage from my hometown goes: "Enduring the darkness before dawn will surely bring about a brand new life." This feeling is why I like waking up early and awaiting the sunrise. It serves as inspiration for me to depict the feelings I experience at dawn.