Zhou Long

Five Elements

For dizi, clarinet, percussion, pipa, erhu, and violoncello
The concept of the Five Elements was a central aspect of traditional Chinese thought. Here each of the Five Elements is characterised in an individual movement. In the first movement metal is represented by metallic percussion, while in the second movement marimba and claves are used to portray wood. In the third movement a slower and expansive texture is employed to signify water, and rhythmic drumming is used to illustrate the heat of fire, the subject of movement four. A majestic yet peaceful final movement portrays Earth, where all the elements are transformed into a perfect balance.

Programme Notes:

The concept of the Five Elements was central to traditional Chinese thought; here each element is characterised in an individual movement. The first movement is 'Metal', where the sound of iron being forged is imitated in the percussion, and echoed in languid tone-clusters. The second movement is âWoodâ, in which strong rhythmic patterns are generated on the wooden percussion instruments, alongside pizzicato motifs in the strings. The third movement is 'Water', which takes on a slow, expansive texture, with long and tranquil melodic lines to create a feeling of quiet calm and serenity. The fourth movement is âFireâ, which is characterized by persistent rhythmic drumming patterns and energetic trilling figures, punctuated by cascading bell-like chords, embodying light and heat. The last movement is 'Earth'; the music moves slowly and majestically in a free tempo, creating a feeling of peaceful, open space. At the end, all the elements are transformed into a perfect balance.