By the Temple 过 香 积 寺 opus 88 nr 3

Programme notes

Wang Wei (701–761) was a celebrated figure of the Tang Dynasty, renowned as a poet, painter, and musician. He held several important positions in civil service throughout his career. He is credited with writing over 400 poems and excelled in painting subjects such as people, bamboo forests, and mountain and river landscapes.

过香积寺 (Passing by the Incense Accumulation Temple)

This poem comprises eight verses of five characters each: I did not know the incense storing temple I walked a few miles into the clouded peaks No man on the path between the ancient trees. A bell rang somewhere deep among the hills. A spring sounded choked, running down steep rocks. The deep pines chilled the sunlight colour rays Come dusk, at the bend of a deserted pool, Through meditation I controlled dragon’s passion.

Programme booklet of the premiere

see Music from the Heart: special project (2012) under Articles

Score follower

see link #1

Handwritten sketches and drafts

to be found on pages 326 of the red cover, A4 size, 377 pages sketchbook

Completion of the composition 15-VI-2012