Centennial Symphony (nr 1)

 Programme notes

This Symphony No. 1, a vast fresco written for a large orchestra of one hundred musicians, was commissioned by the National University of Singapore (NUS) in 2005 to celebrate its centenary. The work is dedicated to the university's alumni, donors, and friends.

Compositional Intent and Structure

The music is designed to function simultaneously on three distinct levels:

1. Descriptive Symphonic Poem: The work draws inspiration from each historical period of the university. Hints of national anthems are interwoven, referencing the roles played by countries such as England and The Netherlands in NUS's establishment and the development of the Kent Ridge campus.

2. Abstract Academic Composition: The tonal symphony is structurally governed by mathematical proportions based on the number 100 and on classical forms.

3. Lyrical Music: The composer's final aim was simply to create an enjoyable and moving piece of music.

Thematic Elements

• The overture swiftly presents and interweaves all ten themes that constitute the entire symphony.

• Each key signature corresponds to a specific color featured in the NUS Centennial logo.

• The work comprises five movements, with each movement corresponding to a specific period in the University's history.

Coda and conclusion

The symphony concludes with a coda that ventures into the future. One hundred cloned sounds are released and subsequently dissolve into outer space, metaphorically sending a message of friendship.

Completion of the composition 

1-VI-2005

Handwritten sketches and drafts

see Klee cover, A4 size, 159 pages book

Thematic thesaurus

see page 99 in the full score

Audio links

#1 overture, #2 passaglia, #3 fugato, #4 rondo, #5 scherzo and #6 finale

Quote 

"Casteels Centennial Symphony employs a postmodern, polystylistic idiom that utilises classic forms such as passacaglia, fugato, and rondo. The music ranges from tonality to bitonality and neotonality" Lee Shin-Kang, Singapore