Hui Rao 迴繞
16 horns and 7 percussionists: 1 circumambulating bang zi player/ 2 soloists in the center of the audience playing kempuls, set of 3 mu yu, set of 4 kempuls [Tumbuk Nem, pelog 1, slendro 1 and suwuk slendro 2], 1 dui bo, 1 da gu, 1 da luo, 3 da bo, 1 wind drum and set of 16 yun luo / 4 players positioned in between the hornists, playing each 1 suspended xiao luo and one pai gu
Programme notes
Translated literally as ‘sound surrounding’, Hui Rao was specially written for the launch of WASBE, the World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles (Singapore). The relentless pulse of the bang zi replaces the conductor. The music is energetic and fast. As the twenty players stand in a large circle, the audience is surrounded by a whirl of sound, hence the title. The first performance of this piece took place in the vibrant surroundings of the ARTrium of the Ministry of Information, Communications and the Arts in 2001.
WASBE Singapore refers to the organization in Singapore that promotes and supports wind band music. It has a direct historical link to the larger international association.
The bangzi (梆子) is a type of traditional Chinese woodblock instrument consisting of two small pieces of hardwood that are struck together. It produces a high-pitched, sharp, and penetrating clapping sound. The bangzi is essential for maintaining the rhythm and meter (the bǎn or beat) of the music.
Composition material
see foreword to the score
Two possible endings
Ending 1, see page 71 of the score
Ending 2, see page 72 of the score
Handwritten sketches and drafts
see page 9 of the black cover logbook #2
Completion of the composition 1-X-2001
Recordings
link #1 audio of the premiere, link #2 WASBE performance
Score follower
link #3
Original calligraphy by Yew Hong Jen [2001] (reproduced with the permission of the calligrapher)
Duration:
8'
Composed In:
2001
Dedicated to:
Parts:
For score, parts and CD Kreisleriana (track 8), please email <rc@robertcasteels.com>
First performance:
15.02.02 MITA ARTrium, Singapore
First performed by:
Commissioned by:
The World Association for Symphonic Bands and Ensembles
Download Link: