
Media
Score

About
Instrumentation
3, 3, 3, 3 – 4, 3, 3, 1 – perc. (5) – strings
Commissioned by
Dedicated to
Premiere
Eastman Philharmonia, Eastman School of Music, United States, 2023
Computer Music Designer
Publisher
Important Note
Programme Note
God of Archery portrays the Chinese mythological narrative of Hou Yi, a revered hero commissioned by Tiandi, the Supreme Deity, to save the peasants by shooting down nine of the ten suns. My decision to this mythological narrative stems from its structured progression—an initial problem, a proposed solution, and a satisfying resolution. This departure from the notion of an open ending, which I had a hard time accepting while composing the piece. This myth unfolds across three movements, each encapsulating a distinct phase. The first movement, "Nine Suns," mirrors the scorching damage inflicted by ten suns on Earth. It captures the perilous state of all living things, immersed in imminent danger. The second movement, “God of Archery,” as the name demonstrates, is the character movement for Hou Yi. The music primarily serves to picture this heroic imagery of him from diverse aspects. The last movement, "Praise," delves into the aftermath of Hou Yi's victory. With nine suns extinguished, a serene climate prevails on Earth, fostering growth for creatures. It encapsulates the joyous celebration of people, marking a respite from the preceding turmoil.

