《十一月之序曲》November's Overture

庆友情与生命:《十一月之序曲》
In Celebration of Friendship and Life: November's Overture (2011, revised 2017)

Approx. Length - 4'40

For Chinese Orchestra

What does November mean to you?
It may be a time of festivities with friends, after getting through a year together.
It may be a time of reflection upon life, as another year of bittersweet memories draws to a close.
An overture in this very month of November -
one written as our journey through the ups and downs,
through celebrations,
through reflections,
through memories.
An overture written for friends, and the overture for life and new beginnings!

November’s Overture is a concert overture. The piece opens with a short fanfare-like section before unveiling the main theme in a lyrical andante. This then gives way to an allegro portraying both lighthearted and austere moments. After a pensive adagio, the overture finally culminates with a reprise of the main theme presented in a different fashion, concluding, using the various earlier themes, with a vibrant celebration.

Full Instrumentation:
2 Bangdi
2 Qudi
2 Soprano Sheng
2 Alto Sheng
1 Tenor Sheng
2 Soprano Suona
2 Alto Suona
1 Bass Suona

Yangqin
Liuqin
Pipa
Zhongruan
Daruan
Guzheng

Xylophone
Wind Chimes
Tambourine
Crash Cymbals
Suspended Cymbal
Snare Drum
Timpani

Gaohu
Erhu
Zhonghu
Cello
Double Bass

Approximate Difficulty Levels:
Bowed strings (Huqin): ●●●○○
Bowed strings (Cello/Bass): ●●●○○
Plucked strings: ●●●○○
Winds: ●●●○○
Percussion: ●●○○○
Overall: ●●●○○

Video:
Victoria Junior College Chinese Orchestra (conductor: Low Heok Hong), 2011, premiere