for string quartet
ca. 5’30”
Tiled City (2019) is written for string quartet. The tiles in the title refer to those used in the game of Mahjong, an extremely popular pastime in Hong Kong, especially among the older generation. Throughout the years, Mahjong has become an integral part of Hong Kong culture - many grew up listening to the sound of Mahjong tiles crashing and colliding with each other whenever their relatives had a chance to play, and a lot of people also eventually play the game themselves. During the early stages of conceptualizing this piece, I wanted simply to capture the sounds and the exhilarating atmosphere of the game and turn it into music.
However, once I started writing, I slowly realized that Mahjong is actually the perfect metaphor for life in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is well known for its fast pace and relentless drive, and Mahjong reflects those same characteristics. Not only that, but the shape and configuration of the tiles also reminded me of the densely packed buildings in Hong Kong's landscape.
Yet, these characteristics are often unhealthy both physically and psychologically for a lot of Hongkongers – many yearn for a moment of peace and serenity, and this desire is reflected in the music. Nevertheless, the city never waits, and we soon fall back into the ruthless pulsation of the concrete jungle.
Tiled City was chosen as the winner of the 2019 Hong Kong Composers’ Guild New Generation Composition Competition.
for string quartet
ca. 5’30”
Tiled City (2019) is written for string quartet. The tiles in the title refer to those used in the game of Mahjong, an extremely popular pastime in Hong Kong, especially among the older generation. Throughout the years, Mahjong has become an integral part of Hong Kong culture - many grew up listening to the sound of Mahjong tiles crashing and colliding with each other whenever their relatives had a chance to play, and a lot of people also eventually play the game themselves. During the early stages of conceptualizing this piece, I wanted simply to capture the sounds and the exhilarating atmosphere of the game and turn it into music.
However, once I started writing, I slowly realized that Mahjong is actually the perfect metaphor for life in Hong Kong. Hong Kong is well known for its fast pace and relentless drive, and Mahjong reflects those same characteristics. Not only that, but the shape and configuration of the tiles also reminded me of the densely packed buildings in Hong Kong's landscape.
Yet, these characteristics are often unhealthy both physically and psychologically for a lot of Hongkongers – many yearn for a moment of peace and serenity, and this desire is reflected in the music. Nevertheless, the city never waits, and we soon fall back into the ruthless pulsation of the concrete jungle.
Tiled City was chosen as the winner of the 2019 Hong Kong Composers’ Guild New Generation Composition Competition.
