Thirsty Stone I & II 渴石 (一＆二)
I. for Violin Duo and Drumset (2002) Op.8
II. for Violin Duo (2004) Op.12
Russell Iceberg, Sory Park, violins Luke Rinderknecht, drumset
Bowdoin International Music Festival, Gamper Festival of Contemporary Music,
Music in Eight Dimensions, July 10, 2021
Duration:
I. [7' 26"]
II. [8'02"]
Instrumentation:
I. for Violin Duo and Drumset
II. for Violin Duo
Premiere:
I. Premier performance: Kia-Hui Tan, violin I; Rebecca Ansel, violin II, James Armstrong, drumset
II. Premier performance: Hilary Abigana, flute; Kimberly Fitch, viola; Mary Counts, harp
Inspired by the traditional rhythms of Vodou and by my fascination with the music of Italian composer Luciano Berio, the piece is scored for drum set, congas, and a violin duo. This dramatic yet playful composition weaves together Afro-Haitian rhythmic energy with melodic gestures reminiscent of Chinese folk songs.
The interpretation of Thirsty Stone is rooted in an imagined story: an ancient stone awakens beneath the moonlight, yearning for freedom—to dance with the water and the fish that surround him.