Sparkle

Sparkle was written to celebrate the establishment of Lenfest Hall at the Curtis Institute of Music which marked a milestone in the history of Curtis, one of Chiayu’s alma maters. The composition, which was inspired by the imagery of fireworks, appropriate for this occasion, is a fanciful and brilliant work for brass quintet. Tightly animated and choreographed textures are created with various and dynamic motives which collide and “sparkle”. The composition begins with an imitative fanfare in which independent lines periodically combine to create a dramatic gesture. Towards the end of the first section, special timbral effects of clicking, popping and smacking suggest the sounds of fireworks. In comparison the interior slow section of this three-part structure is quieter and more lyrical but still highly animated with an often dense counterpoint. With references back to the opening, a dramatic finale is created through all of the voices building in energy to a final synchronized gesture.