Program Note:

"良耜 Liang Si," composed in 2020 for string orchestra and percussion, draws its inspiration from a profound and ancient Chinese agricultural tradition. The title "Liang Si" holds a deep historical and cultural significance. "Liang" translates to "excellent," and "Si" refers to the ancient agricultural tool 耒耜 (Lei Si), a legendary invention attributed to Shen Nong, the Divine Farmer in Chinese mythology.

 

Liang Si is also the title of a poem from the Shi Jing (Classic of Poetry or Book of Songs), which meticulously describes the agricultural cycle from planting and weeding to the autumn harvest. The poem eloquently illustrates the intimate relationship between agricultural practices and the sacrificial rituals performed to honor the ancestors during the Zhou Dynasty. This connection underscores the reverence for agricultural deities and the integral role of farming in sustaining life and cultural heritage.

 

The music of "Liang Si" seeks to capture the vibrant and joyous scenes of farming life. Through the strings' percussive colors and the rhythmic interplay of percussion, the piece paints a picture of rural tranquility and communal celebration. Listeners are going to hear:

 

The sound of sickles

The hill of grains

A dance of sacrifice to the ancestors

 

The piece symbolizes the harmony between human endeavor and nature's bounty, celebrating the timeless cycle of sowing, reaping, and reverence. I invited the audience to also reflect on the ancestral wisdom and the enduring spirit of agricultural traditions that have shaped different civilizations across millennia.

 

Fun fact: The composer’s first inspiration for writing an agricultural piece came from the mobile game "Hay Day."

​​

Recording: ​Available upon request.

​

Score and Parts: Available for rental or purchase directly from the composer.

​

Performance History: 

• World Premiere: Horizon Ensemble, August 11, 2024