Bya | Yangfan Xu

Bya (2021)

for orchestra | ca. 8’
For orchestra (3.3.3.3.,3.3.3.3., 4.3.3.1., 1 piano, 1 harp, 1 timp, 3 perc, strings)

Program Note:

"Bya" (བྱ) (pronounced as ˈbɪ-a) is a Tibetan word meaning "birds." This piece draws inspiration from my unforgettable journey to Tibet in 2016. When the pandemic struck and the city went into lockdown, my dreams frequently transported me back to that extraordinary land. Tibet, often described as the closest place to heaven on earth, truly lives up to its reputation. The breathtaking landscapes seemed almost otherworldly, with Yamdrok Lake standing out vividly in my memory. This serene lake, with its bird island teeming with hundreds of avian species, left me awe-struck and profoundly moved.

The opening section of "Bya" encapsulates the overwhelming awe I felt upon first arriving in Tibet. As the piece progresses to the middle slow section, listen for the trumpet's extended techniques, mimicking the calls of birds and painting an auditory image of Yamdrok Lake and its bird island. The final section of the composition delves into a unique Tibetan tradition known as the sky funeral. In this ritual, the deceased are placed atop a temple, where birds consume their bodies, symbolizing an eternal bond between humans and nature. In its profound connection to the natural world, the ritual holds a special place in my heart.

Recording: