Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near)

Available for SSAATTBB a cappella
Duration: ~3:45

Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!

About the piece

Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near) is based on the following Malay proverbs about travels, journeys, and humility:

Jauh di mata, dekat di hati - far from sight, (but) near at heart.

Lain padang, lain belalang - different field, different grasshopper. Observe different
customs in different lands.

Ikut resmi padi, semakin tunduk semakin berisi - follow the way of padi (rice plant), it bows lower the more it is filled. The more knowledgeable and experienced one is, the more humble one should be.

Set in a contemporary a cappella style, the bouncy rhythm suggests the excitement in walking forth to explore the unknown, and multiple changes in tonality is akin to one’s varied journeys. Another nod to Malay literature is the lyrical and ornamented solo in the second half of this piece which is inspired by syair (or sha’ir), a traditional form of Malay poetry that is usually recited / sung.

Jauh/Dekat (Far/Near) was commissioned in 2022 by Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, Artistic Director).

- Tracy Wong, March 2022

Connect with Tracy!

Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops to discuss the context of the piece, pronunciation, and movement.