RIUH (Chaotic Joy)!
Available for SATB & vocal/instrumental percussion
Duration: 3:05
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst”
This work is commissioned by the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023, to be performed by the Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, Artistic Director), one of the featured choirs. The piece draws inspiration from discussions with Carrie Tennant about her needs for VYC’s concert program: “…folk-focused…joy and chaos… percussion… outside the box of traditional choral music…”
When thinking about “joy and chaos”, the Malay word riuh embodies this expression. The music captures this through quirky word and vocal play, juxtaposition of calm amidst chaos while making room for both noise and joy. There is also the opportunity to feature improvisation by a beatboxer, vocal percussionist, or instrumental percussionist. Therefore, the piece allows each choir to explore their unique artistic interpretation and non-traditional performance style… in chaotic joy!
The music also features Malay text by the eclectic and soulful Malaysian vocal artist and long-time friend, Bihzhu. This is what “chaotic joy” means to her:
“There is liberation when we’re able to embrace chaos with joy, a sense of vitality, of feeling fully alive. And within that energy a knowing, and a certainty, that everything is at the right place and the right time, and this is but one thread in the woven tapestry of life.”
I am grateful to the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023 (International Federation for Choral Music) for commissioning me to create this work, Bihzhu for the joyous text, Cherie Chai for her vocal percussion-related advice, Vancouver Youth Choir for being the best instrument to bring this piece to life, and Carrie Tennant for her artistic vision. It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration!
- Tracy Wong, December 2022
About the lyricist:
With a dynamic range that defies genres, Penang-born nightingale BIHZHU is blseed with a rich, soulful voice that is hauntingly evocative one moment, and spiritedly rousing the next. Bihzhu’s genuine songcraft transcends pain and heartache to celebrate life, and love. Whilst her enchanting brand of “heart music” charms its way to your emotional core, her signature harmonies and uplifting vibes have left audiences finger-snapping, foot-tapping, and dancing; whether at intimate acoustic concerts or at music festivals all over Malaysia, Australia, South Koera, China, Indonesia, and India.
www.bihzhu.com
IG / Twitter / FB / YT / Spotify: @bihzhu
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 performance style.
Learning Resources for “RIUH (Chaotic Joy)”
Learning tracks & pronunciation guide can be purchased HERE! Contact Tracy if you would also like to have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!