Singkap Siaga
Available for the following voicings: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB (all with body percussion)
Duration: 3:15
Exclusively distributed by Graphite Publishing as part of the Tracy Wong Series. Purchase this piece here: SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
About the piece
Singkap = to open, to reveal, quick change
Siaga = every ready
Singkap Siaga (SSA & body percussion) was commissioned in 2020-21 by Sonic Timelapse Project and members of its Conductors Commission Club. As a partner composer of the Project, I had the immense privilege of reading and absorbing the content submitted by the choral communities in Canada who were experiencing the global COVID-19 pandemic. This piece is based on my reflections of these submissions, as well as my own experiences.
I drew inspiration from the almost-extinct Malay tradition of shadow puppet theatre and its music - Wayang Kulit Kelantan. I remember learning how to make these puppets in school in Malaysia. This artform reminded me how light and shadow are equal in beauty, thus shifting my perspective of “shadow” and “darkness” having negative connotations. I have been drawn to a scene in the show where the Dewa Panah (two Arrow Gods), one good and one evil descend from the sky and battle each other. Neither wins. Life goes on in a balance.
The piece is 5% text and 95% vocables, based on the pre-existing vocal equivalent of the stylings and tone of the traditional instruments used in the Wayang Kulit Kelantan shadow puppet theatre practice - gong, dak, ding, dong, tsak, tsng. The rhythmic elements and patterns are also inspired by the music accompanying the Dewa Panah scene. Together with body percussion, this piece has a gutsy and fiery energy that hopefully brings singers to a positive headspace, especially when practising alone.
I am grateful to Sonic Timelapse Project and the following Canadian conductors who commissioned the SSA version of this piece: Kathleen Allan, Julia Davids, Heather Fraser, Laura Hawley, Jackie Hawley, U of Alberta Augustana Music Program.
My heartfelt appreciation goes to the choral communities who have participated in this Project. It is an honour to be a part of this memorable, vulnerable, brave, and collaborative music-making process. The voice is far from fragile!
Tracy
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.
Learning Resources for “Singkap Siaga”!
Learning tracks available for purchase! Click on your preferred voicing to be directed to the page.
SSA, SSAA, SAB, SATB
Do contact Tracy if you would like her to workshop this piece with your choir!
Check out “Singkap Siaga” (SSA & body percussion / SATB & body percussion)
Recorded by Tracy Wong, Aaron Teoh (tenor), Joel Wong (bass), and mixed by Cherie Chai (Singapore)!
Canadian Premiere (July 2021) by Myriad Ensemble. Elise Naccarato (artistic director), Haleigh Eady (choreographer), Kristen Antunes (audio production), Mike Enns (video production).