Terang (Bright)
Available for 3-part treble, percussion
Duration: 3:16
Published by Indianapolis Children’s Choir Publishing House (distributed by Beckenhorst Press Inc.). Purchase this piece HERE!
About the piece
This commissioned work draws inspiration from the fading performance art of the Malay-Kelantanese Wayang Kulit (shadow puppet) tradition and the mythologies and music that are a part of it. I am drawn to this artform for its equal beauty in light and shadow, whereby the latter does not bear negative connotations.
The work features word and vocal play, quartal harmonies versus silence, and vague tonality, all of which captures the spirit of the shadow puppet tradition through a musically contemporary lens.
The text is based on a Malay proverb, “Orang seorang, orang mati; orang berdua, berkira bicara,” meaning “a person alone, dies (alone); (but) two people together will talk / discuss / converse.” This could apply for any individuals, in life and/or leadership. I envision “orang” (person) to also represent the dark and light elements whereby both needs each other to function, and neither can be significant on its own.
I am grateful to the Indianapolis Children’s Choir and Joshua Pedde (Artistic Director) for commissioning me to create this work, marking it my first commission by an American choir!
- Tracy Wong, June 2023
Connect with Tracy!
Tracy is happy to connect with choral educators, conductors, and choirs via email and online workshops!
Learning Resources for “Terang (Bright)”
Learning tracks are available for purchase! Contact Tracy if you would purchase them, and/or have Tracy workshop this piece with your choir!