Cities I (2022)
for soprano saxophone, cello & electronics
5'15
Recorded by Samuel Phua and Ng Pei-Sian in 2022.
Cities encapsulates my creative response to the vibrant pulse of life in Singapore. Amidst the backdrop of the Covid-19 pandemic, I found myself relocating to a new apartment in the heart of the city. This change in scenery afforded me the opportunity to witness the mesmerizing choreography of buildings, traffic, and humanity from a unique vantage point. It was from this vantage point that I embarked on a musical odyssey, drawn into the slow, entrancing rhythm of city life. There were moments when the cityscape seemed to move at its own deliberate pace, in synchrony with the distant ships on the horizon. Whether it was a product of my overworked eyes or a genuine mirage, I cannot say.
The electronic elements of this composition were notably influenced by bands such as Polyphia, who seamlessly incorporate elements of hip-hop, rap, and trap into their predominantly instrumental rock and metal sound. Within Cities, you'll discover an array of samples, many of which feature the talents of Samuel Phua and Ng Pei-Sian on their respective instruments. These original recordings underwent a metamorphic transformation as I stretched, harmonized, and blended them to form an intricate backdrop that complements the live musicians who breathe life into the composition.