Zhou Tian

Born: December 22, 1981, Hangzhou, China

Broken Ink

• Composed: 2013; commissioned by the city of Hangzhou, in partnership with China Federation of Literary and Art Circles and Princeton Symphony Orchestra
• Premiere: May 7, 2017, Richardson Auditorium, Princeton, New Jersey, Rossen Milanov conducting the Princeton Symphony Orchestra
• Duration: approx. 32 minutes

Zhou Tian has written the following about Broken Ink:

The poetry and calligraphy of the Song Dynasty (960–1279) has long been a staple in the Chinese culture. And so, when Hangzhou, once the capital of Southern Song — and my hometown — asked for a new piece celebrating the city’s magnificent cultural heritage, I was beyond excited. It was like a musical homecoming.

In Broken Ink, a symphonic suite inspired by the poetry of the Song dynasty, I sought to capture the poetic flavor that was lost in translation. The work was built as a mosaic of Chinese musical traditions and my approaches to writing for the symphony orchestra. In addition to the standard orchestral palette, the instrumentation also includes non-classical instruments such as Tibetan singing bowls, tuned gongs and a large Chinese bass drum.

The work contains five parts, each inspired by a particular poem as follows, with brief descriptions:

I. HEARING THE SOUND OF THE RAIN AND THE BELL
Two lovers parting in the rain, drinking quietly in front of an old pavilion and a magnificent river while the sound of bells lingers. Inspired by “Bells Ringing in the Rain” by Liu Yong (987–1053).

II. WATCHING THE TIDAL BORE
Watching the splendid tidal bore of the Qiantang River, a drunken man hears the sound of flute and drums. Inspired by “Watching the Tidal Bore” by Liu Yong.

III. THE DRIZZLING RAIN AT THE PLUM SEASON
Seeking love in a town full of fluffy catkins from blooming willows. Inspired by “Green Jade Cup” by He Zhu (1052–1125).

IV. THE MIGHTY RIVER RUNS EASTWARD
Recalling the Battle of Red Cliff of the Three Kingdoms while boat riding on the Yangtze River. Inspired by “First Ode on the Red Cliff” by Su Shi (1036–1101).

V. LISTENING TO THE LAND
Remembering heroes when the end of a dynasty is near. Inspired by “Forever in Happiness (Reminiscing the bygone days)” by Xin Qiji (1140 –1207).        

©Zhou Tian