Binari. (Original composition);

Abstract

Binari is a single movement orchestral work, eleven minutes in length, scored for Piccolo, two Flutes, two Oboes, English Horn, two Clarinets in B$\flat,$ Bass Clarinet, two Bassoons, Contra Bassoon, four Horns, three Trumpets, two Tenor Trombones, Bass Trombone, Tuba, Timpani, four percussionists, Harp and Strings. The title Binari is borrowed from a Korean folk ritual of the same name. Unlike other Korean indigenous religious rituals, which are performed by a medium or shaman, Binari is performed by secular musicians. Playing a variety of Korean folk percussion instruments, such as drums and gongs, musicians chant in the front yard of a family's home to wish them prosperity and happiness. Soft, steady repetitive beating of drums accompanying solo vocal chanting contrasts with loud, rhythmically driving instrumental tutti. Changes in rhythmic pattern, tempo, and timbre are gradual, slowly inducing spectators to pray, sing, and even dance. My childhood memories of this event have been assimilated into the composition of this work. This piece is an attempt to create images inspired by Binari. While there is no direct representation of the ritual itself, various rhythmic and timbral elements of the performance, such as the prominent use of percussive effects, alternating sections of solo voice and instrumental tutti, the contrasting timbres of the high metal gong and low drum, sudden changes of rhythmic pacing, and acceleration of tempo are employed.