Hok -lo Ma Psalm of the Hok -lo Taiwanese Grandmother for orchestra.

Abstract

<italic>Hok-lo Ma</italic> means a Taiwanese-born grandmother of the majority ethnic group. This dissertation is an original composition that narrates these women's lives, especially Ms. Chu-Yu Huang, my paternal grandmother. Born to an agricultural Christian family in 1909, when Taiwan was still a Japanese colony, she married at 26 but in less than four years was widowed with three children. Taiwan went through tremendous troubles during World War II, and then even worse turmoil with the arrival of the corrupt mainland Chinese Nationalists, causing great strife and persecution; Ms. Huang was 60 years old before she was able to live a happier, more stable life. This single-movement work consists of three sections. Section One: Japanese Adolescence (<italic>a</italic>-<italic>a</italic>'-<italic>a</italic> form) exemplifies life during the Colonial era. Subdivision <italic>a</italic>, introduces the entire composition, signifying a slow and painful rural life; the style alludes to the feeling of Japanese Court Music. Subdivision <italic> a</italic>' shows a young girl's dreams through rising lyricism; subdivision <italic> a</italic> fully develops this lyricism and introduces children's theme for the new mother that imitates Taiwanese folk tunes. However, dark, static chords underlay this part, foreshadowing the unknown future; these chords end Section One, symbolizing the death of her husband. Section Two: World War II and the White Fear (<italic> a</italic>-<italic>b</italic>-<italic>a</italic>' form) narrates the time after the death of her husband. Subdivision <italic>a</italic> depicts the constant fear and displacement during bombing from the Allies. Subdivision <italic> b</italic> is a peaceful interlude after the War, however, subdivision <italic> a</italic>' represents the mainland Chinese Nationalists' repression over the next 40 years. Section Three: Strength, Faith, and Happiness (<italic> a</italic>-<italic>b</italic>-<italic>a</italic>' form) narrates her life after the age of 60. The transitional subdivision <italic>a</italic> breaks up previous motives, showing the eventual overcoming of difficulties. Subdivision <italic>b</italic> forms a chorale, combining five traditional Taiwanese hymns; this represents my grandmother's faithfulness and perseverance. The children's themes are reintroduced and developed, honoring her longevity, fortitude, and joy in living to see her great-grandchildren. Subdivision <italic> a</italic>' (Coda) ends with the chorale material accompanied by the repression motives, symbolizing her successful persistence through difficulties.