David Evan Jones

Piri, 2 Saenghwang, and Percussion

Composer's Note:

As I hear them, Piri and Saenghwang are beautifully similar and strongly different. Both are reed instruments and there is a clear family resemblance between their sounds. The Piri, however, can produce a much wider range of timbres and its "edginess" stands out from the smooth accompaniment provided by the multiple pitches of the Saenghwang. The Piri is also unique in its extraordinary ability to bend pitches with great flexibly. This contrasts with the Saenghwang which produces beautifully stable and consistent pitches. This combination of flexibility and the stability suggested the possibility of creating audible moire (interference) patterns as the Piri's sliding pitches approach and depart from the stable pitches of the Saenghwang accompaniment. The percussion instruments' role in this piece is to provide contrasting low register pitches and to encourage blend. Breath is dedicated with respect and appreciation to Piri master Park Chiwan.