Naluwan Marimba Concerto
(marimba & wind band), 2007 [8'40"]

This piece was world-premiered at the Taichung Chung-Hsin Hall in Taiwan on July 21, 2007. It was performed by the Hsinchu Wind Orchestra, with Mr. Ito Yasuhide conducting.

Program notes

This marimba concerto for the wind orchestra was commissioned by the Hsinchu Wind Orchestra. The music contains four parts, describing the legends and legacies of the A-Mei Tribe in Taiwan.

  • Bon-Cha – Ancestor of the A-Mei Tribe: (measures 1-72): From the opposite shore of the ocean, Bon-Cha and his sister drifted to Taiwan in a canoe. They started generations after generations, becoming the A-Mei Tribe today.
  • Chief Malago Fighting Giant Alika: (measures 173-130): On the Mei-Lun mountains in Hua-Lieng, Chief Malago led the tribe warriors against the aggression of the giant, Alika. Combats after combats the giant was finally defeated. The tranquility and happiness of the tribe was restored.
  • Song of Life: (measures 131-158): The fireplace was where the family got together, lived, and educated their youngsters. It was the center of the family and the source of livelihood. At the gathering place the tribe members sat around the fireplace and sang, symbolizing the continuation and prosperity of life.
  • Harvest Festival: (measures 159-183): Praying for a good harvest in the coming year was done with singing and dancing. The more enthusiastic the celebration is, the more abundant the crops will be. Harvest Festival was the most important celebration for the agriculture based A-Mei Tribe. Thus, this theme is used for the grand finale.