Poetic Fantasy

Item details

• Description +

  • Duration: 12 min.
    
    Poetic Fantasy is dedicated to percussionist, Johan Bridger. In a way, it is a sequel/short-extension to another solo marimba composition of mine which runs for about 40 minutes, Symphonic Poem. From the title, one can gather that this piece is not a factual statement, but a poetic description of an abstract feeling. Structurally, it is loosely an A-B-A-B form, though it should sound 'free', like a wanderer dwelling in impression and expression.

• Instrumentation +

  • Marimba (5-octave)

• Watch+

• About the composer +

  • The young Chinese-Canadian marimbist PIUS CHEUNG has already been recognized as a master soloist on his unusual instrument. His brilliantly played CD of Bach’s Goldberg Variations elicited a feature story in The New York Times which praised not only his technical feat of performing the intricacies of this keyboard work on the marimba, but also his “deeply expressive interpretation, notable for its clear voicing, eloquent phrasing and wide range of color and dynamics.” The album has been heard in the U. S. on National Public Radio and in Canada on CBC Radio. His second CD, Symphonic Poem, comprised entirely of his own compositions, was released at PASIC in November 2009.
    
    Since his U.S. concerto debut with the Philadelphia Orchestra in 2003, Mr. Cheung has toured extensively as a concerto and recital soloist around the world. Highlights of his recent performances include concerts at the Usedomer Music Festival in Germany, Hong Kong Arts Festival, 8th International Marimba Festival in Mexico, Percussive Arts Society International Convention 2009, Terrace Theater at Kennedy Center and Zankel Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall.
    
    In addition to concert performances, Mr. Cheung has presented masterclasses in some of the world's finest music institutions including the Conservatorium van Amsterdam, Conservatoire de Paris, Conservatoire National Supérieur de Lyon, Curtis Institute of Music, Boston Conservatory, Universities of Michigan, South Florida, Central Florida, Illinois and Boston.
    
    As a composer, Mr. Cheung was hailed by Washington Times as “... a composer in his own right – one who writes the kind of music people will want to hear.” He won 1st Prize at the Classical Marimba League’s 2007 Composition Competition for his Three Etudes. Among his numerous works for the marimba are a Marimba Concerto with String Orchestra and Timpani, Symphonic Poem, and collections of sonatas, ballades, musical moments and etudes. His compositions have been recorded by renowned marimbists and chosen as repertoire for numerous national and international competitions.
    
    Mr. Cheung moved to Vancouver with his family at the age of 12. He received his Bachelor of Music from the Curtis Institute of Music in Philadelphia, his Artist Diploma from The Boston Conservatory, and his Doctorate from the University of Michigan.

• Reviews +

  • Review (Percussive Notes, May (59) 2012)

    One cannot mistake the unique, neo- Romantic compositional style of Pius Cheung. His use of thick textures, pianolike techniques, and lush harmonies contribute greatly to his distinctive voice.  
    
    This ten-minute work was written for and dedicated to Johan Bridger and is, in the words of the composer, “a sequel/ short extension of another, 40-minute work, ‘Symphonic Poem’.” This sequel provides a much more accessible and audience friendly alternative.  
    
    Advanced four-mallet technique is required; the work utilizes single independent (inside and outside), double vertical, single alternating, and double lateral strokes (inside and outside). The musical and physical demands are tremendous. The performer must demonstrate a wide dynamic spectrum and the ability to perform with finesse and agile aggression. This would be perfect for a mature graduate student’s recital.  
    
    Cheung’s characteristic compositions may be seen as a breath of fresh air when compared to the more linear writing styles of other marimbists. He has carved his niche in the ever-changing world of percussion and, perhaps most importantly, he has developed a unique sound that is unmistakable to professionals in our field.  
    
    —T. Adam Blackstock

• Credits +

  • Front Cover graphics and layout: Ronni Kot Wenzell
    Dedicated to Johan Bridger
    Engraving: Pius Cheung/Johan Svitzer
    Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
    Copyright © Edition Svitzer
    www.editionsvitzer.com

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