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About the Composer
Tracy Wong
Tracy Wong Series
RIUH (Chaotic Joy)! (SATB)
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst.”
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RIUH (Chaotic Joy)!
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RIUH (Chaotic Joy)!
SATB, vocal/instr. percussion
Download includes audio pronunciation track.
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst”. This quirky and catchy piece features improvisation by a beatboxer, vocal percussionist, or instrumental percussionist and allows each choir to explore their unique artistic interpretation and non-traditional performance style… in chaotic joy!
Composer’s Notes
RIUH = Malay for “roaring, noisy, loud, boisterous, outburst”
This work is commissioned by the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023, to be performed by the Vancouver Youth Choir (Carrie Tennant, Artistic Director), one of the featured choirs. The piece draws inspiration from discussions with Carrie Tennant about her needs for VYC’s concert program: “…folk-focused…joy and chaos… percussion… outside the box of traditional choral music…”
When thinking about “joy and chaos”, the Malay word riuh embodies this expression. The music captures this through quirky word and vocal play, juxtaposition of calm amidst chaos while making room for both noise and joy. There is also the opportunity to feature improvisation by a beatboxer, vocal percussionist, or instrumental percussionist. Therefore, the piece allows each choir to explore their unique artistic interpretation and non-traditional performance style… in chaotic joy!
The music also features Malay text by the eclectic and soulful Malaysian vocal artist and long-time friend, Bihzhu. This is what “chaotic joy” means to her:
“There is liberation when we’re able to embrace chaos with joy, a sense of vitality, of feeling fully alive. And within that energy a knowing, and a certainty, that everything is at the right place and the right time, and this is but one thread in the woven tapestry of life.”
I am grateful to the Artistic Committee of World Symposium on Choral Music 2023 (International Federation for Choral Music) for commissioning me to create this work, Bihzhu for the joyous text, Cherie Chai for her vocal percussion-related advice, Vancouver Youth Choir for being the best instrument to bring this piece to life, and Carrie Tennant for her artistic vision. It is an honour to be a part of this meaningful collaboration!
– Tracy Wong
Text
Dalam huru-hara dunia
In the chaos of the world
[dalam huru hara dunija]
Hargai bibit ketenangan
Treasure the seeds of stillness
[harga’i bibit kǝtǝnaŋan]
Anyaman riuh dan damai terserlah
Woven together – chaos and peace – they shine
[anjaman rijɔh dan damai tǝsǝrlah]
Gelombang hidup dilayar
As the waves of life are sailed
[gǝlombaŋ hidup dilajar]
-Bihzhu
Note: The following consonants are non-plosive – “t,” “p,” “d.” For more clarity on pronunciation, style, and suggestions for beatboxer / vocal percussionist / instrumental percussionist, please refer to the composer’s recording of the piece.
(audio pronunciation tracks available)
About the lyricist:
With a dynamic range that defies genres, Penang-born nightingale BIHZHU is blessed with a rich, soulful voice that is hauntingly evocative one moment, and spiritedly rousing the next. Bihzhu’s genuine songcraft transcends pain and heartache to celebrate life, and love. Whilst her enchanting brand of “heart music” charms its way to your emotional core, her signature harmonies and uplifting vibes have left audiences finger-snapping, foot-tapping, and dancing; whether at intimate acoustic concerts or at music festivals all over Malaysia, Australia, South Koera, China, Indonesia, and India. www.bihzhu.com
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