Composer

:

Chinary Ung

Compose Date

:

2013

Singing Inside Aura is a contemporary classical composition by Cambodian-American composer Chinary Ung. The piece was composed in 2008 and premiered on March 28, 2009, by the Arditti Quartet at the Huddersfield Contemporary Music Festival in the United Kingdom. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and style. The first movement, titled "Singing Inside Aura," is characterized by its use of extended techniques, such as harmonics and glissandi, to create a haunting and ethereal atmosphere. The second movement, "Dancing Inside Aura," is more rhythmic and energetic, with the strings of the quartet playing in a percussive and syncopated manner. The final movement, "Speaking Inside Aura," is a slower and more contemplative piece, with the quartet playing long, sustained notes that gradually fade away. One of the defining characteristics of Singing Inside Aura is its use of Cambodian musical traditions and instruments. Chinary Ung, who was born in Cambodia and fled the country during the Khmer Rouge regime, has long been interested in incorporating Cambodian music into his compositions. In Singing Inside Aura, he uses the Cambodian roneat ek (a type of xylophone) and roneat thung (a type of bamboo xylophone) as inspiration for the quartet's sound. Another notable aspect of the composition is its exploration of the concept of "aura." Chinary Ung has described aura as "the energy that surrounds us, that we feel but cannot see." In Singing Inside Aura, he seeks to capture this intangible quality through the use of extended techniques and unconventional playing techniques. Overall, Singing Inside Aura is a complex and evocative composition that showcases Chinary Ung's unique blend of Western and Cambodian musical traditions. Its use of extended techniques and exploration of the concept of aura make it a challenging but rewarding piece for both performers and listeners.

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