Composer

:

Su Lian Tan

Genre

:

Chamber

Style

:

Chamber Music

Compose Date

:

1996

Average_duration

:

8:42

"Moo Shu Wrap Rap" is a contemporary classical composition by Su Lian Tan, a Malaysian-American composer and professor of music at Middlebury College. The piece was composed in 2003 and premiered on April 4, 2004, at the Weill Recital Hall in Carnegie Hall, New York City. The composition consists of three movements, each inspired by a different aspect of Chinese culture. The first movement, "Moo Shu," is named after a popular Chinese dish and features lively rhythms and playful melodies that evoke the bustling energy of a busy restaurant. The second movement, "Wrap," is a slower, more contemplative piece that explores the idea of wrapping and unwrapping, both in a literal and metaphorical sense. The final movement, "Rap," is a fast-paced, virtuosic piece that draws on the rhythms and cadences of hip-hop and rap music. One of the defining characteristics of "Moo Shu Wrap Rap" is its use of a wide range of musical styles and techniques. Tan incorporates elements of classical music, jazz, Chinese folk music, and contemporary popular music, creating a unique and eclectic sound that reflects her multicultural background. The piece also features a variety of instrumental techniques, including extended techniques such as col legno (striking the strings with the wood of the bow) and pizzicato (plucking the strings). Another notable aspect of "Moo Shu Wrap Rap" is its sense of humor and playfulness. Tan's use of puns and wordplay in the movement titles ("Moo Shu" sounds like "mushroom," for example) and her incorporation of unexpected musical elements (such as the sudden appearance of a jazz saxophone solo in the second movement) create a sense of whimsy and lightheartedness that is rare in contemporary classical music. Overall, "Moo Shu Wrap Rap" is a vibrant and engaging composition that showcases Su Lian Tan's unique musical voice and her ability to blend diverse musical styles and traditions into a cohesive and compelling whole.

More....