Composer

:

Steven Mark Kohn

Genre

:

Vocal

Style

:

Vocal Music

Average_duration

:

4:10

"Ten Thousand Miles Away" is a contemporary classical composition by American composer Steven Mark Kohn. The piece was composed in 1999 and premiered on May 6, 2000, by the New York Virtuoso Singers at the Church of St. Ignatius Loyola in New York City. The composition consists of three movements, each with its own distinct character and mood. The first movement, "The Departure," is a slow and mournful piece that sets the tone for the rest of the work. The second movement, "The Journey," is more upbeat and lively, with a sense of movement and progression. The final movement, "The Arrival," is a triumphant and celebratory piece that brings the work to a satisfying conclusion. One of the most notable characteristics of "Ten Thousand Miles Away" is its use of traditional Chinese poetry as its text. The lyrics, which are sung in Mandarin, were written by the Tang Dynasty poet Wang Wei and describe the feelings of a traveler who is far from home. Kohn's music is heavily influenced by Chinese musical traditions, with the use of pentatonic scales and other traditional elements. The piece is scored for mixed choir, solo soprano, and chamber orchestra, with a total performance time of approximately 20 minutes. The vocal parts are challenging, requiring a high level of technical skill and precision from the performers. The orchestration is also complex, with a wide range of textures and colors that create a rich and varied sonic landscape. Overall, "Ten Thousand Miles Away" is a powerful and evocative work that showcases Kohn's skill as a composer and his deep appreciation for Chinese culture and music. Its premiere was met with critical acclaim, and it has since become a staple of the contemporary choral repertoire.

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