Symphony No.3

Movement I

Movement II

Movement III

Movement VI

This symphony explores different elements of Singapore. Each movement is subtitled as such. The first movement is about the natural world of Singapore, its nature preserves, animals, and environment. It opens with the sounds of the forest waking up; the koel bird, the smooth coat otter, and the water monitor all have themes that intermingle and illustrate the biodiversity of Singapore’s jungle. 

The second movement is a set of two dances (one a moto perpetuo train ride, and the other a Bollywood Waltz) that express the insanity of the busiest parts of Singapore; Mustafa’s Shopping Centre in Little India is so packed with merchandise and people it is impossible to move. The crowds in China Town during Spring Festival are so dense as to be virtually stationary. 

Movement three is an evening prayer set in various spiritual houses. The skeleton of this piece is held together by a slow repetitive rhythm taken from the Javanese gamelan kemanak pattern played here by handchimes. This third movement acts as an introspective meditation in the symphony before the wild finale.

Singapore’s architecture is the focus of the last movement. This movement isn’t about Marina Bay Sands, or Peranakan shophouses, or condo with plants growing from the roofs. Instead, this movement draws inspiration from buildings such as The Golden Mile Complex, The Interlace, People’s Park Complex, Pearl Bank Apartments, and Jurong Town Hall. This is a celebratory movement complete with audience interaction.

︎Symphony3.pdf

2 Flutes [2 piccolos]
3 Oboes [3 = English horn]
3 Clarinet [3 = Bass clarinet]
3 Bassoons [3 = Contrabassoon]
1 Baritone Saxophone
4 Horns
2 Trumpets
2 Trombones
1  Tuba
4 Percussion
Strings

35:00

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