Phang KokJun (b. 1989)

Journey On for piano quintet

i. Then

ii. Today

iii. Tomorrow

In three continuous movements, the composer seeks to bring out the sights and sounds of Singapore’s past, present and future.

The first movement “Then”, follows the imagination of how the early immigrants to Singapore must have felt — the sense of uncertainty mixed with a tinge of hopefulness as they travelled in search of new dreams.

The music then fast-forwards seamlessly into the second movement, “Today”, which outlines the dizzying pace of today’s world. Themes from before are fragmented and taken on by the different instruments in a vibrant and breathless counterpoint of sounds.

The last movement begins with an empty and uncertain atmosphere that is slightly reminiscent of the beginning of the piece. Gradually, the instruments enter, each speaking its own voices, contributing to an increasing dissonance. But in the height of it all, the theme from the rst movement re-enters, serving like a reminder of the reason why this “Journey” began in the rst place. With that the piece moves towards its finale, ending on a positive note — at the same time symbolising an optimistic “Tomorrow”.

The Journey Back Home was premiered at Kris Foundation’s “The Journey Back Home” on 25 July 2015 at the Victoria Concert Hall.