Chronicles of a Joker

for wind ensemble
This piece purposefully conflicts different musical genres by juxtaposing them to create a multifaceted musical effect, full of poly-rhythms, multi-harmony, and different melodies which appear in different scales simultaneously – just like a joker who has different aspects to his personality and being. All of these themes are an original composition by the composer.

The music begins with a thoughtful, introspective and non-pulsing feeling, in an imaginary atmosphere. Suddenly, a strong short gesture disrupts the atmosphere but the original feeling continues to be conveyed thereafter. This characteristic occurs several times throughout the remainder of the first section of the piece. With the full orchestra in playing, monophonically, the main theme, which we hear reappear later in different functions. The theme is represented by a muted trumpet that sounds close to what a joker might sound like, were he given a voice. This same tune appears in different parts of the piece – in different colors, functions, and tempos, but in the same rhythm to keep its feature and nature. Much like a joker possesses and conveys different aspects of human emotion and states of being, the main theme – similarly – is presented in different colors, instruments, scales, impressions, etc.

Reminiscent of a circus, where different shows or scenes happen right after one another, this piece contains various textures that also come together; however, in this piece, they tend to not be completely separate but have more of an identity of blending in to one another. The listener can hear variations on a marching band parade as well as sentimental ballet dancers throughout the piece. Throughout “Chronicles of a Joker”, the listeners also perceive a majestic and glorious melody, which leave them with a sense of excitement and appreciation, as if they were a member of the audience at a circus show.

In terms of form, the music contains a total of four main sections. While the first section is considered as the introduction to the piece, the second and third sections convey varied textures in terms of genres. The fourth section, however, considered the coda, represents all of the previously introduced textures but in contrasting roles. These reappeared tunes agreeably synthesize one another in this final section.
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The final minute of the piece is a shadow, or afterthought, which can be symbolic of a joker sitting alone and lonely, after the circus show is over – with no adoring audience or further entertainment to provide. The listener shares the joker’s sense of sorrow here and feels the ambiguity that a joker feels when they have to leave the stage and return to their real life.