No(2023)


Instrumentation

alto saxophone, cello, piano


Duration

6 minutes


Date of Completion

May 27, 2023



Program notes

Nō(脳) is a Japanese words that means brain. I was really inspired by how brain signal changes after it is exposed heroine that looks similar to Dopamine(which is the chemical hormones that is released in the brain to make a human feel good) in our brain. In this piece, the sonic structure is focused on neuron's activity that is triggered by a stimulus from outside of sources such as chemicals or drugs. Because of artificial excess of methamphetamine which has a similar chemical structure as Dopamine, human experience the heaven, joy or happiness that they have never experienced in their lives. As a trade, after drug users are awake from meth, they often experience depression, fatigue and loss because brain cells can’t produce Dopamine anymore by itself due to unbalance. I used the Japanese word "No" as a title since it also implies Nancy Reagan's Campaign slogan "Just say no" in 1970s regarding drug abuse and addicts.

The piece started from static, normal brain activities of neuron to complete ecstasy that increases its activity. While brain is still functioning, I wanted to increase the amount of outside stimuli that is gradually increased by drug users to alert and alarm how dangerous and severe this addiction can be.


Dedication

Nahyoung Kim, Beat Furrer


World Premiere

May 29, 2023 - Dom Radio, Saint Petersberg, Russia

GAMensemble


Additional Performances

November 15, 2024 - Leith Symington Griswold Hall, Baltimore, MD, United States

Steph Tamas, alto saxophone
Olivia Katz, cello
Foo Jeng Wong, piano


Photos