Composition

Notes

The mythical phoenix appears in many cultures over the last 3000 years. An immortal bird said to live hundreds or even thousands of years, it routinely rises from the ashes of its own funeral pyre.
Most stories I am aware of focus on the phoenix’s rebirth or reincarnation, and associate the story with spring, or the birth of a child, or other harbingers of renewal. Little to nothing is said about the moments before life begins again. This piece for violin and piano ponders what the phoenix might experience between death and new life.
Might memories of the previous life be calmly reflective, or laden with angst and regrets? Is coming back to life a difficult or painful process? In the surreal transition between death and life is there anticipation of hope or joy?
The current state of the world resonates with a similar surreality. I hope for the best for our phoenix, and for each other.
Phoenix is gratefully dedicated to the stellar Jin-Shan Dai and Jennie Jung.