Joo: Chandeliers for piano, for piano

For me, 2001 was a year of immense change, also in the world and particularly in the USA. After 9/11, everything changed. I was living in New York at the time and one of the things that struck me most profoundly was, despite the darkness that was towering over us all, light prevailed. I remember vigils and ceremonies aglow with candlelight and lanterns, and a spirit of solidarity that was touching to witness and experience - all this, in a city where aggression and apathy are not uncommon. I pictured swirling chandeliers hanging from the skyscrapers and thus I began to write this musical sonnet for piano: Chandeliers. Someone bearing a similar name was also an inspiration for this title. Someone I was longing to see but who lived too far away. What would the future hold and would there be turbulence or peace? In my personal life and the world around me, these questions were reeling around in my head, and setting these thoughts to music was one way I could live through it all.' Hyung-Ki Joo

'The range of Joo's concept of romanticism is boundless. I believe the ''decorative" romanticism inherent to the music of Hyung-ki Joo will find its way to the devoted hearts of music fans.' Giya Kanchelli

'Hyung-ki Joo for me is a positive composer full of energy, humour and subtleness. The way that he occasionally puts together different areas of music is functioning perfectly and thus he creates a very fresh feeling - something that we definitely need these days.' Vangelis

The world premiere recording is by Shani Diluka on the Mirare Label. There is also a version available for piano and orchestra.