“Almost Identical” draws inspiration from the heterophonic texture and interlocking style that are used in many folk music in the world including Chinese, Indian, and gamelan music. This work unfolds in two attacca movements that are connected by an interlude. The first movement “Heterophonic Dialogues” features heterophonic texture with each musical instrument presenting a similar melodic idea that is abundantly embellished by grace notes, trills, timbral change, and other melodic ornamentations. The “Interlude” highlights a free reed Chinese wind instrument – bawu – that is believed to originate from southwest China. The last movement “Interlocked Dance” highlights the interlocking style. Each musical instrument displays a stylistically and metrically distinct melody that forms a web of melodic ideas when played simultaneously.
This in an audio recording of the premiere of the work by Music From China, the New York-based Chinese music ensemble that commissioned the work, at the DiMenna Center on November 4, 2023 in New York City.
Hong-Da Chin 