Program Notes

This is a two-movement solo piece for the khaen, a traditional Thai instrument, specifically composed for Christopher Adler. The composition explores the distinct characteristics and expressive potential of the khaen, offering a captivating musical experience. Drawing inspiration from the ocean's rippling waves, reminiscent of limitless mountain ranges, this piece intertwines two separate artistic concepts: the utilization of couplets, often found in literature, and the incorporation of the open 5th, a technique primarily employed in traditional music across South Korea and other Asian countries.