Programme Notes

    "Slender Gold" is named after the highly original style of calligraphy created by Emperor Hui-tsung, the eight emperor of the Song Dynasty. The style of calligraphy is both elegant and delicate with slender strokes that resemble gold filament in motion, twisting and turning. Although not a one-to-one relationship between the music and slender gold calligraphy, the music moves between simple melody (with bold attacks and after-effects representing the turning brush) and dance-like music.