Recital: Changjin Ha '24, Composition, Music Theory, Music Technology

Introduction: Welcome to - (2024)

Fixed media

Voice track provided by Dean Benjamin Sosland.

Romance III for violoncello (2022)

Program note

Romance III is a nine-minute piece for solo violoncello that explores the conflict between love and external circumstances. Although the circumstances are not the focal point of the piece, the work highlights how they frustrate love. The piece is structured in variation form, based on several melodies, including the series' initial “desire” motif of Gb-Eb-D. The cello undergoes various timbral changes to gradually build intensity. While the melodies rarely change, the expected path is altered to signify the inner conflict of the character. Ultimately, the character does not realize his desire, and the piece ends with an uncomfortable serenity.

Moment Musical II: Overtonian (2019)

Fixed media

String Quartet No. 1 "Tragedy" (2023)

Program note

String Quartet No. 1: “Tragedy" is a twelve-minute work inspired by the structure of ancient Greek tragedies, as Friedrich Nietzsche described in The Birth of Tragedy. The piece unfolds in two distinct, alternating sections: the chorus, characterized by the pronounced use of sliding glissandi, which opens the piece; and the play, with episodes that often commence in unison between the chorus sections. Although these sections begin with contrasting temperaments, they meld into a tumultuous, unified character as the piece progresses.
        In this piece, the chorus offers narrative commentary. As the piece unfolds, the fluid continuum of indefinite pitches hidden behind calligraphic glissandi are gradually revealed in definite pitches represented by discrete noteheads. In contrast, the episodic segments represent theatrical monologues, channeling complex emotions that range from intense chaos to nostalgic reverie.

Romance I for soprano and electronics (2022)

Program note

Romance is a series of solo works that explore the ugly side of love. The motif Gb-Eb-D, used throughout the series, signifies desire itself. The first piece in the series, Romance I, is a nine-minute work for soprano and fixed media that illustrates how jealousy transforms love. The drone of the electronics separates reality from the piece, and the soprano's mourning unfolds. The electronics soon overshadow the voice and eventually propel her to the extreme, leaving the soprano alone in the cadenza. In a void where no one is there to listen, the soprano entreats for help. After the cadenza, the soprano utters no words but only groans while the electronics collapse into sub-bass.

- Changjin Ha

The deepest form of despair is to choose to be another than himself. 

- Søren Kierkegaard

INTERMISSON: Otoacoustic Emission (2024)

Fixed media

Program note

Otoacoustic Emission is a nine-minute piece for fixed media, designed for the intermission of the concert. The title comes from a medical term that refers to sounds created by the cochlea and transmitted to the external ear canal. Metaphorically, the piece begins with serene sounds of nature mixed with mechanical sounds, which segue into a review of the pieces played earlier in the concert. As the piece progresses, distortion gradually occurs, eventually connecting to a set of sounds that depict the circle of life. After several cycles, it transitions to excerpts from Gesang der Jünglinge and Kontakte by Stockhausen as a tribute. The piece returns to the sound of nature, concluding with a heartbeat and an excerpt from Kontakte.

Crocodile's Dream (2024)

Introduction:...before the apple...
Desireé
Honey
Basorexia
The color of the rose
Petals
Roses and apples share same roots
Es spricht

Program note

Crocodile’s Dream is a 15 minutes set of 8 miniature pieces that explores the realm of desire. It explores how a desire forms, develops, and resolves. Texts are kept simple, mostly consisting of words and melismas.

Introduction: …before the apple…

Desireé!
Desireé!  Welcome!

Honey
Honey, Mel.
Yes, do it, look at me, right, hit it..

Basorexia

The color of the rose

Petals
Ah…Oh…Eh…Ah…

Roses and apples share same roots

I sincerely appreciate your presence at my concert.
You, the audience, are the most crucial part of this event, and I hope you enjoy it.

I would like to express my deepest gratitude to Drs Agócs, Minakakis, Miljkovic, and Mallia.
Your advice has continually helped me to hone my artistry from the most surprising perspectives.
Thank you for your limitless support and care!

I also want to thank my peers, friends, and teachers who made my years at NEC the most wonderful time of my life. I will always cherish the time spent working with such great artists.

Lastly, I extend my deepest gratitude to my parents and family.
Your constant help and trust have been invaluable; I would not be standing here without your support. I love you all! :)