Hung-Tao Lin: “Transmission”, Duo for Clarinet and Piano

1. Distancing
2. Variant

Transmission of media, infection of virus, and spread of fear…The first part of this duo, “Distancing”, represents not only social distance caused by the pandemic but also indifference of modern society. The breathless-like timbre of clarinet and long-distance conversation between left and right hand of piano express the difficulty of breathing and distance between people.

The second part, “Variant”, opens with ferocious and uncertain harmonic rapid notes, expressing inconsistency of virus and public’s unsettled mind. After all, when it comes to the turmoil that pandemic brings, we have to embrace the inevitability of life. The piece ends with the repetition of notes with circus, jazz-like dance after all the variations of the opening theme. For better or the worse, the virus will always be with us, and so does music, which brings both sorrow and joy.

(This piece is commissioned by Chih-Chien Lin)