Bounce!

c.10'

December 6, 2024
University of Chicago, Chicago, IL
Grossman Ensemble
Katherine Kilburn, conductor

Commissioned by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition

1.1.1.asax.0-1.0.0.0-perc(2)-harp-pft-1.1.1.1.1

BOUNCE!, for 13 players, not only showcases a musical gesture I’ve cherished for years—the bounce of the bow against the string, known as ricochet—but also incorporates imitations of that rhythmic profile through the sounds of various bouncing balls and ricochet-like percussion instruments. The interplay between these elements creates a unique auditory and visual experience. At times, these unpredictable sounds interrupt the trajectory of the musical materials and the emotions they evoke. At other moments, the sounds “echo” and “ricochet” off each other in myriad ways, adding layers of complexity and interaction throughout the piece. This dynamic interplay weaves a rich tapestry of sound that continually surprises the listener, capturing the essence of BOUNCE!

This piece was commissioned by the Chicago Center for Contemporary Composition and premiered by the Grossman Ensemble, conducted by Katherine Kilburn.

–Shih-Hui Chen