The Phantom Bird of Han refers to the Chinese mythological beast the “Golden Crow” – a divine bird that symbolizes the Fire and the Sun, it is also the reincarnation of the youngest princess Nüwa of the Yellow Emperor of the early Han Dynasty who was tragically drowned while playing in the Eastern Sea. After death, Nüwa transformed into to a Spirit-Guardian bird with burning feathers. For thousands of years she carries twigs and stones from the Western Mountains to fill up the entire Eastern Sea to protect humans from drowning, and becomes a symbol of strength and dogged determination. Fascinated by the myth’s essence of rebirth and will to overcome tragedies, I am inspired to compose a tone poem that signifies revitalization and eternity, also celebrates the spirit of hope and perseverance.

This 11′ composition has two connected movements. Music evolves from a haunting and mournful introduction to vibrancy and energy, unfolding the story of the Princess rises from devastated death to a brilliant rebirth. The highly animated and percussive second movement symbolizes renewed vigor and beauty, it also has a special reference to an ancient Chinese poem by Táo Qián, in which it captures the images of the Golden Crow with bites hold of twigs filling up the deep-blue sea, while looking up in heaven she marvels the defiant dance of the decapitated Chinese deity Xingtia showing off his spear and axe to fight against the Supreme Divinity. The music is through composed, transforming from a number of “leitmotivs” of idiosyncratic melodic lines, rhythmic figures, and instrumental colors. It also includes some unconventional performance approaches like extensive pitch bending and group vocalization to evoke ancient voices.

I hope this composition will spark the audiences’ imagination of a beautiful metamorphosis in an ancient magical world, voyaging through time, adventuring peace and chaos, sadness and triumphs.

This work is the winning composition of Symphony Nova Scotia’s Maria Anna Mozart Award. The Maria Anna Mozart Award was created and funded with the generous support of Dr. Jane Gordon. The award provides funds in perpetuity for Symphony Nova Scotia to commission new works by women composers.