Circular Momentum (원형운둥력) suggests the idea of a rotating motion that progressively grows into a great, driving force. Spherical ideas, large and small, encompass the piece. Spinning, circuitous-type gestures form much of the material, which, themselves come around multiple times, cycling through various forms of repetition, each orbit becoming more powerful than the last, as they gradually build energy and propel the music toward a whirling, vortex-like finish.

On another level, the title also refers to the theme of the Uijeongbu International Gayageum Festival, for which the piece was written. The festival’s multi-generational theme of parent and child working together suggested to me a similar kind of circular momentum, in that each generation helps build strength for the other. The parent cares for the children, teaching them and helping them gain confidence as they grow into adults. In turn, the children then offer reciprocal impetus, nurturing the parents in their own continued growth as human beings. The bond between parent and child thus results in a ring of strength, as each generation gives impulse to the other in a virtuous cycle.

About 9 minutes long, Circular Momentum (원형운둥력) was commissioned by Sulgi Lee, to whom it is dedicated.