Power Lines exudes the raw force of the geomungo. This highly virtuosic piece imagines the strings of the instrument, crackling with energy like charged wires, unleashed in a seemingly relentless blaze of notes, and building to a final, violent explosion of electrifying sound. The solo version of Power Lines was commissioned by and is dedicated to Heo Yoon Jeong.

 

GEOMUNGO

Black cords wait in strained silence

charged like wires overhead, conducting energy

buzzing, sizzling, hissing, crackling

 

A sharp snap of the stick sets strings into motion, punctures the still air

notes rip forth, braiding, twining

arcing ahead

 

The hum of electricity finds a groove

waves of sound in alternating currents, rhythmic pulsing interrupted by violent bursts

burning, bending, building, blazing

 

A force discharged, these electric strands, these vibrating coils

these power lines