A concerto for geomungo and large chamber ensemble, Power Lines exudes the raw force of the solo instrument. 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 final, violent explosion of electrifying sound. The ensemble of nine instruments supports and interacts with the solo, playing around it, imitating it, providing a halo of sound, and intensifying the energy.

Power Lines is based on a solo geomungo work of the same title. The expanded concerto version was commissioned by the Tongyeong International Music Festival for soloist Heo Yoon Jeong and the Hong Kong New Music Ensemble.

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