Shadow Play for chamber wind ensemble (2015-16)

​Shadow Play is an art form originated from Southeast Asia that combines storytelling and entertainment. Using flat articulated cut-out figures, or otherwise known as shadow puppets, and holding between a source of light and a translucent screen or scrim, puppeteers tell a wide variety of topics ranging from love stories to war tales. The figures sometimes include translucent coloring and showing in meticulous details. By moving both the puppets and the light source, various effects can be achieved. A successful showing can make the figures appear to be life-like.
 
Written for a joint commission by Dr. Michael Mapp, wind ensemble director of Washburn University and Dr. William Perrine, wind ensemble director of Concordia University Ann Arbor, "Shadow Play" is a piece that highlights the color of the instruments of a chamber wind ensemble. Each instrument is independent, yet each contributes to a collage of complex color and texture in intricate ways; this represents the meticulous details puppeteers pay to the markings and showings in a shadow play.

(07/25/2021)

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