Inspiring Formosa: From Mirage to Mirror, for organ, percussion, saxophone, violin, and cello

Details

Description

Inspiring Formosa: From Mirage to Mirror is a live recording of the organ concert at the National Concert Hall in Taipei, curated and performed by Hsiao-Yi Yu and the Formosa Virtuoso Organists. It embodies the spirit of "preserving tradition and embracing innovation," establishing a unique cultural identity for Taiwan's organ music.

The concert is built around the concept that "every organ reflects the soul of its city," beginning in Taiwan and exploring the possibilities of music through classical and contemporary compositions.

This live recording is unedited and unprocessed, preserving the authentic atmosphere of the performance and the acoustic characteristics of the National Concert Hall. It includes subtle sounds from the organ's stop action, showcasing the layers and unique charm of organ performance. The recording captures the performer's mastery of the mechanical organ, exceptional technique, and outstanding musical expression, fully presenting the instrument's distinctive tonal quality and spatial resonance.

Inspiring Formosa: From Mirage to Mirror illustrates Taiwan’s cultural and historical richness, blending traditional and contemporary idioms to portray the island’s resilience and beauty.
This piece is adapted from the film score by director Wu Mi-sen and features compositions by Stéphane Kara, who won the *Best Music Award* at the 2024 Cannes Film Festival.

Each movement celebrates the resilience, diversity, and creativity of the Taiwanese people. From the depths of the island’s soul to the peaks of its mountains, the melodies weave an emotional and aspirational musical tapestry. The composition takes the audience on a journey across time and space, exploring Taiwan’s landscapes, legends, and dreams.

In the opening movement, the organ’s modern sound symbolizes the dynamic spirit of Taiwan’s new generation. The work uses music to delve into the complexities of life—from the joy of discovery to the challenges of transformation. Through the organ’s resonance, listeners are guided on a journey across the seasons of the soul.


Movements
1. Lovesickness
2. Journey Through Time
3. Harmony Amidst Adversity I & II
4. Eternal Voyage
5. Waiting 1987
6. Waiting


Producer: HsiaoYi-Yu
Composers: Stéphane Kara, Jeffrey Cheng
Arrangement: Tzu-Chin Hsu
Organ Solo: HsiaoYi-Yu
Violin: I-Ching Li
Percussion: Pei-Ching Wu
Cello: Tzu-Wei Huang
Saxophone: Kuan Lin