I am Dancing Blue Flame
- Instrumentation
- Soprano, tenor saxophone, piano, Max/MSP and video
- Duration
- 12′15″
- Year
- 2008
- Commissioned by
- Bonnie Lander
- Text
- H.A. Kares
- Premiere
- Bonnie Lander Voice Recital. Bonnie Lander, soprano; Zachary Herchen, tenor saxophone; David Witmer, piano; Jenny Beck, Max/MSP; Ying-Chen Kao, music and videoApril 21, 2008 · Leith Symington Griswold Hall, Baltimore, MD
Live recording from the Bonnie Lander Voice Recital.
Program Notes
I am Dancing Blue Flame is a musical portrait of the female soul reaching toward a deeper understanding of the self. In a world that constantly pulls our attention outward, we often lose touch with who we truly are. This piece creates a space of stillness and meditation as a refuge from the noise and confusion of everyday life, brought to life through a blend of dark and bright sonic colors, intertwining melodic lines, and a prerecorded voice that speaks as the inner voice of the piece’s protagonist.
I am Dancing Blue Flame was written for my dear friend Bonnie Lander. I would also like to thank Jenny Beck for her invaluable assistance with the electronics and Max/MSP programming, and above all, Heather Kares for writing the text that inspired this work.
Ying-Chen Kao