When I Think of You

Item details

Description +
- When I Think of You, is commissioned by SZPA (Shenzhen Percussion Association), for 2023 Shenzhen Percussion Competition.
  
  When I think of you, endless sweetness rises in my heart, gazing at the leisurely clouds, listening to the wind gently blowing.
  When I think of you, the deep longing turns into sorrow, weighted down by the infinite gravity."
Instrumentation +
- Marimba (5-Octave)
About the composer +
- Heng LIU is the principal percussion of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, executive director of China Percussion Association, artist of MEINL Percussion, MEINL Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, Marimba One, and Remo.
  
  Liu studied percussion from childhood with his father Yaguang LIU, professor of percussion at Xi 'an Conservatory of Music. In 2005, Liu was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music. He studied with professor Gang LIU and professor Biao LI successively and obtained bachelor's and master's degrees. By the time he was 18, Liu had won the first prize in the National Youth Percussion Competition. Liu was a percussion jury of the Italian International Percussion Competition, where he also held master classes and special concerts. He also judges the annual International Network Percussion Competition and National Youth Percussion Competition.
  
  Between 2017 to 2019, Liu embarked on his improvisation and interactive percussion concert "Give me one hour" tour. The tour hit many major Chinese cities including Tianqiao Art Center in Beijing, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Xi 'An concert hall, Shijiazhuang Center for the Performing Arts, etc. Liu performed entirely improvised sets based on interaction with the audience, bringing concertgoers a brand new musical experience. 
  
  So far, Liu has published two albums: Percussion Visionary --Heng LIU Percussion Concert and DRUMS, an original album released by "Hei Chao" Duo with renowned drummer Yanchao LI. He also writes a personal column Heng LIU Said in music weekly.
  
   As a percussionist, Liu has traveled to various music festivals around the world. These include: Italian International Percussion Competition and Festival, Greek International Percussion Competition and Festival, NCPA International Percussion Festival, Beijing International Electronic Music Festival, Beijing Modern Music Festival, Jazz Shanghai Music Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, MIDI Festival and so on.
  
  In the meanwhile, Liu has created more than 30 works, including percussion ensemble piece "The General", "Memory", "Face2Face", percussion and electronic music "Delay", "Percumotion", percussion solo "Rain the Blind Monk", "Wild LEO ", "Poem" and many more. In 2016, his Chinese Traditional Percussion solo piece "Gazing on Mountain TAI" won the 1st prize of China Traditional Music Festival - CCOM ethnic Percussion works collection competition.
  
  In 2019, Heng LIU won "Best Work Awards" and "Best All-round Percussionist" of 2019 Drummmer's Ceremony.
Reviews +
- Review (Percussive Notes, June 2024)
  
  “When I Think of You” was commissioned by the Shenzhen Percussion Association for their 2023 percussion competition. As stated in the program notes, it is inspired by two poetic sentences about adoration and sorrow. At approximately nine minutes in length, it is appropriate for advanced undergraduate students and professionals alike.
  
  This marimba solo consists of several distinct sections. While most use typical indications such as “molto rubato” or “agitato,” Heng Liu also uses phrases such as “streaming with motion,” “memory, flowing like the wind,” and “dissolve in tears.” I find these markings to be especially informative. The piece requires a number of advanced four-mallet techniques, including inner-mallet independence, rapid double and triple laterals, and large interval changes. Because of the nuanced and finessed musical phrases, it is recommended that players have command of these techniques prior to beginning the piece.
  
  “When I Think of You” is a beautiful, captivating work for solo marimba that pulled at my heartstrings when I listened to it. I could sense the moments of joy and of sadness as the piece progressed, making it relatable for a wide audience. It would pair well with a number of level-appropriate compositions and various performance settings.
  
  —Danielle Moreau
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Heng LIU
  Photo: NCPA Orchestra
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com
  With support from Koda’s Cultural Funds

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