Soo-Hyun PARK

Commissioned by the Osaka Korean High School Wind Band in December 2019, this piece was modeled after “Hunminjeongeum,” a Korean alphabet created by King Sejong the Great. The name “Open Universe” reflects the idea that this alphabet opened up a colorful and rich culture to the people who were previously unable to read Chinese characters.

1. “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity”- The first three notes of the entire suite dramatically represent the yin-yang principles of “Heaven, Earth, and Humanity.”

The following subtitles represent the elements, seasons, and directions of the Five Elements theory.
2. “Wood, Spring, and East” - A bright and fast 2/4 rhythm.

3. “Fire, Summer, and South” - A slow 8/6 rhythm accompanied by a traditional rhythmic system called “Jangdan.”

4. “Earth, Midsummer, and Middle” - An unstable and chaotic interlude that represents the world before it became open.

5. “Water, Winter, and North” - A vowel song sung by the masses.

6. “Metal, Autumn, and West” - A lively 3/4 rhythm.


For this publication, the order of the last two pieces was swapped and the six pieces were re-edited into one large piece with a smaller ensemble. The aim was to create a clear and approachable sound with a grand scale world view despite the small ensemble. Although an afterthought, I hope this piece, written just before the COVID-19 pandemic, will resonate with many as an “Open Universe” that has overcome it.PLEASE NOTE - This item is sold on a rental basis. You may purchase it here, then you may perform it as many times as you like in one year, but must return it to the publisher in Japan free of marks at the end of the rental period.

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