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.

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