Ga Sirum Sirum – Maria Christine Muyco (the Philippines)
“Ga Sirum Sirum” is a Philippine-Visayan term that refers to the changing colors of the sky at twilight, accompanied by the sounds of crickets signaling the shift of time. The experience of this changing moment always awes the composer, a reflective time for such nature’s wonders.
In her piano music, she brings out the picturesque colors through tone clusters, running arpeggios, and also in quiet passages that reveal the composer’s sentimental take on the twilight experience. Time is essayed in many ways including flexed duration and alternative tempi.
Just like in abstract painting, this piece is a metaphor of sound and colors positioned in various temporalities, expressing the passing of everything in this world, including one’s life.
Ann adds: I find the themes of twilight/night, the passage of time, and even insects (which are disappearing …) evocative.
Ann also adds: I haven’t been to the Philippines, but I do love to take pictures at twilight and sunset.
So enjoy!
[all twilight photos by Ann DuHamel]:
Dr. Maria Christine Muyco is professor of music composition at the University of the Philippines-Diliman with studies in Ph.D. Philippine Studies, University of the Philippines; Alternate Studies in Ethnomusicology and Dance Theory at the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA); M.Mus. Music Composition, University of British Columbia; B.M. Composition, University of the Philippines.
She received the Fulbright senior scholar award and the Japan Foundation Asia Center research grant in 2016. She was the former chairperson of the Department of Composition and Theory, University of the Philippines-College of Music and also the former Asian Composers League Philippines (ACL-Phil) Chairperson that led the international festival and conference of the ACL attended by more than 15 countries in 2015.
She is currently leading the women composers of the Philippines organization called “Bayi”.
Ann DuHamel 