The Bones of Chuang Tzu

The Bones of Chuang Tzu (Prelude No. 5 for Timpani) by Christopher Deane was premiered on April 14, 2003, at the DMA recital of I-Jen Fang. A birthday gift from Deane, the composition was completed just prior to Fang’s 22nd birthday. This effort was particularly special, as both the composer and performer share the same birth date. Inspiration for the piece came from Fang’s native ethnicity and Deane’s knowledge of and enthusiasm for Chinese literature. The Bones of Chuang Tzu is based on a Chinese poem written by poet, literary scholar, astronomer, mathematician, and artist Chang Heng (78-139). The extended technique is used to create the sound of bones clicking. Throughout the composition, the performer explores a variety of sounds while using different combinations and manipulations of the mallets, shafts, butts, rims, and heads.