Zhou Long: Ding

for B flat clarinet, percussion (vibraphone & marimba), double bass The meaning of ‘Ding’ is the perfect concentration of thought into the one object of meditation. Zhou translates this Buddhist concept into concrete musical form by using an abstract-improvisational style and a slow tempo throughout. His thematic elements include a twelve-tone row and a tonal melody, which are treated with a variety of instrumental techniques, including blowing, striking, and bowing the instruments in their full range of pitches. The work combines elements of both Western and Eastern musical traditions.