picturesque (2022)

two saxophones and piano (9′)

performance

• september 20, 2022, ensemble nous, busan, south korea

program note

the term ‘picturesque’ refers to something ‘suitable for making into a picture’ or ‘resembling a picture’, and it is a concept that was treated as an aesthetic ideal in 18th-century britain. it can also refer to the genre of landscape painting.

in the 20th century, there seemed to be a trend that neglected a romantic approach to the creative process. of course, this was a natural progression. however, it is somewhat regrettable that this trend has continued into the 21st century (mostly in europe). fortunately, there are increasing numbers of artists who oppose this trend, and i also intend to join them with this piece. imagine that in the 18th century, during the height of the industrial revolution, many people were nostalgic for the natural scenery outside the city and turned their eyes to picturesque.

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