BOSES (2021)

BOSES (voices) is an attempt to explore dichotomies among textures and timbres. The piece employs modal tonalities and utilizes timbre shifting, fluid rhythms, capturing oriental musical expression of throat singing or chanting. The piece is inspired by religious ritual “Maulod”, a song cycle commemorating the life of the Prophet Mohammed among Muslim groups of southern Philippines. This ritual evokes high- pitched melismatic singing and is participated by the members of the community.

The piece was composed during the time when the Philippines’ biggest broadcasting network was forced off air. Critics are being silenced, and press freedom became a major issue ever since our current president came to power. I dedicate this piece to journalists who are struggling, and were greatly affected by this political turmoil.