March 2019 (for brass quintet)

The energy of the brass instruments motivated me to write a lively piece, and when I was trying to decide on the theme, I thought of ostriches and their spirit. Ostriches are fascinating animals; they are the largest birds in the world with long legs and necks and cannot fly. I watched as many ostrich videos as brass quintet repertoires to prepare for this piece. Did you know that ostriches can make no vocal noise? They make “booming” noises by inflating their necks. 

In Ostrich March, an ostrich takes a wild journey and explores the life of “chaotic happiness.” During the piece, it falls asleep and dreams about flying through the clouds, and later participates in a race, sprinting with its ballerina-like legs as if getting chased by a cheetah. And at the end, the ostrich makes the unique “booming” sound of wrapping up its journey.

Written in Luna Composition Lab 2018-19 and performed by FTM’s brass quintet at Merkin Hall.

Ostrich March

Yuri Lee

Jan. 2019 (for string quartet)

"Blustery Day" was written after being motivated to write a piece about wind while going on a walk on a frigid, windy day; the title was inspired by a phrase from one of the tales of Winnie the Pooh later on. The piece illustrates the transformation of the wind, from a breeze to a gust of wind. The calmness at the beginning represents a gentle breeze, and the waltz-like rhythm reflects the movement of the leaves being carried away by it. As the energy picks up and the dynamics get louder, the breeze gains speed and power. At the climax, a tree is not able to hold its ground and falls down, and calmness is brought once again - as if the wind, now barely a breeze, is satisfied with its work.

Performed by The Little Orchestra Society @ Vivaldi’s Virtuosas! on March 5th and 6th, 2022.

First performed by FTM’s Pannonia quartet at the National Opera Center for the 2019 Composers Now Festival Opening Event. (Event photos: https://www.facebook.com/ComposersNow/photos/a.2357463634500507/2357465181167019/?type=3&theater)

Later choreographed for the 2019 annual ballet show hosted by The Dance Gallery.

2019 Annual Dance Gallery showcase

Blustery Day

Yuri Lee