Program Note:

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"Frog's Tale," for wind quintet, draws its inspiration from the endearing Korean folktale of Green Frog (청개구리), a mischievous green frog, and his wise mother— a narrative starring a mischievous green frog and his wise mother. This timeless story, ingrained in the cultural fabric of Korea, reminded me of my own childhood, evoking reflections on my own spirited childhood.

 

The tale unfolds around a frog who acts contrary to the advice of the elders. Children often bear the affectionate nickname of "Green frog" in Korea if they choose to dance to their own tune, disregarding parental guidance—a label I proudly carried during my slightly mischievous, strong-willed years. ;)

 

In each section, I sought to unfold a chapter of this tale through thematic ideas and textures, capturing the sentiments and nuances of the story. The process of revisiting this cherished folktale and translating it into music became a delightful journey of creativity.

 

I wrote this work during my residency at the Banff Centre for the Arts, where the frigid climate confined me indoors. Writing "Frog's Tale" became a joyful escape from the biting cold through the spirited energy of Greenie and his adventures.

 

The Kodan Quintet, known for their exceptional versatility, became the perfect canvas for this musical exploration. Their openness and trust allowed me to push the boundaries of my composition, resulting in a piece that encapsulates the essence of the Frog's Tale with no creative limitations.

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– Nicky Sohn