Mizu No Kokoro

Mizu No Kokoro (loosely translated from the Japanese) meaning “a mind like still water”. The origins of the work are born from my explorations in the martial arts years ago. The idea that a mind perfectly calm, focused, and unencumbered by any outside disruption can be in essence of force of rushing power, constantly alive, seeking new challenges. I remember have to stand in “horse-stance position” for over an hour (outside and in freezing snow) during one tae-kwon-do class. The point when the pain becomes so unbearable that all you can think of is your breathing (which is the only thing that can relieve the pain). It was after such a point that I remember my brain launching into various (for my view) striking musical ideas; and even though I was already in my mid 20’s at the time, I now recognize that era as a crucial point in my development as a composer.