Woody Mo - Übermensch

Performed by Alex Lee (Soprano Saxophone), Nobushirou Hagiya (Percussion), and Seungchan Song (Amplified Cello). Übermensch by Woody Mo (2022) Program notes: The piece is dedicated to illustrating Nietzsche’s philosophy with sound, based on chronological order. I. "God is dead" is based on Nietzsche's view on the dissolution of traditional values and Christian Authority within European society, as a consequence of the Age of Enlightenment. The music paints it by creating a tremendous sound effect of destruction. II. "Nihil" is based on Nietzsche's view of Nihilism, which is a philosophical view that denies the values, meaning, the morality of humanity. In Nietzsche's view, the widespread nihilism was a consequence of the decline of Christianity. The music illustrates it by greatly reducing the usage of pitch materials. III. "Übermensch" is referring to the idea of Übermensch (Overman), representing the future form of humans throughout evolution. Overman constantly denies itself, to achieve self-improvement and overcome oneself; Overman creates its values, instead of being bound by traditional values or nihilism. The music tries to demonstrate the self-overcoming process of Overman while comparing the success of Overman to the stubbornness of Letzter Mensch (Last man), the people tired of trying, take no risks, and seek only comfort and security. The Nazis misuse the concept of "Übermensch" to justify their belief in a "master race". This is completely different from what Nietzsche meant.