Ethan Soledad — Poems from Angel Island (2025) for piano quintet | Score Follow

For piano quintet. Commissioned by the Great Lakes Chamber Music Festival, Chamber Music Northwest, and the Seattle Chamber Music Society. Performers: Opus13 String Quartet with Aiden Kane on viola. Yoko Greeney, piano 0:00 - 1. From Endless Sorrows, Tears and Blood Streak 3:45 - 2. Random Thoughts, Deep at Night 14:45 - 3. Cages of Jade Translations by Genny Lim 1. From Endless Sorrows, Tears and Blood Streak - Lee Gengbo of Toishan After leaping into prison, I cannot come out. From endless sorrows, tears and blood streak. The jingwei bird carries gravel to fill its old grudge. The migrating wild goose complains to the moon, mourning his harried life. When Ziqing was in distant lands, who pitied and inquired after him? When Ruan Ji reached the end of the road, he shed futile tears. The scented grass and hidden orchids complain of withering and falling. When may I be allowed to soar at my own pleasing? 2. Random Thoughts, Deep at Night - Yee of Toishan In the quiet of night, I heard, faintly, the whistling of wind. The forms and shadows saddened me; upon seeing the landscape, I composed a poem. The floating clouds, the fog, darken the sky. The moon shines faintly as the insects chirp. Grief and bitterness entwined are heaven sent. The sad person sits alone, leaning by a window. 3. Cages of Jade - Poem 135 Detained in this wooden house for several tens of days, It is all because of the Mexican exclusion law which implicates me. It’s a pity heroes have no way of exercising their prowess. I can only await the word so that I can snap Zu’s whip. From now on, I am departing far from this building All of my fellow villagers are rejoicing with me. Don’t say that everything within is Western styled. Even if it is built of jade, it has turned into a cage.