Temasek is one of the older names of Singapore. Also spelt Temasik, this name dated back to as early in the 13th century and is recorded in the Yuan & Ming dynasties from China. Regionally, this name is stated in the Malay Annals.



This work Temasek is a song cycle that uses Singaporean poet Professor Edwin Thumboo, who is also an exdean from National University Of Singapore's English Language & Literature Department. The poems used are 1. Temasek, 2. Adnan & Comrades, Bukit Chandu and 3. Island. The fist poem, Temasek, uses a part from Singapore's national anthem .The idea of using a part from the national anthem is because the composer thinks in such a way: Temasek is an ancient name of Singapore, then Adnan and comrades, Bukit Chandu takes place in 2nd World War and 3. Island is now modern day Singapore. Also this is a homage to the national anthem composer, Zubir Said.

Temasek

Being one of the few Singaporean composers specialising in writing art songs & song cycles, Chunyuan is a music graduate from the University of West London, specialising in classical voice & minoring in composition. Due to his works mostly involve poems, he has met with several Singapore poets & has used their poems as part of his compositions. Poets he has worked with include past Cultural medallion winners Emeritus Professor Edwin Thumboo, Professor Wong Yoon Wah, Madam Lew Poo Chuan. [ A note: Cultural Medallion is the highest level of award, hosted by the Singapore government in the field of Arts & Culture.] Besides writing his specialised field of expertise, he also composes various genres, such as orchestra, ensemble & choral. His works are mostly performed in Singapore & Taiwan. Xiao is affiliated to various professional music bodies, such as Composers Society of Singapore, Composers & Authors Society of Singapore and is currently serving as assistant secretariat to Association of Composers (Singapore).

Temasek

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