Beaver Creek - Matthew Lien

First, the clear and leaping tones of the hammered dulcimer open the piece. The distinct notes, like splashes of water, ping and scatter across the creek's surface, setting the stage for the entire song. Next, the stable and bright high notes of the flute join in, like sunlight reflecting on the splashing water, instantly transforming the crisp sound of water into shimmering ripples. At the same time, a tin whistle in a slightly lower register flows from below, accompanied by dense, rhythmic drumbeats, bringing a continuous forward momentum. At this moment, a sun-drenched, rushing creek seems to leap before your eyes. As the music progresses, strings led by violins gradually join, and the originally light stream begins to swell, merging from a trickle into a rushing torrent. The strings layer upon each other, like water surging over one mountain pass after another, crashing against rocks and creating magnificent spray. After a timely pause, the hammered dulcimer reappears with its clear tones, reminding us that the creek is gradually heading downstream. The water flow slowly calms, and just as the scenery is about to return to tranquility, the rough and bold sound of the Irish Uilleann pipes suddenly rings out. The sound, previously confined to the creek valley, instantly expands outwards, and the space opens up – the creek seems to have merged into a mighty river. At this point, the strings join again, weaving forward with the pipes, and Beaver Creek once again surges. The music no longer just depicts the creek before us, but seems to carry us along the water, through forests and valleys, finally rushing towards a vaster world.