In Harmony with Moon and Current reflects the profound culture and heritage of Taiwan, an island shaped by a life lived in coexistence with the sea.
 

Across Taiwan’s varied terrain, where mountains and ocean converge, it has given rise to a distinctive fishing village life and a rich maritime culture. From the Tao (Yami) people’s (達悟族) hallowed Flying Fish Festival on Orchid Island to the ancient "Sulfuric Fire Fishing" (蹦火仔) in Jinshan on the northern coast, the island’s diverse coastal traditions are rooted in a deep reverence for nature. Whether it is the seasonal arrival of the grey mullet—the "fish of promise" that follows the cold current into the Taiwan Strait—or the skilled balance required for spearfishing amid crashing waves, these traditional fishing practices sought mere sustenance—representing a sacred covenant between the people and the sea: a commitment to moderation, gratitude, and sustainability.
 

The time before the sails are raised marks a vital step and the start of a dialogue with the ocean. The meticulous preparation and the intergenerational craft of mending nets serve as a silent conversation with ancestors and a precious inheritance, carrying their wisdom and belief into the horizon. The rhythm of this existence is not linear; it is a pulse aligned with lunar cycles, tides, and shifting currents. Going to sea carries uncertainty—oscillating between glassy calms and tempestuous storms—cultivating a unique resilience and an unfettered spirit.

By expanding the instrumental potential and expressive dimensions of the string trio and erhu, In Harmony with Moon and Current embodies these cultural resonances and spiritual undercurrents. Through the exploration of vibrant rhythms and harmonies, the work portrays a singular chapter of Taiwan’s enduring bond with the deep.

The music unfolds with a chant of gratitude to the sea, incorporating ancient melodies inspired by the Tao people. In its wake, lyrical strains arise, evoking the voices of ancestors and their inherited wisdom. The motif that appears in the viola’s first phrase shapes the work’s main identity, evolving through various episodes and transitions. As luminous tones scatter, the soundscape reveals praise and reverence for the ocean, shimmering with reflected light and schools of fish migrating with the currents and tides. A sudden theatrical sweep unfurls in the pearly leaps and agile gestures of the violin, symbolizing harsh winds and relentless rain as well as the interweaving and mending of fishing nets. Flowing with the surge of musical lines, the work invites immersive imagery: Seeking a Living from the Sea and Setting Sail, Riding the Wind and Cleaving the Waves.