Geisha, traditional Japanese entertainers—predominantly female—skilled in music, dance, and conversation, emerged in the 18th century as highly trained performers in the pleasure quarters of Kyoto. While celebrated for their artistry and refinement, their lives were often shaped by the constraints and expectations of the era, with limited freedom for many to choose their own paths. Their art combined refined performance, cultural knowledge, and a distinctive aesthetic of elegance and restraint, embodying traditions that have evolved over centuries.

In The Geisha, the music conveys a reflective portrayal of the geisha figure, contemplating its cultural symbolism and historical depth. The work is written in the chamber ensemble format, which depicts the inner heart of the geisha and the imagery of their slow and fast dance performances. The main motif is constructed around the variation of the miyako-bushi scale, which is reflected and expanded in the form of sequence, mirroring, and fragmented development throughout the piece. By exploring the performing techniques and instrumental gestures of both Western chamber ensemble writing and Japanese music traditions, The Geisha reflects the collision of Eastern and Western elements—more specifically the velvety expressive sound and the abilities of classical instruments with those of traditional geisha performance music and instrumentation. For example, the technique of strumming and pizzicato with specific chordal arrangements on strings conveys the timbral nuance of the koto and shamisen; The techniques of tonguing, flutter-tongue, and breath-inflected phrasing on the flute portray the sonic character of the shakuhachi; the specialized arrangement of the percussion writing evokes the inherited timbre of the traditional geisha dance performances.

Imbued with this historical culture, the aesthetics of traditional geisha performing arts are also embedded in the piece: the concept of ma (the art of silence and space), sobbing tune, as well as the colors of ancient ceremonial dance and musical practices are employed throughout the ensemble textures and rhythmic gestures. Building on this, the music reinterprets the inherited meaning and beauty of traditional cultural narratives, reflecting the profound essence of geisha artistry imbued with renewed vitality and legacy. The two sections are full of dynamic colors and rhythmic drive, grounded in the strikingly lyrical line. Through the blending of Western chamber ensemble writing with Japanese cultural heritage and instrumental performance traditions, The Geisha presents the dance and the inner world of the geisha. It is also a piece in memory of this unique culture, paying tribute to those who have lived as geisha throughout history.