Crystalline Refractions: The Intersection of Sound, Light, and Form
Performance 2025 Graduate ExhibitionPresentation by Ziyao Huang
Copresented by Ziyao Huang
Exhibition Number 403
Abstract
Karen Tanaka’s “Crystalline” is a piano composition of delicate textures and shimmering sonorities, inspired by the beauty and translucence of crystals. Tanaka creates a soundscape that evokes light refracting through intricate mineral structures through harmonics, rapid figurations, and ethereal resonance. This piece exemplifies her signature style, blending elements of spectralism with an intuitive sense of color and atmosphere. As a composer, Tanaka draws from both Japanese and Western influences, incorporating natural imagery and ecological consciousness into her music. “Crystalline” is particularly notable for its intricate layering of sound, which mirrors the complexities found in nature. The work challenges the performer to achieve a balance of control and spontaneity, crafting a sonic world that feels both precise and organic. This performance is paired with a speech exploring the intersection of music and visual art, particularly how sound can evoke texture, transparency, and movement. The exhibition setting enhances the multisensory experience, allowing the audience to consider how musical structures can parallel natural formations and artistic expression. By presenting “Crystalline,” this event highlights Tanaka’s contribution to contemporary piano repertoire and broadens awareness of the interplay between auditory and visual aesthetics.
Importance
Karen Tanaka’s "Crystalline" is an evocative work that bridges music and visual art, making it an ideal piece for an exhibition setting. The composition’s shimmering textures and organic flow reflect Tanaka’s deep engagement with natural phenomena, inviting listeners to experience sound as a form of sculpture. Through its intricate interplay of resonance and silence, “Crystalline” encourages reflection on the beauty of impermanence and transformation. Performing this piece within an exhibition context underscores the connections between artistic disciplines, fostering a dialogue between sound and space. By presenting Tanaka’s work, this performance also amplifies the voices of underrepresented composers in contemporary classical music, broadening perspectives on global musical expression.
DEI Statement
Karen Tanaka is a distinguished composer whose work reflects a diverse and innovative artistic perspective. As a female Asian composer of contemporary music, Tanaka’s presence challenges historically male-dominated narratives in composition and paves the way for greater representation of women and Asian artists in the field. The performance of “Crystalline” celebrates her contributions and underscores the importance of amplifying voices that have been historically underrepresented. Tanaka’s music, inspired by both Japanese aesthetics and Western traditions, represents a fusion of cultural influences that enriches the global artistic landscape. This performance fosters an inclusive space where diverse voices are recognized and celebrated, expanding awareness and appreciation for composers of all backgrounds and strengthening the cultural fabric of the arts.