Giant Tree

Taiwan Fantasy - Giant Tree
Composer: Rolabo Lin (Jia-Jing Lin)
Taiwan Fantasia is a harmonica ensemble suite that depicts Taiwan's unique cultural activities, natural landscapes, and historic landmarks through harmonica music. In Tokyo, Japan, the Meiji Shrine features the largest wooden torii gate in Japan, standing 21 meters tall. The pillars are so wide that it takes five to six people to encircle them. According to the information plaque, the torii was made from giant cypress trees over 1,500 years old, sourced from Taiwan's Danda Forest. The imposing presence of these massive trees left a profound impression, inspiring the creation of Giant Tree.
The piece opens with a sharp disruption, cutting through the peaceful forest. The panic of the forest’s wildlife intermingles with the excitement of the loggers. Under the relentless strikes of axes, trees fall in groups, ready to be shipped off to an unknown land. The remaining trees are left to reflect on their once carefree existence, whispering to one another. Their murmurs gradually shift from mournful silence to a hopeful chorus, standing together to face the next wave of felling, united in confronting their uncertain fate.
Chromatic Harmonica | Chu-Ti Chuang
Chromatic Harmonica | I-Chen Lu
Chord Harmonica | Hann-Chyun Chen
Double Bass Harmonica | Chih-Hui Yang