Clinking Coins-Symphony by Li Tai-Hsiang (丟丟銅仔-李泰祥)
I. Lyrics (translated from Chinese)
The train goes into…A-Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-ai-yo..a tunnel.
In the tunnel, the water…Yi-do-diu-diu-tong-a.
Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-a-yi-do…drops down.
The train goes into…A-Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-ai-yo..a tunnel.
In the tunnel, the water…Yi-do-diu-diu-tong-a.
Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-a-yi-do…drops down.
A-mo-yi-do-diu A-mo-yi-do-diu A-mo-yi-do-diu A-mo-yi-do-diu.
The train goes into…A-Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-ai-yo..a tunnel.
In the tunnel, the water…Yi-do-diu-diu-diu-diu-tong-a.
Yi-do-a-mo-yi-do-diu-a-yi-do…drops down.
Summary / Story:
Using joyful tunes, “Clinking Coins” symbolizes ancestor’s hardship and their persistent and courageous spirits in opening ground in early Taiwan. The main melody is interwoven with the old folk song “Clinking Coins” and Taiwanese opera. Although the melody still keeps the aura of pentatonic scale, it is presented with polyphonic music and harmony at the same time; with the rhythm, it expresses complicated states of mind at that time. In addition, because it is speculated that Taiwanese opera was a very important focus in people’s life at that time, materials from Taiwanese opera are quoted to further highlight Taiwan local customs in early days.
III. Manuscript
Handwritten symphony manuscript of “Clicking Coins” for organ, guitar, bass guitar, and drums (1978)
Copied symphony manuscript of “Clicking Coins” for violin (1978)