Si fallor, sum (2008)

Duration: 8 minutes

Instrumentation: piano

Program Information:
The foundations of Western philosophy can be seen in ‘Cogito, ergo sum’ (‘I think, therefore I am’), a philosophical statement used by René Descartes in his Discourse on Method (1637). Although the idea expressed in ‘Cogito, ergo sum’ is widely attributed to Descartes, many predecessors offer similar arguments — particularly St. Augustine of Hippo in De Civitate Dei: ‘Si […] fallor, sum’ (‘If I am mistaken, I am’) (book XI, 26).

“For if I am mistaken, I am. For one who does not exist cannot be mistaken either.” – St. Augustine of Hippo

Si fallor, sum is written as a concert-opening piece with its brash opening chords that wakes the audiences’ ears. These chords cast the foundations of the harmonic language and melodic motives to follow in the piece. Si fallor, sum is like a smorgasbord of sounds, created by the organic, spontaneous and continuous development of the opening gesture; like Si fallor, sum had developed into what we see as Western philosophical thought today.

Premiere:
March 19 2009 | Hui-Ling Khoo | Conservatory Concert Hall / Singapore

This score is available for purchase!
You may purchase PDFs of the score directly through my website (prices in USD)!
1. Click the box with pricing information below. You will be directed PayPal.
2. Include your information (please make sure your email is correct), and pay.
3. You will receive the receipt and download link in your email momentarily.