The timpani announces the grand opening played by the entire orchestra. The strings and the brass take turns laying down a steady and majestic first theme. Shen Yun Zuo Pin describes it as “A feeling of grandeur [that] characterizes the beginning … something monumental is occurring in the universe.”
Fast, upbeat sixteenths are played by flutes and piccolo, followed by quick scales on the strings, leading to the grand, brass chorale. This represents the spread of Falun Dafa, a spiritual practice that gained steady popularity in China in the 1990s. The practice taught its followers to abide by the principles of Truth, Compassion, and Tolerance.
The end of the chorale signals the entrance of the next section. The lower brass bellow octaves while the strings tremolo, creating tension. Shen Yun Zuo Pin says this section “depicts the deplorable state of today’s world and its declining values.” Although this section is short, it sets the contrast for when the oboe enters with a new theme.
The brisk tempo gives the listener the impression that life is busy but good. Shen Yun Zuo Pin says that this melody is describing the followers of Falun Dafa. The theme is passed from the oboe and becomes a dialogue between the brass and the strings.
The atmosphere shifts again with the harp taking the listener to a relaxed, heavenly place. The flute enters, and the clarinet answers. The melody that follows, played by the strings, signifies the serenity that Falun Dafa brought to its followers.
Another stormy section enters; this time depicting the persecution that the Chinese Communist Party launched on Falun Dafa in 1999. This persecution has stretched on for 24 years and is still going on today. Although the world was flooded with lies and slander created by the CCP, Falun Dafa practitioners did not waver. They were not defeated and have spent every day since July 20, 1999 clarifying the truth to the world.
The triumphant call of the trumpet announces the return of the first theme. The melody this time represents the steadfast faith of Falun Dafa practitioners. Despite the persecution, Falun Dafa has not been and will never be defeated. This final section is where the name of the piece, “Divine Compassion” becomes evident. Falun Dafa practitioners believe that goodness is rewarded. One day when the persecution ends, Falun Dafa will be free in China once more and those who persecuted the righteous will meet with justice.
Perhaps that will be the day that China is freed from communism.
Perhaps that will be the day that the world is freed from communism.
