Plucked string septet

In childhood, we laugh and play. We learn, we grow. The spirited fast section sparkles with carefree exuberance, while the lyrical slow section contemplates the journey towards maturity. The fast section returns, culminating in a whimsical ending. The interplay of Chinese pentatonic scales and Western chromatic scales brings a fresh vibrancy to traditional instruments.

Wang Chenwei composed Childhood in 2005 at age 16 for the Singapore Ruan Ensemble, later arranging it for Western string ensemble as well as multiple chamber ensemble and sheng ensemble configurations. This 2025 arrangement for plucked string septet was commissioned and premiered by the Singapore Chinese Orchestra.