Chen Yi: Composer Harmonizing Cultures through Music
Manage episode 396979806 series 3354770
Celebrated composer Chen Yi shares her life's journey with host Devin Patrick Hughes. Chen Yi touches upon her roots in China, how classical music came into her life due to her music-loving parents, and the experience of living through the Cultural Revolution. She credits her upbringing and early life experiences for shaping her perspective towards education, community service, and music. Chen Yi moved to Beijing after the Cultural Revolution to study music and was one of 32 selected from 20,000 applicants to study at the Beijing Central Conservatory. She talks about the various musical styles she learned and how they inspired her compositions. The discussion gives an insight into Chen Yi's blend of Western and Chinese musical traditions, drawing from her experiences, culture, and a wide range of musical techniques. Chen Yi also talks about 'Momentum,' one of her favorite works, and how the community and society have inspired her compositional process.
Thank you for joining us on One Symphony. Thanks to Chen Yi for sharing her incredible music and wealth of knowledge. You can find her music where ever you listen. Musical selections on this episode today include Momentum and Duo Ye From the album Best of Chen Yi by the Singapore Symphony Orchestra. Ge Xu: (Antiphony) was from the album The Women’s Philharmonic: The Music Of Chen Yi. Viola Concerto Shian Shi was from Chen Yi: Concertos for String Instruments by the Boston Modern Orchestra Project & Gil Rose. You can always find more info at OneSymphony.org including a virtual tip jar if you’d like to support the show. Please feel free to rate, review, or share the show! Until next time, thank you for being part of the music!
00:00 Introduction and Early Life
00:39 Musical Beginnings and Cultural Revolution
02:17 Post-Cultural Revolution and Education in Beijing
02:36 Influence of Chinese Traditional Music
03:28 Experiences in Countryside and Folk Music Influence
04:24 Journey to Western Classical Music
05:06 Language and Music: A Unique Blend
05:39 Career as a Concertmaster and Composer
06:03 Folk Song Collection and Composition
08:03 Moving to the United States and Further Studies
08:16 Residency at the Women's Philharmonic
08:34 Community Engagement and Education Programs
11:39 Career as an Educator
12:40 Discussion on Cultural Revolution and Music
13:22 Influence of Chinese Folk Music Storytelling
17:31 Incorporating Chinese Instrumental Techniques into Western Instruments
20:22 Breaking Barriers and Creating a Unique Musical Language
28:26 Commemorating Major Events and Depicting Rituals in Music
46:42 Bringing Different Worlds Together in Music
50:53 Advice for Young Composers
51:34 Conclusion
https://www.presser.com/chen-yi
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