Chen Yi: Composer Harmonizing Cultures through Music

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

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