Bright Sheng: Let Fly, Zodiac Tales & Suzhou Overture

Album Description

Dive into the enchanting world of Bright Sheng's latest release, a captivating collection of orchestral works that showcase the composer's unique blend of Eastern and Western musical influences. This album, released on February 12, 2021, under the prestigious Naxos label, offers a rich and immersive experience that spans a little over an hour.

The album opens with "Let Fly," a piece that sets the tone for the rest of the collection with its delicate and evocative melodies. Following this is "Zodiac Tales (2016 Version)," a suite of six movements inspired by the Chinese zodiac. Each movement tells a story, from the gentle "The God of Rain" to the whimsical "Of Mice and Cats," and the dramatic "The Elephant-Eating Serpent." The suite concludes with "The Flying Horses," a piece that soars with energy and excitement.

The album culminates with "Suzhou Overture," a piece that pays homage to the traditional music of Suzhou, a city in eastern China known for its classical gardens and silk production. This overture is a beautiful blend of traditional Chinese instruments and Western orchestral elements, creating a sound that is both familiar and exotic.

Bright Sheng's compositions are known for their intricate textures and vivid imagery, and this album is no exception. Whether you're a fan of classical music or simply looking to explore something new, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. With its engaging melodies and evocative soundscapes, it's an album that will captivate and inspire.

12 feb 2021

(P) 2021 Naxos

About Bright Sheng

Bright Sheng is a renowned Chinese-born American composer, pianist, and conductor celebrated for his innovative fusion of Western and Eastern musical traditions. With a distinguished career spanning decades, Sheng's compositions have been commissioned and performed by the world's leading orchestras, including the New York Philharmonic, London Symphony Orchestra, and Orchestre de Paris. His works, noted for their lyrical melodies and dramatic gestures, have earned him numerous accolades, including a MacArthur Fellowship and two Pulitzer Prize nominations.

Sheng's repertoire is diverse, encompassing operas, orchestral pieces, chamber music, and solo works. Notable compositions include "The Song of Majnun," "H'un (Lacerations)," and "Let Fly," his recent violin concerto. His music has been championed by esteemed musicians such as Yo-Yo Ma, Emanuel Ax, and Leonard Bernstein. Beyond his composing, Sheng is a dedicated educator, having taught at the University of Michigan and collaborated with the Silk Road Project. His contributions to the music world make him one of the most influential composers of our time.