Sheng: China Dreams / Nanking Nanking

Album Description

Bright Sheng's 'Sheng: China Dreams / Nanking Nanking' is a poignant and evocative orchestral album, released on 13 March 2003 by Naxos. This classical masterpiece features the Hong Kong Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Samuel Wong, and showcases Sheng's unique blend of traditional Chinese elements and contemporary orchestral techniques.

The album is comprised of seven tracks, including the four-movement 'China Dreams', which takes the listener on a sonic journey through the landscapes and cultures of China. The work is a testament to Sheng's skill as a composer, with each movement evoking a distinct atmosphere and mood. The 'Two Poems from the Sung Dynasty' add a touch of elegance and refinement, with the pipa, a traditional Chinese instrument, taking centre stage.

The album's centrepiece, 'Nanking! Nanking! A Threnody for Orchestra and Pipa', is a powerful and moving tribute to the victims of the 1937 Japanese invasion of Nanking. This 26-minute concerto is a masterful exploration of the pipa's expressive qualities, and its juxtaposition with the full orchestra creates a sense of tension and drama.

Throughout the album, Sheng's music is characterised by its lyricism, nuance, and emotional depth. With 'Sheng: China Dreams / Nanking Nanking', Bright Sheng has created a work of lasting beauty and significance, one that will resonate with audiences and leave a lasting impression.

13 mrt 2003

2003 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.