Away from Xuan

Yuanlin Chen’s name may not be as well known as some of the other talented Chinese composers living in the US, but that is about to change. This first CD devoted to his colorful music features three extraordinary works for orchestra, Chinese ensemble, and guitar quartet. 

His orchestral tour-de-force Away from Xuan is performed here by the BBC Scottish Symphony, is conducted by no less than Tan Dun. The piece has been heralded for its mature structure, deep expression, and exotic embellishments. 

Yuanlin Chen grew up in the mountainous region of south-west China and was educated in western and oriental music techniques both in China and in the U.S.A. With one foot in each continent, he has roots in the 5000-year rich Chinese culture and also welcomes forward-looking values and concepts. He applies oriental philosophy and western values into his music and interprets them with traditional and modern techniques. Wondering along the Journey is a perfect demonstration of his cultural and technical fusion work. This piece was written for Chinese traditional, western and electronic instruments. Chasing the Sun, inspired by an ancient Chinese legend, was written for classical guitar quartet. Yuanlin Chen inserts many modern techniques and even some playing techniques deriving from traditional Chinese instruments such as the pipa. 

Rapid developments in communication and transportation are bringing worlds closer to each other every day. New cultural hybrids and artistic fusions are inevitable. Yuanlin Chen believes that there are a plenty of opportunities and abundant resources for a composer nowadays. More and more brilliant musical works are being created by those contemporary composers who are the brave sailors on top of the tide.