Tan Dun, the composer, grew up in a remote Chinese village with a shamanistic and ritualistic cultural atmosphere, which uniquely influenced his musical sensibility.
Performer Biography
Eldbjørg Hemsing, the violinist, has been a household name in Norway since childhood, making her solo debut with the Bergen Philharmonic Orchestra at age eleven.
Composer Biography
As a teenager, Tan Dun was selected to be the conductor of a traveling Peking Opera troupe, immersing him in the ancient art form.
Compositional Technique
The 'Fire Ritual' concerto is centered on the note D ('re' on the solfège scale), symbolizing renewal, rebirth, and the return of souls for victims of war.
Composition History
The Violin Concerto 'Fire Ritual' is subtitled 'A Musical Ritual for Victims of War' and was written for and premiered by Eldbjørg Hemsing, the violinist on this album.
Compositional Technique
In 'Fire Ritual', the orchestra is divided into two groups representing Mankind and Mother Nature, with an ensemble of nine wind players placed in the audience and the rest on stage.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Tan Dun's 'Rhapsody and Fantasia' reflects his vision that 'life is theatre and opera is life,' drawing parallels between Peking Opera and Shakespeare.
You might also enjoy...
Malek Jandali: Concertos
Rolf Wallin: Five Seasons; Whirld; Stride; Spirit
Samuel Jones: Three Concertos
Christian Ridil: Music for Orchestra
Beamish: Viola Concerto / Cello Concerto / Tam Lin
Adrian Williams: Symphony No. 1 & Chamber Concerto: Portraits of Ned Kelly
