The Asia Tour

Featuring

Sir Simon Rattle
Berliner Philharmoniker
Richard Strauss
Johannes Brahms
Antonín Dvořák
Igor Stravinsky

Unsuk Chin
Sergei Rachmaninoff
Giacomo Puccini

Did you know?

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Composer's Artistic Vision

Unsuk Chin's "Chorós Chordón" is structured around the cyclical idea of build-up and breakdown, inspired by the history of the universe.

Composition History

Unsuk Chin's "Chorós Chordón" was commissioned by the Berliner Philharmoniker Foundation and dedicated to Sir Simon Rattle for the Asia tour program.

Cultural Impact

The growing appreciation for classical music in China is largely attributed to the global career of pianist Lang Lang, inspiring many young pianists.

Performer Biography

The Berliner Philharmoniker's first tour to Japan in 1957 required the orchestra to split across two chartered propeller planes to ensure the entire ensemble wouldn't be lost in a single crash.

Recording & Production

This album documents the Berliner Philharmoniker's 2017 Asia tour, which was the last Asian tour with Sir Simon Rattle as their chief conductor.

Interpretation

Violinist Helena Madoka Berg notes that interpretations evolve during an Asia tour, with the final concerts in Suntory Hall often being the best due to increased freedom with the repertoire.

Historical Context

The Berliner Philharmoniker's 1979 tour to China was a cautious sign of the country opening up, as Western music had been banned during the Cultural Revolution.