SKU: PR.114413230
UPC: 680160583683.
Wernick's String Quartet No. 7 was given its world premiere by the esteemed Juilliard String Quartet in Philadelphia, PA, November 2008. These same performers then gave the New York premiere in April 2009 in the Alice Tully Hall, as part of their final New York appearance of the season. From the Juilliard press release: Mr. Wernick describes the format of the work: 'The Seventh String Quartet features a four-voice mensuration [measured] canon that spins out over a span of about ten minutes followed by a homophonic coda in which the proportional relationship is no longer from voice to voice, but from chord to chord..
SKU: LO.99-3579H
UPC: 000308144796.
Save money on individual recordings with the 2016 Three-part Accompaniment/Performance Pack! This pack includes the accompaniment and performance tracks for all Three-part pieces in the 2016 Heritage Music Press Release.
SKU: PR.312418590
UPC: 680160595785. 8.5 x 11 inches. Text by Chen Yi.
Often called the Ellis Island of the West, Angel Island in San Francisco was used as an immigration station in the first half of the 20th century, processing some one million Asian immigrants. Because of U.S. policy of the time, many spent years on Angel Island awaiting entry. Recently named a National Historical Landmark, Angel Island and its history is the inspiration behind Chen Yi's Angel Island Passages, commissioned by the San Francisco Girls Chorus. Chen explores the experiences of the immigrants, even using poems carved in the walls, to express the mood, the patient yearning, and the ultimate release and embrace of a new country. Angel Island Passages was premiered June 4-5, 2010 by the SFGC and the Cypress String Quartet at the San Francisco Conservatory. For advanced performers. Duration: 15'.Commissioned by San Francisco Girls Chorus (Executive Director Melanie Smith), and premiered by the SFGC and Cypress String Quartet on June 4, 2010, conducted by SFGC’s Artistic Director Susan McMane, at San Francisco Conservatory, CA, the 3-movement song cycle Angel Island Passages is written for children’s chorus and string quartet, with multimedia projection on the walls of the concert hall, produced by visual artist Felicia Lowe. The creative idea of this work was initiated by Dr. McMane, who invited me to write the music, and sent me the book “Island, poetry and history of Chinese Immigrants on Angel Island, 1910-1940â€, by Him Mark Lai, Genny Lim, and Judy Yung for reference in 2009; also inspired by the Angel Island stories, and through cooperation with Felicia, who shared with me her film “Carved in Silence†and video productions “Chinatown†and “Road to Restorationâ€.I named the first movement of my work as “1882â€, which reflected the dark mood under the Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882. The collective poems carved on the wooden walls in Angel Island expressed deep emotion in sorrow and anxiety. The music in the second movement “Longing†is sad and sentimental. The third movement is called “We Are Americaâ€, which is ever-moving, energetic and optimistic. The text sung in the beginning in Chinese means “I am an Americanâ€. It’s sung in Cantonese dialect, then in Mandarin. As the music develops, from homophonic to polyphonic with increasing layers, the climax is reached when the text is turned to English “We Are Americaâ€, which symbolizes the flourishing society with the great contribution from thousands of immigrants during the years. The music fades out towards the ending of the work, which pushes the scene to a remote picture, to look forward to the future peace of the world.I am grateful to have the opportunity to work with such inspiring creative artists in this project, and hope the work is meaningful to our new society after the premiere performance.—Chen Yi.
SKU: HL.1068135
ISBN 9781705174425. UPC: 196288094968. 6.75x10.5x0.029 inches.
Expressive with rich harmonic structure supporting a soaring melody, this setting of Rossetti's romantic poem is an exquisite SATB work. Harmonic dissonance weaves through the piece, creating tension and release throughout. A gorgeous selection for concert and contest.
SKU: PR.114420410
UPC: 680160687015.
In one of the dedicatory poems to his verse play The Shadowy Waters (1906), William Butler Yeats asks: Is Eden far away...? Do our woods and winds and verponds cover more quiet woods, More shining winds, more star-glimmering ponds? Is Eden out of time and out of space? How do you answer such questions? We have only the vague elusive promptings of our own mysterious, troubled hearts to tell us that the Eden we long for is there, somewhere beyond the physical world which frames our existence, in another realm of different dimensions. And - what is most painful to admit - that it is closed to us in the form in which we live and breathe, even if at times we do have intimations..., Yeats is telling us that this paradise, this Eden we yearn for is here - present even if invisible, palpable even if intangible. In his Second Symphony, Mahler meets an angel who tells him he can't get into heaven, he's locked out. The news is shattering. What follows is an inconsolable sorrowing, the same sorrowing that comes when we wake to the realization that we too are locked out of Eden. Eden is the heaven of our longing and desire for release from pain and suffering. Eden is the image in our restive minds that reflects the reconciled, resolved, quiescent state of soul we hunger for. But Eden eludes -because it is not a place. It is a state of soul which answers none of the illusory, hampering conditions that shape and bind us to the real world of our bodies, our appetites, our passions, and our beliefs. I have turned Yeats' question Is Eden out of time and out of space? into its own answering. However near we may sense its presence at times, Eden remains unreachable, ungraspable, unknowable, unthinkable. It forever eludes us. I wrote this music the way I did to shut out -with quietness and otherworldliness - the clamor and clang of the raucous Garish Day, to turn away its tumult and noise, to negate its stridency and chaos. Perhaps in the cleansing stillness and blessing of this emptied-out state of soul, Eden, through still hidden, may not be so far way; though still unreachable, may be close enough almost to touch.In one of the dedicatory poems to his verse play “The Shadowy Waters†(1906), William Butler Yeats asks:“Is Eden far away…?Do our woods and windsand verponds cover morequiet woods,More shining winds,more star-glimmeringponds?Is Eden out of timeand out of space?â€How do you answer such questions? We have only the vague elusive promptings of our own mysterious, troubled hearts to tell us that the Eden we long for is there, somewhere beyond the physical world which frames our existence, in another realm of different dimensions. And – what is most painful to admit – that it is closed to us in the form in which we live and breathe, even if at times we do have intimations…, Yeats is telling us that this paradise, this Eden we yearn for is here – present even if invisible, palpable even if intangible.In his Second Symphony, Mahler meets an angel who tells him he can’t get into heaven, he’s locked out. The news is shattering. What follows is an inconsolable sorrowing, the same sorrowing that comes when we wake to the realization that we too are locked out of Eden.Eden is the heaven of our longing and desire for release from pain and suffering. Eden is the image in our restive minds that reflects the reconciled, resolved, quiescent state of soul we hunger for. But Eden eludes –because it is not a place. It is a state of soul which answers none of the illusory, hampering conditions that shape and bind us to the real world of our bodies, our appetites, our passions, and our beliefs.I have turned Yeats’ question “Is Eden out of time and out of space?†into its own answering. However near we may sense its presence at times, Eden remains unreachable, ungraspable, unknowable, unthinkable. It forever eludes us.I wrote this music the way I did to shut out –with quietness and otherworldliness – the clamor and clang of the raucous “Garish Day,†to turn away its tumult and noise, to negate its stridency and chaos. Perhaps in the cleansing stillness and blessing of this emptied-out state of soul, Eden, through still hidden, may not be so far way; though still unreachable, may be close enough almost to touch.
SKU: PR.11641142S
ISBN 9781491134030. UPC: 680160683772.
The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39 was completed in September of 1992. It was commissioned by James Galway, and is dedicated to him. The work is scored for an orchestra comprised of piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion, harp, piano and strings. The Concerto is in three movements. The first movement, Moderato, is an arc-like form, all of whose components are in fact variations on the harmonic progression of its principal theme. The central section of this movement is a set of explicit chaconne variations on a chorale-version of this progression. The second movement, Adagio molto, presents a lyrical melody which is spun out over a pulsating syncopated ostinato which persists through the entire length of the movement. The final movement, Presto, is a virtuoso work-out for the flutist in a rondo-like form which closes with a Prestissimo coda. The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra has been recorded for release on the BMG label by James Galway with the London Mozart Players conducted by the composer.The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra, Op. 39 was completed in September of 1992. It was commissioned by James Galway, and is dedicated to him.The work is scored for an orchestra comprised of piccolo, flute, oboe, english horn, clarinet, bass clarinet, bassoon, contrabassoon, two horns, two trumpets, timpani, percussion, harp, piano and strings.The Concerto is in three movements. The first movement, Moderato, is an arc-like form, all of whose components are in fact variations on the harmonic progression of its principal theme. The central section of this movement is a set of explicit chaconne variations on a chorale-version of this progression.The second movement, Adagio molto, presents a lyrical melody which is spun out over a pulsating syncopated ostinato which persists through the entire length of the movement.The final movement, Presto, is a virtuoso work-out for the flutist in a rondo-like form which closes with a Prestissimo coda.The Concerto for Flute and Orchestra has been recorded for release on the BMG label by James Galway with the London Mozart Players conducted by the composer.
SKU: PR.11442041L
UPC: 680160687039.
SKU: PR.41641530L
UPC: 680160625925.
The Respiration of the Earth is inspired by the breathing motion. The music focuses on the tension of the air of breathing. There are many different types of breathing such as slow breath, long breath, short breath, holding breath, uneven breath, etc. The shape of the music is created by the inhale and exhale motion. The piece starts with a long holding breath, gradually create a tension until one can't hold that breath and release the air out. The Suona is acting as the motion of the air so the orchestra has to follow. This piece ends with the chaotic motion so the audiences can feel the tension as if they are running out of breath. It's a main concern about the environment of the Earth so this piece is a message to people to keep the environment clean so the Earth can breath for a longer time. Respiration of the Earth is commissioned and dedicated to Mr. Shi Haibin with the gracious support from John Simon Guggenheim Foundation.The Respiration of the Earth is inspired by the breathing motion. The music focuses on the tension of the air of breathing. There are many different types of breathing such as slow breath, long breath, short breath, holding breath, uneven breath, etc. The shape of the music is created by the inhale and exhale motion. The piece starts with a long holding breath, gradually create a tension until one can’t hold that breath and release the air out. The Suona is acting as the motion of the air so the orchestra has to follow. This piece ends with the chaotic motion so the audiences can feel the tension as if they are running out of breath. It’s a main concern about the environment of the Earth so this piece is a message to people to keep the environment clean so the Earth can breath for a longer time.Respiration of the Earth is commissioned and dedicated to Mr. Shi Haibin with the gracious support from John SimonGuggenheim Foundation.
SKU: PR.11442041S
UPC: 680160687022.
SKU: PR.114417130
ISBN 9781491110409. UPC: 680160626687. 9x12 inches.
A recipient of the New Music USA 2013 Live Music For Dance Award commissioning grant, Not Alone is inspired by the ancient Chinese poet Li Bai's poem Drinking Alone under the Moon with the Shadow. The premiere was given on April 26, 2014 by the PRISM Quartet with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, which commissioned the work to celebrate its 25th Anniversary NYC Season. From the Program Note by Matthew Levy (The PRISM Quartet), Not Alone (2014) is an interdisciplinary work...but it stands alone in a chamber music setting. The work spans a stunning range of textures, from introspective solos for each of the four saxophones to majestic hyper-active gestures. The PRISM Quartet recorded Not Alone for a 2017 release on XAS Records titled Paradigm Lost. But we're excited for a wider community of saxophonists to embrace the work, and share it with their own audiences. Not Alone is published together with Happy Birthday to PRISM, a brief miniature that Chen Yi wrote for the quartet's 20th anniversary celebration in 2004. For advanced performers._________________________Text from the scanned back cover:NOT ALONE for Saxophone QuartetHAPPY BIRTHDAY TO PRISM for Saxophone QuartetNot Alone is a 14-minute saxophone quartet and dance score inspired by the ancient Chinese poet Li Bai’s “Drinking Alone under the Moon with the Shadow.†The expansively-textured sax quartet matches the exploratory and dramatic movements and gestures in the dance. NOT ALONE was commissioned by the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company which premiered the work in collaboration with the PRISM Quartet. Also included in this publication is Chen Yi’s fascinating take on “Happy Birthday to You,†composed in celebration of Prism’s 25th anniversary season.A recipient of the New Music USA 2013 Live Music For Dance Award commissioning grant, Not Alone is inspiredby the ancient Chinese poet Li Bai’s poem “Drinking Alone under the Moon with the Shadow.†The premierewas given on April 26, 2014 by the PRISM Quartet with the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company, which commissioned thework to celebrate its 25th Anniversary NYC Season. Program Note by composer Chen YiThe original inspiration for this work for both the choreographer and the composer came from the Tang Dynasty poem - Alone Under the Moon by Li Bai. The poem describes the poet being alone in a garden. The moon and his shadow became his companions that night. The choreographer brings this idea to modern life in an urban setting. She created a series of “mindscapes†which are the result of the exploration of the different mental and physical states of being alone.Through self-examination, the choreographer raises the question: are we ever really alone? Our physical being may be standing by itself, but what about our introspective self? When we are still, we let our thoughts pass by like flowing water. If we could engage with our shadows, what would it be like?Program Note by Matthew Levy, The PRISM QuartetThe PRISM Quartet has commissioned a great many composers since our founding days in 1984. Chen Yi is among ahandful of our very favorites, and one to whom we’ve returned time and time again. Her music is powerful, expansive,intimate, and draws connections between Eastern and Western, ancient and modern traditions in a voice all her own.Chen Yi has written or adapted four works for the PRISM Quartet. She penned a wonderful miniature called HappyBirth day to PRISM to celebrate the ensemble’s 20th anniversary back in 2004 (Dedication, Innova Recordings).We subsequently commissioned her to compose Septet (2008) for Erhu, Pipa, Percussion, and Saxophone Quartet(2008), premiered and recorded with the New York ensemble Music From China (Antiphony, Innova Recordings 2010).In 2015, the PRISM Quartet performed and recorded (XAS Records) a new version of her saxophone quartet concerto,BA YIN, with the University of Missouri-Kansas City Wind Ensemble under the baton of Steven Davis (originally writtenfor the Rascher Quartet and scored for saxophones and string orchestra.).Finally, Not Alone (2014) is an interdisciplinary work written for the Nai-Ni Chen Dance Company with the PRISMQuartet, but it stands alone in a chamber music setting. The work spans a stunning range of textures, from introspectivesolos for each of the four saxophones to majestic hyper-active gestures. The PRISM Quartet recorded Not Alonefor a 2017 release on XAS Records titled Paradigm Lost. But we’re excited for a wider community of saxophonists toembrace the work, and share it with their own audiences.In his liner notes for the recording, WNYC’s John Schaefer writes: “As with much of her music, Chen employs percussiveeffects and glissandi; in Chinese music these are not considered “extended techniques†or special effects, but animportant part of the performer’s arsenal. Here, they help create the twilit mood of the opening moments. The piecesoon becomes more dramatic, suggesting the arrival of the drinker’s companions (real or imagined) and his or herincreasingly garrulous outbursts. Passages of consonance and discord can easily be heard as companionable singingand bouts of drunken argument. The piece bustles along on a kind of restless energy, until, finally, that restlessnesssubsides, giving way to a gently humorous ending where a short falling phrase signals the drinker falling asleep.â€.
SKU: PR.11641145L
The Concerto for Piccolo and Orchestra Op.50 was commissioned by Jan Gippo, principal Piccolo of the St. Louis Symphony, who gave the premiere of the work on August 18th, 1996, in New York City with the New Jersey Symphony Orchestra conducted by Glenn Cortese. The occasion was the annual convention of the National Flute Association, who sponsored the commission.Jan Gippo had enthusiastically pursued the idea of commissioning a Piccolo concerto from me ever since he played orchestral Piccolo in the premiere of my Concerto for Flute with James Galway and the St. Louis Symphony. Won over by his enthusiasm, I agreed to write this work for an instrument which has had virtually no concerto repertoire since the baroque era. In doing so I was eager to stress the lyrical and expressive qualities of an instrument which is too often stereotyped as being useful for only brilliant and ornamental flourishes.The work falls into three movements which are united by thematic and motivic materials, significant among which is a twelve note row which forms the basis of the second movement’s variations. The final movement, which puts the seriousness of the first tow movements aside for an unbridled romp, makes use of three explicit musical quotations at strategic structural moments, one of which is an implicit homage to Shostakovich, who quoted from the same work in his own second Violin Concerto.Orchestration of the Concerto was completed at the Loew’s Hotel in Monte Carlo, where I was situated for the rehearsal period of my opera The Picture of Dorian Gray.The Concerto for Piccolo and Orchestra has been recorded for release on the BMG label by James Galway with the London Mozart Players conducted by the composer.