Chen Shi-Zheng and solo voices in order of appearance:
Tan Dun, Chen Shi-Zheng, Rugh Flugistaller, Milene Bey, Keith-Frederic Howard, Minako Ohashi, Christine Sperry, Yasuko Yokoshi, Ching Gonzalez
Chorus:
Nien-Mari Chatz, John Eppler, Carol Flamm, Wang Zuo- Xin, James Adlesic, Doug Elkins, Navtej Johar, Margery Segal
Percussion and winds:
Paul Guerguerian, David Anthony, Yiu-Kwong Chung Chinese winds and percussion:
Liu Qi-Chao
Chinese plucked instruments and percussion:
Yao Ann, Tang Liang-Xing Contrabassoon and percussion: Ethan Silverman, Jorge Morera
Xun and percussion:
Tan Dun
Nine Songs is based on ancient poems of the same name by the great poet Qu Yuan. Written for performance with dance, music and drama, they are filled with the beauty of nature and the mysteries of shamanistic ritual. These qualities resonated with me, because they were also part of life in the remote rural area where I grew up. In writing Nine Songs I drew on ideas which Qu Yuan's poetry liberated in me. I learned to begin from the familiar, from the materials I know and love best...
In dramatic structure, Nine Songs is non-narrative, even surreal. The text is a multi-language construction of abstract sound and form, making an independent but integral contribu-tion to the musical scoring. It builds on the ritual form of the original poetry, without dramatic development linking the sections; rather, it is the process of development within each section which is important. The ritual character of the original is also reflected in the score: for example in the opening, the conductor acts as shaman, instructing musician and audience how to begin, and continues to conduct through voice and action.
Through these means, Nine Songs may also express the ancient relationship of nature, spirit and humanity which is the essence of Qu Yuan's poetry. I hope it may bring the openness, the longing, the strong and dark sense of fate, the search for all kinds of beautiful things, to contemporary people in a tortured world. —Tan Dun October, 1990
This title, originally issued on the CRI label, is now available as a burn-on-demand CD (CD-R) or download in MP3/320, FLAC or WAV formats. CD-Rs come in a protective sleeve; no print booklet or jewel case included. Liner notes are accessible via the link above.
Nine Songs Ensemble and Chorus
Tan Dun: Nine Songs
| MP3/320 | $9.99 | |
| FLAC | $9.99 | |
| WAV | $9.99 | |
| CD-R | $9.99 |
A *.pdf of the notes may be accessed here free of charge.
Track Listing
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Nine Songs: Sun and Moon
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: River
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Water Spirit
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Masters of Fate
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Echo in The Distance
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Eclipse
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: In The Mountain
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Souls of The Fallen
Tan Dun
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Nine Songs: Cycles
Tan Dun
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