Credits:

Sivitass Ensemble

Description:

This is a collection of works by contemporary Chinese composers by the Civitas Ensemble, which was formed in 2011 by members of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra. Each work expresses the subtle sensibilities of Western and Far Eastern music from a unique perspective, making this album an interesting exploration of trends in contemporary Chinese music. The opening piece, "Five Elements," is by Pulitzer Prize winner Jou Long. Cheng Yi's "Night Thoughts" was inspired by a Tang Dynasty poem, both of which the composer himself arranged especially for the Civitas Ensemble. Yao Cheng's mystical "Emanations of Tara," named after a revered Tibetan Buddhist figure, was also composed for the ensemble. In Fan's "Song of Birds," birds are heard calling in the opening and closing sections. Le Pei's "The View Through the Window" is a lively and lyrical work that reflects American minimalism and traditional southern Chinese folk songs. Naxos Japan