Escape into a world of tranquil beauty and heartfelt emotion with our carefully curated playlist. Featuring tracks that blend exotic Chinese ambiance with a relaxing mood, each track evokes the essence of lost love and timeless romance. Let the soothing melodies of traditional instruments like the guzheng, bamboo flute, erhu, and Western orchestra transport you to a serene landscape where every note tells a story of passion and longing. Perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for a romantic evening, this playlist invites you to lose yourself in the gentle embrace of enchanting tunes. Listen now and experience the magic of love reborn through music.

Peony Pavilion

"Epic Moment" is a powerful playlist that captures the grandeur and intensity of epic war music, triumphal marches, and exhilarating fight scene soundtracks. Each track is meticulously selected to evoke the adrenaline and emotions of grand battles and heroic victories. The music transports listeners to a world of fearless warriors, mighty clashes, and monumental triumphs, making it perfect for motivating workouts, immersive gaming sessions, or simply experiencing the thrill of epic narratives. Feel the surge of courage and determination with "Epic Moment," your ultimate auditory journey through history's most legendary conflicts and victorious celebrations.

Epic Moment

Discover a world of sonic exploration with our eclectic playlist, featuring an extraordinary blend of musical styles. Dive into the rich, diverse tapestry of World Music, experience the innovative edge of experimental short pieces, and immerse yourself in captivating sound works. Traverse the boundary-pushing realm of avant-garde orchestral compositions, where each track offers a unique auditory journey. Whether you're a connoisseur of unconventional sounds or a curious listener seeking new horizons, this playlist promises an unforgettable auditory adventure that defies genre and expands your musical palette. Tune in and let the journey begin!

UNFAMILIAR BEAUTY

Red Cliff is a concerto for piano and Western symphony orchestra, structured seamlessly within a single movement divided into four sections. Its thematic genesis draws inspiration from Luo Guanzhong’s esteemed 15th-century historical novel The Romance of the Three Kingdoms, a foundational work within the canon of Chinese literature. Situating itself amidst the tumultuous backdrop of the Three Kingdoms period, a pivotal epoch marking the decline of the Han dynasty in the 3rd century CE, the concerto encapsulates the enduring resonance of Chinese cultural heritage spanning millennia. Narratively, the composition encapsulates the climactic Battle of Red Cliff. In this pivotal event, three potent warlords—Cao Cao, Liu Bei, and Sun Quan—contend for dominion over the empire, ultimately catalyzing the emergence of the titular Three Kingdoms.
Comprising four contiguous sections, the concerto unfolds a multifaceted musical narrative:
1.	"Paying 3 Visits to A Recluse’s Cottage" (mm. 1- 56): Embarking with an adagio passage reminiscent of the opening strains of the renowned pipa composition "Waves Dredging Sand" by the blind folk musician Ah Bing (1893-1950), this section evokes the pivotal moment when Liu Bei secures the allegiance of the strategic genius Zhuge Liang after three personal entreaties.
2.	"Heated Debate" (mm. 57-174): Transitioning into an Allegro tempo, the composer deftly employs motifs from "Waves Dredging Sand" as thematic material, orchestrating six dynamic variations that vividly portray Zhuge Liang's persuasive arguments to rally Sun Quan and his military advisors in support of the alliance against Cao Cao.
3.	"Sorrowful Parting" (mm. 175-261): In a poignant departure, the composition channels the emotive essence of a renowned traditional Chinese opera aria, "Sorrowful Parting," attributed to Zhou Yu, as he bids farewell to Huang Gai. This lyrical interlude encapsulates the pathos of impending sacrifice amidst strategic machinations.
4.	“Battle of Red Cliff" (mm. 262-407): Culminating in a virtuosic display, the final segment encapsulates Huang Gai's audacious stratagem, depicting the daring incendiary assault on Cao Cao's fleet. As Huang Gai's "defecting" squadron unleashes infernal chaos, the flames engulf Cao Cao's armada, precipitating a decisive victory for the allied forces.
On October 9, 2016, at the esteemed Kimmel Center in Philadelphia, the world premiere featured virtuoso Ching-Yun Hu as soloist, accompanied by the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia under the baton of Dirk Brossé. Subsequently, the composer undertook a re-orchestration of the concerto for a traditional Chinese orchestra, culminating in the world premiere of the revised version on October 6, 2018, at the National Concert Hall in Taipei. Ching-Yun Hu reprised the role of soloist, accompanied by the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan under the direction of the composer, Yiu-Kwong Chung.
The entire work lasts 14 minutes. This track is the live recording of the world premiere on October 9th, 2016. Ching-Yun Hu and the Chamber Orchestra of Philadelphia, Kimmel Center, Philadelphia. Conductor: Dirk Brossé.
The music is now distributed by Universal Edition. Please visit the UE website to purchase the music.
www.universaledition.com/Werke/RED-CLIFF/P0279516

RED CLIFF for Piano and Orchestra (Section 4 "Battle of Red Cliff")

Escape into a world of tranquil beauty and heartfelt emotion with my carefully curated playlist. Featuring songs that blend exotic Chinese ambiance with a relaxing mood, each track evokes the essence of lost love and timeless romance. Let the soothing melodies of traditional instruments like the guzheng and erhu transport you to a serene landscape where every note tells a story of passion and longing. Perfect for unwinding after a long day or setting the mood for a romantic evening, this playlist invites you to lose yourself in the gentle embrace of enchanting tunes. Listen now and experience the magic of love reborn through music

Tears Beneath The Bamboo

Lotus Petals In The Wind

Embers Of A Forbidden Love

Jade Garden Bacchanale

Gone With The Rain

"Eternal Guardians of the Empire" is a majestic orchestral work that vividly portrays a grand military parade. Combining the grandeur of a Western orchestra with the rich textures of Chinese folk instruments, including a powerful large drum ensemble, the evocative pipa, and the resonant sheng, the piece celebrates the might and discipline of the empire's guardians. The composition's sweeping melodies and rhythmic precision capture the pageantry and pride of the procession, evoking images of steadfast soldiers and triumphant marches. "Eternal Guardians of the Empire" is a tribute to strength, unity, and the timeless honor of those who protect the realm.

Eternal Guardians Of The Empire

Immerse yourself in the epic grandeur of "The Phoenix Rises in Battle," a powerful track that evokes the fierce spirit of ancient Chinese warfare. Experience the thunderous clash of exotic drum ensembles, setting a relentless rhythm that drives the intensity of battle. The haunting melodies of traditional Chinese instruments, including the pipa and suona, weave seamlessly with the rich harmonies of a Western orchestra. This fusion creates a dynamic soundscape, transporting listeners to a legendary battlefield where valor and destiny collide. Feel the surge of adrenaline and the rise of the mythical phoenix as the music swells to a triumphant crescendo.

The Phoenix Rises In Battle

"The Dragon's Roar" is a stirring orchestral masterpiece that chronicles the relentless clash of two armies. Through a fusion of Western orchestral richness and traditional Chinese folk instruments like the resounding drum ensemble, evocative pipa, and haunting sheng, the composition captures the intensity and drama of warfare. Sweeping melodies and thunderous percussion depict the ebb and flow of battle, while each instrument adds depth and cultural resonance to the narrative. "The Dragon's Roar" is a symphonic journey of courage, valor, and the undying spirit of warriors locked in an epic struggle for supremacy.

The Dragon's Roar

Building upon a relentless eighth-note march figure performed by the piano, timpani, and low strings, the composer crafts a grand and intense triumphal march. This composition intricately weaves together several war songs of the Tsou Tribe, creating a powerful and evocative musical tapestry. The result is a piece that not only honors the rich traditions of the Tsou Tribe but also evokes a sense of victory and resilience through its dynamic orchestration.

Triumphal March

"The Anecdotes of Taizhen" is an orchestral tribute to Mei Lanfang's 1925 Peking Opera masterpiece, Taizhen Waizhuan. This work draws inspiration from Bai Juyi's "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow," which narrates the tragic love between Yang (Taizhen) and Emperor Li during the Tang Dynasty. This composition brings to life the enchanting beauty of Chinese opera for audiences outside China. The intricate vocal techniques and expressive singing styles of jingju, a 200-year-old art form, elegantly combine singing, dancing, and acrobatics, creating a mesmerizing and multifaceted performance. Through lush orchestration and evocative themes, this orchestral piece seeks to capture the essence of traditional Chinese opera, honoring its rich cultural heritage and Mei Lanfang's unparalleled contributions. It aims to evoke the same emotional depth and timeless beauty that characterize the original opera, celebrating the enduring tale of Yang and Li's tragic romance.
Dan Singer: Haimin Wei
Orchestrator: Yiu-kwong Chung
Amy Chang conducts the National Taiwan Symphony Orchestra

"Listening To The Palace Maidens" from THE ANECDOTES OF TAIZHEN

"Suddenly I Hear The Maids Calling" from THE ANECDOTES OF TAIZHEN

Immerse yourself in the enchanting sounds of "Hearing The Wind Singing Under The Moonlight," a captivating septet featuring the traditional Chinese instruments Dizi, 2 Erhus, Pipa, Yangqin, Guzheng, and Daruan. Picture seven musicians playing with heartfelt passion under the clear, serene moonlight of the Mid-Autumn Festival. This evocative performance transports you to a magical evening where the gentle breeze whispers melodies and the moonlight bathes everything in its silvery glow. Experience a harmonious blend of tradition and emotion, celebrating the beauty and spirit of this beloved festival through the mesmerizing power of music.

Hearing The Wind Singing Under The Moonlight

"Out of Tujia" is a concerto for four percussionists and a Chinese orchestra, featuring the popular Liuzi percussion ensemble drumming patterns and techniques of the Tujia people. In 2006, the practice of playing the Liuzi was approved by the State Council of China and included in the first batch of National Intangible Cultural Heritage lists. Liuzi is the most widely circulated form of the ancient folk instrumental ensemble in the Tujia areas. It has a long history, numerous musical pieces, exquisite techniques, and rich expressiveness, making it a unique art form of the Tujia people. The Liuzi ensemble, composed of the Liuzi gong, leading cymbals, secondary cymbals, and Ma gong, integrates the techniques of various instruments, fully showcasing the performance skills of each. Typically, it is performed by 3 to 4 people, hence the terms "three-person Liuzi" and "four-person Liuzi." The "five-person Liuzi," which includes the introduction of the Han Chinese wind instrument suona, combines wind and percussion instruments, adding a festive and joyous atmosphere.
Yiu-kwong Chung conducts the Tao Yuan Chinese Orchestra.

Out Of Tujia Part 1

Having been a Universal Edition composer since April 2022, Yiu-Kwong Chung is one of Taiwan’s best-known and most sought-after composers. He was a Professor of Music at the National Taiwan University of Arts until 2022 and was the General Director of the Taipei Chinese Orchestra (TCO) from 2007 to 2015. During his tenure with TCO, he has written concerti for numerous top-class soloists, including percussionist Evelyn Glennie, trombonist Christian Lindberg, saxophonist Claude Delangle, cellist Mischa Maisky and Anssi Karttunen, flutists Pierre-Yves Artaud and Sharon Bezaly, in addition to renowned Kronos Quartet; all were world-premiered by the TCO. In June 2012, he conducted the orchestra’s European Tour (with soloist Evelyn Glennie). He staged performances in Bridgewater Hall in Manchester and Le Théâtre du Châtelet in Paris that brought immediate international fame to the Orchestra. From 2009 to 2015, he produced six CDs released worldwide by Swedish BIS Records.