The work of chinese composer Tan Dun continues its progressive ascension and distribution in the west, and after his peculiar operatic version of Marco Polo's history (1996), now we can listen parts of his last opera, Peony Pavilion (1998), in form of a varied collection of its main love songs. The music, the same as it happens in the rest of the Dun works (see, also, his stupendous Symphony 1997), show an approach to the western postulates without forgetting his own ethnic roots, creating a highly elaborated sincretic style; here, together with rhythms and oriental harmonies (Gentle Showers), there plenty of references to the tibetan, kunquo and, even, medieval music, mixing modern and old rhythms (NChiCa or How Sweet This Incenses!). The crystalline voice of the soprano Ying Huang, faced four divergent vocal companions (among them, the own composer) and a diverse and original instrumental group, overflows the fourteen included themes. Pity that we cannot enjoy the entirety of the work, since Dun continues revealing himself as one of the most interesting authors nowadays.

Ying Huang (Sopran) - NChiCa Orchestra - New York Virtuoso Singers - Conductor: Tan Dun
SONY CLASSICAL SK61658 / 60'

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