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Tan Dun. On Taoism. Orchestral Theatre I. Death and Fire-Dialogue with Paul Klee. BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, Tan Dun, conductor. Liner notes by Paul Griffiths. 1993. Koch Schwann 3-1298-2.
Tan Dun (b. 1957), a native of China, arrived in the United States in 1986 and made New York City his primary place of residence. His influence on not only the American musical scene but also the world arena has been noteworthy. He has received numerous prizes and awards, and his works have been performed throughout North America, Europe, and Asia. Currently the associate composer-conductor of the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, he conducted this ensemble in the London premiere of On Taoism and Orchestral Theatre II: Re at the 1996 Proms.
The three pieces contained on this recording by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of the composer were all written between 1985 and 1992. All three works are scored for large orchestra. Together they provide insight into varying aspects of Tan Dun's creative approach and, at the same time, offer a representative view of the composer's overall style. In his music Tan Dun convincingly merges...