EHOHE
噫吁嚱
Julia Glenn, violin
I was deeply honored to be commissioned by Julia Glenn to compose a piece for inclusion in her album Ink Traces. In an effort to convey the 韻味 (feel) of Li Bai's Shu Dao Nan 蜀道難 through music, this work embraces three facets of the poetry: phonology, by translating the original phonology into violin writing; tonal structure, by incorporating the use of traditional recitation; and the emotive power and vivid imagery. In summary, my aim was to translate the entire experience of the original work into a medium devoid of language, allowing for a purely musical expression.
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whither
三瘦
a Chen Yihan record, feat. Dai Wei & Julia Glenn
whither is my debut personal record, featuring three original songs set to the lyrics of Li Qingzhao 李清照 (1084 – ca. 1155), a seminal figure in Chinese literature, commemorating her 940th anniversary. This collaborative work showcases Dai Wei on vocals and Julia Glenn on the violin.
Utilizing historically authentic Song Dynasty Chinese pronunciation and traditional poetry recitation from my hometown, Changzhou, Whither serves as a portal from the past to the present. I invite you to embark on a journey with me, where academic research, cultural roots, and contemporary sonic worlds converge.
Cover Photo by Lychee Art
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Manifesto
望道
A Hou Yong 侯咏 film, starring Liu Ye 刘烨, Hu Jun 胡军, and Janice Man 文咏珊
Soundtrack composed by Delong Wang, Chen Yihan, and Norvin Tu-Wang
Released in theaters across China on March 24th, 2023
Performed by the Slovak National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Allan Wilson
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Don't You Know?
知否
A collaborative multimedia work based on the poetry of Li Qingzhao, the most distinguished female poet in Chinese history.
This project, co-created by Min Xiao-Fen, Howie Kenty, and François-Thibaut Pencenat, seeks to honor and celebrate oral and written traditions. Don't You Know? centers around traditional Changzhou poetry recitation, recognized as a Chinese national-level intangible cultural heritage. The project represents a confluence of historical and contemporary practices, revitalizing a diminishing tradition with modern vibrancy.