Meditation

Description

Voice, Piano — As a teenager during the Cultural Revolution in China some thirty years ago, I was sent to countryside for forced labor work. xa0It was the first time in my life that I realized the importance of education, civilization, and an individual’s value. xa0I often recited ancient Chinese poems in my heart during the dark period, to treasure the lost, to question society, and to yearn for a new future.Through setting these two poems to music, I can share my thoughts with. xa0Written for Ms. Susanne Mentzer, Meditation was premiered at the Ravinia Festival in the summer of 2000.—Chen Yi Know you how many petals falling?A poem by Meng Hao-ran (689-740, Tang Dynasty) Spring dreams unconscious of dawning,Not woke up till I hear birds singing;O night long wind and showers —Know you how many petals falling? MonologueA poem by Chen Zi-ang (661-702, Tang Dynasty) Where are the sages of the pastAnd those of future years?Sky and earth forever last,Lonely, I felt sad with running tears.  — English translation by Chen Yi Chen Yi uses her signature melodic lines to transform two favorite poems from 7th and 8th century China into contemporary art forms for voice and piano. For advanced duo, with tightly interwoven dialogue between the two performers. (Dur. 6’)