Born in China in 1953, Chen Yi is a prolific composer who blends Chinese and Western traditions, transcending cultural and musical boundaries. Kennesaw State plays sections from Chinese Folk Songs, Vol. 1 and Vol. 3. Recorded from 2010-2014 in Morgan Concert Hall at Kennesaw State University, featuring the orchestra, chamber ensembles and wind ensemble.

Classical Music

Chinese American composer Chen Yi brings a unique compositional voice to the wind ensemble by fusing the traditions and sounds of the East with those of her adopted West. This collection of world première recordings ranges from the first wind quintet of 1987, inspired by the booming tide of Chaoyin Cave in Southeastern China, to the Suite for Cello and Chamber Winds of 2004 in which Chen borrows extensively from folk-tunes, Chinese percussion, stringed, and wind instruments. The exuberant KC Capriccio contrasts with the gripping intensity of Tu, dedicated to the victims of the 9/11 tragedy.