Chen Yi - Works for Violin, Viola & Piano (Patrick Yim; Kiu Tung Poon)

Information

Composer: Chen Yi

• Spring in Dresden
• The Soulful and the Perpetual
• Three Bagatelles from China West
• Chinese Folk Dance Suite (arr. Wong Tak Chiu & Chen Yi)

Patrick Yim, violin & viola

Kiu Tung Poon, piano

Date: 2026

Label: Naxos

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This album features premiere recordings of four works by esteemed Chinese-American composer Chen Yi, known for seamlessly bridging Eastern and Western traditions. Performed by violinist/violist Patrick Yim and pianist Kiu Tung Poon, the collection includes The Soulful and the Perpetual and Three Bagatelles, both specifically adapted by Chen Yi for this release. Drawing heavily from western Chinese folk music, the repertoire mimics traditional instruments like the bawu, lerong, and erhu. From the lyrical contrast of The Soulful and the Perpetual to the vibrant Spring in Dresden and virtuosic Chinese Folk Dance Suite, the works offer a brilliantly colorful showcase of her distinctive voice.

Born in Guangzhou in 1953, composer Chen Yi demonstrated exceptional musical talent from an early age before her studies were disrupted by China’s Cultural Revolution. During years of forced labor, her exposure to authentic Chinese folk music provided deep spiritual strength and profoundly shaped her artistic vision. After serving eight years as concertmaster for the Guangzhou Beijing Opera Troupe, she earned the first Master’s Degree in Composition awarded to a woman in China, followed by a doctorate from Columbia University. A decorated composer and member of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences, she has served as a Distinguished Professor at UMKC since 1998.