About this work:
Chen Yi: Chinese Rap (2013) for violin and orchestra. Commissioned by Kennesaw State University Symphony Orchestra in 2012, Chinese Rap for violin and orchestra is premiered by Prof. Helen Kim as the soloist and the KSUSO led by Prof. Michael Alexander at Bailey Center in KSU, GA on Feb. 17, 2014. The work is inspired by Chinese folk musical story telling, Quyi, in a form of mixed reciting and singing style, with interludes played by percussion and plucking instruments in accompaniment. The folk musical story telling is sung in dialects from different geographic regions. I mixed all these elements in a complex three-part form, with an introduction, a cadenza in the middle, and a coda as the frame in the structure. The melodies are delicate and leisurely, and the rhythmic parts are energetic, vivid and lively. There are big contrasts between sections, which are juxtaposed and connected smoothly and congenially. Instrumentation: 2 Flutes (2nd flute doubling piccolo), 2 Oboes, 2 Clarinets in Bb, 2 Bassoons; 4 French Horns in F, 2 Trumpets in C, 2 Trombones, 1 Bass Trombone, 1 Tuba; 3 Percussionists: (Percussion 1: Small Beijing Opera Gong, Marimba, Tam-tam, Japanese High Wood Block, Percussion 2: Sizzle Cymbal, Suspended Cymbal, Tam-tam, Percussion 3: Bass Drum); Solo Violin; and Strings. Duration: ca. 10 minutes.