In conversation with CCOM composers
1. How would you describe your music to someone who is not familiar with it?
My music is predominantly formed by the combination of elements from Chinese traditional cultural arts or folk music with modern compositional techniques, aiming to achieve a dialogue between tradition and modernity, as well as between Eastern and Western cultures across time and space."
2. What is your educational background and training in music composition?
I graduated from the Composition Department of the Central Conservatory of Music in 1990 with a bachelor's degree. From 1992 to 1997, I studied at Tokyo College of Music in Japan and obtained a master's degree in composition. In 2006, I earned a doctoral degree in composition from the Central Conservatory of Music.
3. Why did you decide to become a composer?
In my high school years, I was once a professional student of French horn performance. I developed a growing interest in music with various stylistic characteristics, which sparked the idea of studying composition. Since then, I embarked on a career as a composer.
4. Can you walk us through your process of composing a piece?
In my own compositions, commissioned works make up a certain portion. For instance, the chamber music piece 'Yu Diao' was commissioned by a pipa performer. As the pipa player is from Henan province, China, I chose familiar elements from Henan opera music to create a 'dialogue' between Eastern and Western instruments (pipa and piano).
5. What are your main sources of inspiration for composing music?
The inspiration for my compositions largely stems from the emotions or impacts brought by humanities, history, and nature, which in turn ignite the desire and impulse for creation.
6. Who is your favorite composer or what is your favorite piece, and why?
I really admire the Japanese composer Takemitsu Tōru 's 'November Steps.' It fully showcases the 'musical time' of both East and West within the same temporal and spatial context, as well as their fusion and collision.
7. What advice do you have for aspiring composers who are just starting their careers?
Staying true to your inner feelings, creating more personalized musical works.
8. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing composers today?
Creating works with independent personalities will be a significant challenge in the future. How to resonate with more audiences through the works is what I have always been pursuing.
9. What do you think one should know before becoming a composer?
I believe that before becoming a composer, it's important to clarify why one wants to become a composer. The path to becoming a composer is not smooth and easy.
10. What do you think each audience member should...?
I hope that the concert audiences can understand and appreciate my work, while also sparking some reflection and resonance within them.
11. The greatest pop song of all time?
Michael Jackson's pop songs. Additionally, I also enjoy some Japanese pop songs, such as Koji Tamaki(Andy Tamaki)'s 'Safe Zone'.
12. Dream venue and performers for a world premiere?
I hope to have my works performed by world-class orchestras and musicians in renowned music halls in Europe.
13. Piano compositions or orchestral compositions?
Orchestral compositions.
14. Composing on paper or digitally?
Both
15. Coffee or tea?
I like both coffee and tea.