In conversation with CCOM composers
1. How would you describe your music to someone who is not familiar with it?
"A creative background is definitely necessary, including sources of inspiration. In order to express oneself more directly, one might use adjectives or some poetic language or imagery. However, in general, the more detailed the explanation, the less effective it is compared to simply listening to the music and understanding each other's feelings, aiming for a closer exchange of thoughts."
2. What is your educational background and training in music composition?
"Spent 11 years at the Central Conservatory of Music in the capital city Beijing, from undergraduate to doctoral graduate studies, without interruption. Throughout this time, focused on the study of modern music composition."
3. Why did you decide to become a composer?
"At first, I was influenced by my father to learn the techniques. Subsequently, I was inspired by many great composers and their compositions, and I also had a strong inner desire to express myself through music composition."
4. Can you walk us through your process of composing a piece?
"Generally speaking, I'm not someone who creates quickly; the creative process usually takes a considerable amount of time. This is because I often find myself carefully deliberating and considering various details, as well as coordinating my inner auditory perception with my imagination of sound."
5. What are your main sources of inspiration for composing music?
"There are many sources of inspiration, including historical narratives (individual experiences derived from historical events), contemporary poetry, other sister arts, and folk music materials."
6. In what ways has UE scodo facilitated or simplified your compositional process?
"The promotion of personal works, the intensity of publicity efforts, and even the details of publishing scores all play a significant role in promoting the creative process."
7. Who is your favorite composer or what is your favorite piece, and why?
"Scriabin's "Poem of Ecstasy" is a delicate masterpiece of spiritual intelligence, and its creative thinking and aesthetic characteristics are distinctly different from those of his contemporaries in his home country."
8. What advice do you have for aspiring composers who are just starting their careers?
"Continuously refining technical skills, expanding writing abilities in various aspects, and valuing the influence of tonal music heritage on oneself."
9. In your opinion, what is the biggest challenge facing composers today?
"How to resonate with more audiences and connect with as many kindred spirits as possible."
10. What do you think one should know before becoming a composer?
"National conditions, history, current situation, inner aspirations."
11. What do you think each audience member should...?
"Maintain enthusiasm, actively seek even fleeting resonance with new works, and remain tolerant."
12. The greatest pop song of all time?
"Sorry, I rarely listen to pop songs, so it's difficult for me to discuss which one is the greatest of all time."
13. Dream venue and performers for a world premiere?
"Paris or London, and the orchestra I will choose from Germany."
14. Piano compositions or orchestral compositions?
"Orchestral compositions."
15. Composing on paper or digitally?
"Compose on paper first, then digitize."
16. Coffee or tea?
"Both are done simultaneously, usually within the same day."