Role

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Composer

Birth

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1980 in Taiwan

 

Ming-Hsiu Yen is a Taiwanese composer who has made significant contributions to the world of classical music. Born on December 12, 1968, in Taipei, Taiwan, Yen showed an early interest in music and began studying the piano at the age of six. He later went on to study composition at the National Taiwan Normal University, where he received his Bachelor of Music degree in 1991. After completing his undergraduate studies, Yen continued his education at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, where he earned his Master of Music degree in 1994 and his Doctor of Musical Arts degree in 1998. During his time at the University of Illinois, Yen studied composition with several renowned composers, including Stephen Taylor, William Brooks, and Scott Wyatt. Throughout his career, Yen has composed a wide range of works, including orchestral pieces, chamber music, and vocal music. His compositions are known for their intricate harmonies, complex rhythms, and use of traditional Taiwanese musical elements. One of Yen's most notable works is his Symphony No. 1, which was premiered by the National Symphony Orchestra of Taiwan in 2001. The symphony is divided into three movements, each of which explores a different aspect of Taiwanese culture. The first movement, titled "Mountain," is inspired by the natural beauty of Taiwan's mountainous landscape. The second movement, "City," reflects the hustle and bustle of Taiwan's urban centers. The final movement, "Sea," is a tribute to Taiwan's maritime heritage. Another significant work by Yen is his String Quartet No. 1, which was premiered by the Formosa Quartet in 2007. The quartet is comprised of four movements, each of which showcases a different aspect of Taiwanese culture. The first movement, "Mountain," is inspired by the rugged terrain of Taiwan's mountains. The second movement, "Folk Song," incorporates traditional Taiwanese melodies. The third movement, "City," reflects the energy and excitement of Taiwan's urban centers. The final movement, "Sea," is a tribute to Taiwan's maritime heritage. In addition to his orchestral and chamber music works, Yen has also composed several vocal pieces. One of his most notable vocal works is his song cycle, "Songs of the Four Seasons," which was premiered by soprano Hui-Ying Liu in 2004. The cycle is comprised of four songs, each of which is inspired by a different season. The first song, "Spring," is a celebration of new beginnings and growth. The second song, "Summer," reflects the warmth and energy of the season. The third song, "Autumn," is a reflection on the changing of the seasons and the passage of time. The final song, "Winter," is a contemplation on the stillness and quiet of the season. Throughout his career, Yen has received numerous awards and honors for his compositions. In 1998, he was awarded the William Schuman Prize for his orchestral work, "The Four Seasons of Taiwan." In 2001, he was awarded the National Award for Arts in Taiwan. In 2007, he was awarded the Outstanding Taiwanese Composer Award by the National Culture and Arts Foundation. Today, Yen continues to compose and teach music. He is currently a professor of composition at the National Taiwan Normal University, where he has taught since 1998. His works continue to be performed by orchestras and ensembles around the world, and he remains a significant figure in the world of classical music.

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