Composer

:

Tan Dun

Genre

:

Concerto

Style

:

Concerto

Compose Date

:

1987 - 1994

First Performance

:

Feb 7, 1988

Average_duration

:

17:51

"Out of Peking" is a contemporary classical composition by Chinese composer Tan Dun. It was composed in 1991 and premiered in the same year by the Kronos Quartet. The piece is divided into three movements and has a total duration of approximately 20 minutes. The first movement, titled "The Forbidden City," is characterized by its use of traditional Chinese instruments, including the erhu and pipa. The music is evocative of the grandeur and mystery of the Forbidden City, with its intricate melodies and rhythms creating a sense of awe and wonder. The second movement, "Silk Road," is a tribute to the ancient trade route that connected China to the Middle East and Europe. The music is more contemplative and introspective, with a haunting melody that is played by the cello. The use of percussion instruments, such as the tambourine and maracas, adds a sense of exoticism to the piece. The final movement, "The Great Wall," is the most energetic and dynamic of the three. It features a driving rhythm that is reminiscent of marching soldiers, and the use of pizzicato strings creates a sense of urgency and tension. The music builds to a frenzied climax before coming to a sudden stop, leaving the listener with a sense of awe and wonder. Overall, "Out of Peking" is a masterful composition that seamlessly blends traditional Chinese music with contemporary classical techniques. It is a testament to Tan Dun's skill as a composer and his ability to create music that is both deeply rooted in tradition and forward-thinking in its approach.

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