• Tan Dun
  • Heaven Earth Mankind (Symphony 1997) (1997)

  • G Schirmer Inc (World)
  • 2(2pic).22(bcl).2(cbn)/4331/4perc/hp.pf/str (min 10.8.8.8.4); tape
  • Children's Chorus
  • Cello, Bianzhong Bells
  • 1 hr 8 min

Programme Note

Ancient Chinese chime-bells, symphony orchestra, cello solo, and children's chorus combine in this large-scale work commissioned to celebrate the reunification of Hong Kong with China.

The symphony is divided into three movements: Heaven explores the traditional past of the Chinese people; Earth explores the equilibrium between nature and the elements; Mankind commemorates those who fought and suffered in wars.

The Bianzhong-chime Bells
These magnificent 2400-year-old bells were discovered in a tomb in Hubei Province in 1978. The 65 bronze bells, arranged in three rows on an elaborate L-shaped frame, were decorated with a gold inlay and depicted dragons, beasts, and flowers. It is believed that it took six people using wooden mallets to make the bells sing. The bells used at the premiere are replicas of those unearthed in Hubei.

Media

Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: I. Heaven - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Dragon Dance - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Phoenix - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Jubilation - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Opera in Temple Street - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: II. Earth (Yi3) - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Water - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Fire - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Metal - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: III. Mankind - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Lullaby - Voice
Symphony 1997 (Heaven Earth Mankind) for Cello Solo, Bian-zhong, Children's Chorus and Orchestra: Song of Peace - Voice

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