CHEN YIHAN
Reimagining Tradition in the 21st Century
CHEN YIHAN
contemporary musician
composer | pianist
Music, for me, is primarily an emotional vehicle. Through it, I embrace meaning in the human experience. Yet, music can transcend individual and collective limitations, whether historical or cultural. Serving as a rite into unknown possibilities, it can guide us to places beyond our imagination. With this conviction, I create.
whither
三瘦
a Chen Yihan record, feat. Dai Wei & Julia Glenn
whither is my debut personal record, featuring three original songs set to the lyrics of Li Qingzhao, a seminal figure in Chinese literature, commemorating her 940th anniversary. This collaborative work showcases Dai Wei on vocals and Julia Glenn on the violin.
Utilizing historically authentic Song Dynasty Chinese pronunciation and traditional poetry recitation from my hometown, Changzhou, Whither serves as a portal from the past to the present. I invite you to embark on a journey with me, where academic research, cultural roots, and contemporary sonic worlds converge.
Listen on all major streaming platforms, including:
Apple Music
Spotify
YouTube Music
NetEase Cloud Music
QQ Music
EHOHE
噫吁嚱
Julia Glenn, violin
I was deeply honored to be commissioned by Julia Glenn to compose a piece for inclusion in her album Ink Traces. In an effort to convey the 韻味 (feel) of Li Bai’s Shu Dao Nan 蜀道難 through music, this work embraces three facets of the poetry: phonology, by translating the original phonology into violin writing; tonal structure, by incorporating the use of traditional recitation; and the emotive power and vivid imagery. In summary, my aim was to translate the entire experience of the original work into a medium devoid of language, allowing for a purely musical expression.
Listen on all major streaming platforms, including:
Apple Music
Spotify
YouTube Music
Amazon Music