Yuan - Chen L i
Biography & List of Music Compositions
&
Works Compiled by 2018 June
YUAN-CHEN LI | BIOGRAPHY
Yuan-Chen Li (b.1980, Taiwan/U.S.A.) The range of Yuan-Chen Li’s composition has offered new experience to her audience and collaborators with the cross-cultural and cross-disciplined approach to musical time, space, and drama. Her Taiwanese upbringing, a Buddhist spirit, Western musical practice, and the symbolic aspects of nature and art, have inspired her compositions. Li first arrived on the contemporary music scene in Taiwan with her very original use of instrumentation and style in her chamber music piece Zang (the funeral) in 2000. In 2003, the expression and orchestration of her orchestral work Awakening won the prize at the Asian Music Festival 2003 in Tokyo from the Asian Composers’ League, and was subsequently premiered by the Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra. In recent years, Li’s music reflects her transformation of narrative, styles, and concepts in Chinese phonology, Taiwanese chamber and aboriginal music, Asian traditional arts, literature, and Buddhism into a compositional technique for solo, chamber, and orchestra of both Western and Chinese instruments. With her virtuosity in instrumentation and fluency in converging and synthesizing contrasting cultural, musical and conceptual frameworks, her treatment of the space of the sonority, temporality, texture, movement, and syntax have engaged musicians of different practices, critics, researchers, and worldwide listeners.
Her music has been programmed in many concert series and festivals: national conference held by the Ensemble Mise-En (New York, 2018), Society of Composers (USA, 2017), EarTaxi New Music Festival (Chicago, 2016), American Composers Orchestra’s EarShot (Buffalo, 2015), Northwestern University Institute for New Music NUNC! (Chicago, 2014), Asian Composers’ League (Tel-Aviv 2012, Tokyo 2003), 2012 Thailand International Composition Festival, IMANI Winds Chamber Music Festival (New York, 2012), Contempo series (The University of Chicago, 2010-), Peace Cross-strait Orchestra Concert (China and Taiwan, 2009), Composers/Pianists concert series (New England, 2008-9), New Music New Haven (Yale, 2006-08), The Female Form: Women Composers (New York, 2008), Listening to the 21Century (Taipei, 2007), Soundbridges (Berlin, 2007), Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Norfolk, 2007), Tune in to Taiwan 2003 (Taipei, 2003), New Ideal Dance Festival (Taipei, 2003), and Kuan-Du Musical Soiree (Taipei, 2001).
Li is the recipient of Literature and Art Creation Award (Taiwan), Artist Residency at the Cité Internationale des Arts (Paris), and Jacob Druckman Scholarship. Li received Ph.D. in music composition from the University of Chicago in 2015 for her dissertation Wandering Viewpoint, a concerto for solo cello and two ensembles, and a paper entitled Difficult Voice in Vocal Composition, Composers’ Aesthetic Responses to Secondhand Holocaust Experiences, using psychoanalytic theory to discuss musical transgenerational phenomenon of the post-war music. Her primary advisors are composers such as Marta Ptaszynska and Shulamit Ran, conductor Cliff Colnot, musicologist Martha Feldman, and theorist Lawrence Zbikowski. Li also holds Artist Diploma from Yale University School of Music (2008), studying composition with Martin Bresnick. Before coming to the United States, she has earned M.F.A. (2006) and B.F.A.(2003) from Taipei University of the Arts, having studied composition with Tsung-Hsien YANG and Chung-Kun HUNG. Before entering college she studied composition and classical music for ten years with Ting-Lien WU. In 2016-2017, she held a visiting professor position at Reed College (Portland, Oregon) and has since lived in the Woodstock neighborhood with her husband Joe Lambke.
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|
(1980
,
/
)
2000
) 2003
2007 2006
)
40
“The Difficult Voice in Vocal Composition, Composers’ Aesthetic Responses to Secondhand Holocaust Experiences”
2015 2016-2017
(Reed College)
Society of Composers Ear Taxi New Music Festival, American Composers Orchestra EarShot University of Chicago Contempo Thailand International Saxophone Conference Imani Winds 09 08 Concert Artist Guild 08-9 Composer/Pianist Concert Series Soundbridges: New Music From Taiwan New Music New Haven 07 Norfolk Chamber Music Festival 05 06
(
2003
03
04
2001
Formosa Caprices (Griffin) (2012)
.
2005
Jacob Druckman
Ezra Laderman Prize
2010
Rena Greenwalk Memorial Prize 2017 Omi International Arts Center
Norfolk Chamber Music Festival
.
)
.
. (Cedarhurst School) Haven
(Outreach Project Composer)
2008
2008 2012-15
. New
2002
. )
Cindy Howng
! ii
Yuan-Chen LI List of Works
Orchestral and Concerto Works Iluwan |
* (2016) 036
For Orchestra
Duration: 6’30” Instrumentation
3(1/picc,2, 3/al).2(1,2/Eng.Hrn).2(1,2/bcl).2(1,2/contra). – 2.2.2.0 – timp-2P. – hp. – strgs.
Remarks
Iluwan is commissioned by National Performing Arts Center / National Symphony Orchestra and Council of Indigenous Peoples for the project “Orchestral Arrangement and Publishing Project for Taiwan Aboriginal Music.”
Premiere
June 15, 2018, Taipei Taiwan, premiered by Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Shao-Chia LÜ ( ).
On Aldebaran |
* (2014) 032
For Orchestra
Duration: 7’30” Instrumentation
2(1,2/pic).2(1,2/Eng.Hrn).2(1,2/bcl).2. – 2.2. – 2P. – hp. – strgs.
Remarks
On Aldebaran is composed in partially fulfillment of the academic and creative requirement to the curriculum at The University of Chicago. The piece was later featured at the EarShot Program - New Music Readings by American Composers’ Forum during the 2014-2015 season, mentored by Robert Beaser, Rob Deemer, and Melinda Wagner.
Readings
February 11, 2015, Buffalo NY, Kleinhans Music Hall. Performed by Buffalo Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Stefan Sanders.
Readings
June 2 2014, Chicago, IL., at The University of Chicago, Logan Center for the Arts, conducted by Cliff Colnot.
Performance
November 30, 2017 at Miriam A. Friedberg Concert Hall, Peabody Institute, Johns Hopkins University, Baltimore, Maryland, performed by Peabody Modern Orchestra, conducted by Cliff Colnot.
Hovering in the Air |
* (2011) 024
Concerto for guzheng and string orchestra
Duration: 15’ Instrumentation
guzheng and string orchestra (44321 by stands)
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Remarks
Commissioned by the Moment Musicaux Philharmonia Orchestra with the grant from the National Culture and Arts Foundation of Taiwan.
World Premiere
September 27, 2011, Taipei, Taiwan at Soochow University Arts Center. Moment Musicaux Philharmonia Orchestra ( ) – Youth Orchestra; Paul Ching-Po CHIANG ( ), conductor; Jiuan-Reng YEH ( ), soloist.
U.S. Premiere
November 17, 2011, Muncie, Indiana at Ball State University, Sursa Hall. Performed by Ball State Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Bohuslav Rattay with Yu-Chen WANG ( ), soloist.
Israel Premiere
October 18, 2012, Beer Sheva, Israel. Asian Composers’ League Conference and Festival 2012 in Israel Tel’ Aviv, Doron Salomon conductor, The Israel Beer Sheva Sinfonietta with Jiuan-Reng YEH ( ), soloist.
Intermezzo: SHANG |
* (2011) 023
For Symphonic Orchestra
Duration: 18’20” Instrumentation
2(1,2/pic).2.2(1,2/bcl).2(1,2/cb). – 2.2.2. – T.2P. – hp. – strgs.
Remarks / Publication
Commissioned by Taiwan National Performing Arts Center / National Symphony Orchestra. Audio recording released by National Performing Arts Center (live recording of Nov. 24 2012). Awarded to the 25th Golden Melody Awards ( )Best Artistic Music Album Awards (Taiwan, 2014).
World Premiere
November 24, 2012, Taipei Taiwan, premiered by Taiwan National Symphony Orchestra, conducted by Nicholas Milton.
Hong Kong Premiere
October 14, 2017, Lee Shau Kee Lecture Centre, University of Hong Kong, Hong Kong. Performed by Kaohsiung Symphony Orchestra ( ), conducted by Wen-Pin CHIEN ( ).
Like A Dream, An Illusion |
(2007) 016
For Orchestra
Duration: 12’30” PublIcation
The recording is included in “Taiwan Contemporary Composers Works VI,” released by Taiwan composer’s association, sponsored by National Culture and Arts Foundation.
Instrumentation
3(1,2,3/pic).3.3.3. – 4.3.3.1. – 4P – hp.cel.orgl. – strgs (65443 by stands), balcony: fl.hp.vln.
World Premiere
September 26, 2007, Woolsey Hall, Yale University, New Haven, CT. New Music New Haven series. Yale Philharmonic Orchestra; Julian Pellicano, conductor. The audio recording is included in Taiwan Contemporary Composers Works IV ( VI) #TCA2012001.
Awakening |
(2003) 006
For Orchestra
Duration: 14’30” 2
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Instrumentation
4(1,2,3,pic).3(1,2,eh.).3(1,2,bcl).3(1,2,cb). – 4.3.3.1. – 4P. – 2hp. – strgs (87554 by stands).
Remarks
Senior thesis for the completion of the bachelor degree in music composition at Taipei National University of the Arts. Awarded the Chang-Hui Hsu ( ) Memorial Prize from the Asian Composers League.
World Premiere
September 9, 2003, Bunkyo Hall, Tokyo, Japan. “Asian Composers League” Tokyo Philharmonic Orchestra; Kazufumi YAMASHITA, conductor.
China & Taiwan Premiere
Cross-Straits Peace Tour from July to August 2009 in five cities in China (Beijing, Shanghai, and Shenzhen) and Taiwan (Taipei and Kaohsiung). Cross-Straits Peace Symphony Orchestra (members from major orchestras of China and Taiwan); Jia LU ( ), conductor.
CHAMBER CONCERTO Wandering Viewpoint |
* (2015) 034
Concerto for Solo Cello and Two Ensembles
Duration
ca. 14’
Instrumentation
solo cello, 2 fl. (1,2/al.), 2 cl.(1,2/bass), 2 vln., 2 vla., 2 vc., 1 perc, 1 pno.
Remarks
A dissertation for the degree of Ph.D. in music composition at The University of Chicago. Review by Tim Sawyier (Chicago CLASSICAL REVIEW, April 24, 2015), link to the review. Finalist of Martirano Award (2016).
World Premiere
April 23, 2015, Performance Hall, Logan Center for the Arts, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Featuring solo cellist Nicholas Photinos, ensembles include Pacifica Quartet, eighth blackbird and guest musicians, conducted by Cliff Colnot. Programed by University of Chicago Present, concert series Contempo, the concert title is “UChicago Resident Ensembles Showcase,” artistic director Shulamit Ran.
Performance
January 13 and 15, 2017, The Los Angeles Theater Center, and Santa First Prebyterian Church of Santa Monica, LA. Featuring solo cellist Mike Kaufman with Kaleidoscope Chamber Orchestra. Programed by Benjamin Mitchell.
Performance
November 2, 2018, performed by The Oberlin Sinfonietta,conducted by Timothy Weiss with the soloist Raphael Boden.
CHAMBER ENSEMBLE Indispensable Dislocation |
(2018) 043
For Septet
Duration: ca. 9’ Instrumentation
fl./b.fl., b.cl, tmb, perc, pno, vln, vc.
Remark
Works commissioned by Ensemble Mise-En for their Mise-En Music Festival 2018 in International Festival in New York, programed by artistic director and conductor Moon Young Ha.
3
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Light, Shadows and Objects |
(2018) 042
For Guzhen, Zhongruan, and Xiao Trio
Duration: ca.10’20” Instrumentation
Guzheng, Zhongran, and Xiao
Remarks
Commissioned by 3peoplemusic, programed by National Performing Arts Center for its 2018 Taiwan International Festival of Arts, nominated for the Best Performing Arts by Taishin Arts Award Foundation ( ) in the first season of 2018.
World Premiere
March 23, 2018 in National Theater & Concert Hall, performed by members of 3peoplemusic: I-Tung PAN ( 我) on Zhongran, Min-Chin KUO ( ) on Guzheng, and Chung JEN ( ) on Xiao.
Rain Noir Noir |
* (2017) 039
For Harp Trio
Duration: 15’ Instrumentation
fl, vc, and hp.
Remarks
Commissioned by principal harpist of Beijing National Centre for the Performing Arts Li-Ya HUAN ( ). The recording is commercially released by Feeling Good Music Co. in March, 2018.
Aldebaran |
* (2013) 028
For sextet
Duration: 6’30” Instrumentation
fl/picc, cl/bs cl, vln, vc, pno, perc.
Remarks
Written for sextet ensemble eighth blackbird . Review by Gerald Fisher (Chicago CLASSICAL REVIEW, May 11, 2013), link to the review.
World Premiere
Premiered by ensemble eight blackbird. May 10 2013, Chicago Illinois. Programmed for contempo: Tomorrow’s Music Today I. University of Chicago, Fulton Hall, Shulamit Ran artistic director.
Fauna Republic |
* (2013) 029
For mixed ensemble
Duration: 8’ Instrumentation
fl/pic, ob, cl/bs cl, bsn, hrn, 4 perc (total 9 musicians).
World Premiere
Premiered on May 23, 2013 at DePaul Concert Hall, Chicago Illinois. Premiered by DePaul University Wind Ensemble, conducted by Cliff Colnot.
Performance
Performed during March 31, 2017 at Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, MI, U.S.A. Programed by Society of Composers, Inc. in the National Conference, conducted by Dir. Scott Boerma.
4
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Ice Crackle Glaze |
* (2011) 025
For mixed ensemble
Duration: 8’ Instrumentation
fl, vln, hp, vib, and pno.
Remarks
Finalist of 2012 Thailand International Composition Festival. Bangkok, Thailand. Narong Prangcharoen, artistic director.
World Premiere
July 10, 2012, Thailand International Composition Festival. Bangkok, Thailand. Narong Prangcharoen, artistic director.
U.S. Premiere
November 10, 2012, Chicago Illinois. Programmed for New Music Ensemble, University of Chicago, Fulton Hall, artistic director Barbara Schubert.
Taiwan Premiere
December 15, 2013, Taipei Taiwan. Programed by Asian Composer League / Taiwan Composers’ Association in the annual composition concert “Music Taiwan 2013.”
Motion 2010 |
(2010) 022
For string quartet
Duration: 11’30” Instrumentation
string quartet
Remarks
Commissioned by the Counterpoint Ensemble ( ) of Taiwan, Kong-Lin LIANG ( ) artistic director. Granted from National Culture and Arts Foundation of Taiwan. And is adapted to the theater production “The Prince and the Pauper” by the same ensemble in 2012.
World Premiere
November 19, 2010, Kaohsiung Taiwan. November 26 and December 3 in Tainan and Taipei, Taiwan. Counterpoint Ensemble.
U.S. Premiere
May 18, 2011, Fulton Hall, The University of Chicago, Chicago, IL. Programed for Tomorrow’s Music Today series by Shulamit Ran, artistic director, performed by Pacifica Quartet.
Ring |
(2008) 017
For percussion quartet
Duration: 11’ Instrumentation
percussion quartet
Remarks
Commissioned by Forum Music (
Premiere
November 12 and 22, 2008, Taipei and Kaohsiung, Taiwan. Forum Music annual concert.
Butterfly |
* (2007, revised 2012) 015
For piano quintet
Duration: 8’ Instrumentation
)
fl, ob, cl, bsn, and pno
5
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Remarks
Resident Composer Commission from the Norfolk Chamber Music Festival (Yale School of Music Summer Festival), 2007.
World Premiere
August 7, 2007, Music Shed Hall, Norfolk, CT. Members of the Norfolk Chamber Music workshop.
Performance
October 11, 2007, Sprague Hall, Yale, New Haven, CT. Members of Yale School of Music.
Performance
August 5, 2012, IMANI Winds Chamber Music Festival, New York, NY.
Adagio for Promenade |
(2005) 009
For mixed ensemble with spatialization
Duration: 12’ Instrumentation
fl, hp, organ, and vln.
Remarks
Composed for the organ class presentation. The instruments are all on the balcony with special placement around the hall.
World Premiere
January 6, 2006, Concert Hall, Taipei National University of the Arts (TNUA), Taipei, Taiwan. Composer’s Graduate Recital for master’s degree. Members from TNUA.
European Premiere September 13, 2007, Balhaus Naunynstrase, Berlin Germany. “Soundbridges – Taiwan heute, Asien-Pazifik-Wochen Berlin 2007,” curated by Walter-Wolfgang Sparrer, performed by Kammer Ensemble.
Intermezzo: Tsan |
(2005)
For mixed ensemble of 10 Western instruments and gu-qin
010
Duration: 13’ Instrumentation
fl, ob, cl, vib, hp, pf, cel, vn, vla, kb and gu-qin (Chinese 7-string zither)
Remarks
Composed for the completion of the master’s degree at TNUA. Awarded the first prize of 2005 Literature and Art Creation Award for chamber music under the Council of Cultural Affairs and Ministry of Education ( ), Taiwan.
World Premiere
January 6, 2006, Concert Hall, Taipei University of the Arts, Taipei Taiwan. Composer’s Graduate Recital for master’s degree. Members from TNUA; YuanChen LI, conductor.
Performance
October 26, 2007, National Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan. “Listening to the twentyfirst century – works by emerging Taiwanese composers”, Tzy-Sheng LEE ( ), artistic director. Philharmonia Moments Musicaux Camelot Players; Paul ChinPo CHIANG, conductor.
Nicknamed Romanza |
* (2000, 2012 rev.) 002
Theme and variation for string quartet
Duration: 15’ ca. Instrumentation
string quartet (vln. I, vln. II, vla, vc.)
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Remarks
Read by student musicians at TNUA in 2001.
Premiere
October 20, 2012, National Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan, premiered by Counterpoint Ensemble, Kunglin LIANG, artistic director. Same year on November 11,
The Funeral (aka, Zang) |
* (2000) 001
For mixed ensemble of Western and Chinese instruments
Duration: 17’ Instrumentation
ob, pipa, perc, and kb.
World Premiere
May 2001, Dance Hall, TNUA, Taipei, Taiwan. Winning work to perform in “Kuan Du Musical Soiree 2001 – The New Voices from Kuan Du Young Generation.”
Performance
November 27, 2003, National Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan. Selected for “Tune into Taiwan 2003” ( — ), sponsored by National Cultural Center of Taiwan.
Performance
November 23, 2012, Taipei, Taiwan. Tune into Taiwan 2012, by Chia Found Music Workshop ( ).
Duet Dolphin ’n’ Cat |
(2015) 033
For piano duo
Duration
ca. 8’
Instrumentation
Two pianos
Remarks
Commissioned by IS Duo with the grant from the National Culture and Arts Foundation (Taiwan).
World Premiere
April 15, 2015, National Concert Hall — Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan. Performed by IS Duo - Inna Chien-Ying YANG ( ) and Stella Chia-Shan CHENG ( ).
Harmony |
(2014) 031
For violin and pipe organ
Duration
ca. 3’
Instrumentation
solo violin and pipe organ
Remarks
Dedicated to composer Chiu-Yu CHOU (
World Premiere
July 12, 2014, , Ko’San Presbyterian Church ( Violin / Yi-Chien YANG, organ / Angela WANG.
Obsidian |
) in celebrating her union of marriage. ) in Kaohsiung City, Taiwan.
* (2012) 027
For cello and piano duet
Duration: 8’ 7
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Instrumentation
vc. & pno
Cats’ Romp |
(2008) 018
For guzheng and piano
Duration: 9’30” Instrumentation
guzheng (also named zheng) and piano
Remarks
Commissioned by Hao-Yin HUANG ( ). Received the Rena Greenwalk Memorial prize from Yale University School of Music for the best dramatic writing, 2007.
World Premiere
October 16, 2008, National Recital Hall, Taipei, Taiwan. Hao-Ying HUANG, guzheng; Zhao-Hui CHEN ( ), piano.
U.S. Premiere
April 25, 2009, Merkin Hall, New York, NY. “The Composers/Pianists Concert Series,” curated by Douglas Fisk. Yuan-Chen LI, piano; Shih-Hua YEH ( ), guzheng. Review by William A. Verdone.
Performances
February 18, 2012, Smith Recital Hall, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign, piano / Dolly HSU, guzheng / Yu-Chen WANG ( ).
The Morning Bell and the Evening Drum |
(2006) 012
For percussion duo
Duration: 17’ Instrumentation
Perc. I: ancient cym, 2 sus cym, hit-hat, 4 cowbells, single tubular bell in A, tam-tam, many ping-pong balls Perc. II: 2 bongos, 2 congas, B.D., 18” timpano, many ping-pong balls
Remarks
Commissioned by Forum Music ( ) for its Tenth Anniversary Concert Series. Work involved theatrical elements, movements, and participation from the audience.
World Premiere
July, 2006. Forum Music Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan.
Performance
September 27, 2011, Forum Music Recital Hall, Taipei Taiwan. Members of Forum Music (Ya-Ting WANG and Ya-Hui LIANG).
Reminiscence |
* (2006; 2012 rev.) 011
For double bass and piano
Duration: 10’30” Instrumentation
Double bass and piano
Remarks
Commissioned by Hsin-Chieh Tsai ( ), revised in 2012 after the invitation by Rémi Magnan. The revised score is edited by Cliff Colnot, 2012. score published in 2016 by Chorphilia Inc.
World Premiere
May 26, 2006. Le Conservatoire national supérieur de musique et de danse de Paris. Hsin-Chieh TSAI double bass, Yuan-Chen LI piano.
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Chant for an Enjoyable Evening |
(2001) 005
For piano and cello
Duration: 7’ Instrumentation
pno & vc.
World Premiere
2002, National Recital Hall, Taipei, Taiwan. Selected for “Tune into Taiwan 2002” series, sponsored by National Cultural Center of Taiwan.
SOLO Tell
(2018) 041
For solo alto saxophone
Duration: ca. 8’ Instrumentation
solo alto saxophone
Remarks
Commissioned by Jessica Maxfield.
World Premiere
March 11, 2018 at Biennial Conference of North America Saxophone Alliance (NASA) by Jessica Maxfield.
Europe Permiere
July 13, 2018 at Academy of Music, Lhotka Hall in Zagreb, Croatia by Jessica Maxfield.
In Response To
(2017)
A fuge for piano solo, with fragments of Taiwanese folksong as the countersubject
038
Duration: ca. 8’ Instrumentation
solo alto saxophone
Remarks
A companion piece to Chopin’s E minor Prelude, commissioned by Vera Hui-pin HSU ( ).
World Premiere
November 12, NYU-Shanghai, auditorium, Shanghai, China by Vera Hui-Pin HSU.
Shadows of the Lonely Phoenix
(2016)
For solo clarinetist accompanying by his or her movement
035
Duration: ca. 12’ Instrumentation
solo clarinet (the clarinetist also dances)
Remarks
Commissioned by clarinetist Pei-Lun TSAI ( ), funded by National Arts and Cultural Foundation of Taiwan (2016). The composition features interdisciplinary approach to performance, creating a counterpoint between the dance and music to symbolize the imaginary reunion of lovers. To be premiered in 2016-2017 concert season.
World Premiere
June 13, 2017 at iCLA, Yamanashi Gakuin University, Japan, performed by PeiLun TSAI.
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Shivering Winds, Serene Sky (aka.Tian jing sha)
* (2014) 030
For solo cellist accompanying his or her own
Duration: ca. 6’20” Instrumentation
solo cello (cellist also sings or collaborating with one singer)
Remarks
Dedicated to the cellist Kate Dilinghan for her album “Crossing: New Music For Cello”(2015. New York: New Focus Records). “One stand-out track on the album is Yuan-Chen Li’s Tian Jing Sha…Dillinghan’s airy and melodious voice achieves a ghostly, eerie effect that pairs beautifully with Li’s timbral shifts”(Feb.2, 2015, New York Public Radio Q2 channel).
World Premiere
January 30, 2015, Cornelia Street Café, New York. Kate Dillingham performed in the CD Release Concert.
Taiwan Premiere
November 24, 2015, Taipei Taiwan, by I-An TAI (cello) and Chiayi WANG (voice).
Youth Yet Young
* (2012) 026
For solo piano
Duration: 6’ Instrumentation
pno.
Remarks
Dedicated to composer Tsung-Hsien YANG (
World Premiere
March 7, 2013, Pianoforte Foundation, Chicago Illinois. Premiered by Italian pianist Ciro Longobardi.
Taiwan Premiere
June 4, 2013, NCTU Theater, National ChiaoTung University, Hsinchu, Taiwan. Premiered by American pianist/Fulbright visiting scholar Lynn Ralye.
U.K. Premiere
November 17, 2015. Chancellor’s Hall, Senate House, London. Performed by Richard Whalley in lecture/concert “New Music Insight - in reflection and in performance” programed by School of Advanced Study of University of London.
Spell (aka. Ling)
).
* (2009, rev. 2011)
For a) solo saxophone, b) clarinet, and c) bass flute
020
Duration: 6’30” Instrumentation
alto saxophone
Remarks
Commissioned by Chun-Hao KU ( 的 ). Included in Londeix Guide To The Saxophone Repertoire, 1844-2012 (Ronkin, Bruce. 2012. Glenmoore, PA: Roncorp).
World Premiere
a) July 2009, Bangkok Thailand. World Saxophone Congress. Chun-Hao KU. b) December 8th 2012, New York NY. Kaufman Center Goodman House, by Patricia Billings, clarinet. c) September 26, 2013, National Experimental Theater, Taipei. Performed by Sylvie Lacroix (Trio Amos, Vienna). Curated by Martius Fang-Yi LIN ( ) for the new music series “Music With Innovative Expressions” ( ).
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
U.S. Premiere
a) April 9, 2010. Fulton Hall, U of Chicago, Chicago IL. “Soundquakes,” concert curated by University of Chicago graduate students. Sean Patayanikorn, saxophone.
Performance
a) Additional performances by Chun-Hao KU: June 2010, Paris, France. December 11th 2010, December 7 2011, Taipei, Taiwan.
Performance
April 26, 2014, Northwestern University, Pick-Staiger Hall, Evanston Illinois. Performed by Tim McAllister in Northwestern University New Music Conference, coprogramed by Tim McAllister and Hans Thomalla.
Performance
January 23, 2015, North Illinois University, Boutell Hall. Programed and performed by Jessica Maxfield, as the featuring work at The North American Saxophone Alliance Region 5 Conference.
Migoh
(2007) 013
For solo piano
Duration: 4’30” Instrumentation
pno
Remarks
The title means “The Song of Rice”. Commissioned by Chih-Long HU ( ) for a studio recording, titled “Formosa Caprices” released by Blue-Griffin in December 2007, nominated for its best performance by the Golden Melody in 2009.
Premiere
(data missing)
Performance
March 6 2008, Sprague Hall, Yale, New Haven, CT. New Music New Haven series. Timothy Andres, piano.
Cat’s Romp
(2003) 008
For solo guzheng
Duration: 6’ Instrumentation
guzheng
Remarks
Commissioned by Yi-Jie LAI ( ) . Graphic notation. The performance involves movement. Score published in the collection Works of Taiwanese Contemporary Zheng Music I (Taipei: China Found Workshop, 2004), Jiuan-Reng YEH ( ), editor. Recorded and released by Forum Music Ensemble on Tawain’s Contemporary Music III, Musical Kaleidoscope (Taipei, 2006), Bor-Nien HSU ( ), producer, and won the best prize for producer by Golden Melody in 2007.
World Premiere
December 2003, Forum Music Recital Hall, Taipei, Taiwan.
Hy
(2003) 007
For solo piano
Duration: 10’ Instrumentation
pno
Remarks
Dedicated to the pianist Chien-Ying YANG ( ). The work is also included in Chih-Long HU’s album “Formosa Caprices” released by Blue-Griffin in December 2007.
11
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
World Premiere
May 2003, Dance Hall, Taipei University of the Arts, Taipei Taiwan. Chien-Ying YANG.
Performance
Played by Chien-Ying YANG and Yu-Lin SHENG in numerous recitals in Taiwan and Canada.
Performance in the U.S.
U.S. premiere on February 4th 2008 at Symphony Space New York, NY on the series “Concert Artists Guild – the Female Form: Women Composers.” Tanya Bannister, piano. Additional U.S. performances by Chih-Long HU, Yuan-Chen LI, and Jenny LIN.
The Source (aka. Yuan)
* (2001) 003
For solo viola
Duration: 8’ Instrumentation
vla
Remarks
Dedicated to the violist Meng-Hsun CHUANG ( doctorate degree at New England Conservatory.
World Premiere
December 2001, Muse Forum recital hall, Taipei, Taiwan. Meng-Husn CHUANG.
Performance
Several additional performances by Meng-Hsun CHUANG.
) when he was earning his
VOICE WITH INSTRUMENTS Mist, Three Pomes by Carl Sandburg
,
(2016) 037
For mezzo-soprano and piano
Duration: 7’ Instrumentation
mezzo-sp & pno
Remarks / World Premiere
Composition based on three poems “Clark Street Bridge”, “Pearl Fog”, and “Last Answers” by Chicagoan poet/writer Carl Sandburg (1878-1967), commissioned by EarTaxi Music Festival (Chicago, October 2016) curated by Augusta Read Thomas and Stephan Burns, premiered on October 8, 2016 by Julia Bentley (mezzo) and Access Contemporary Music.
Three Pomes by Rabindranath Tagore
(2007) 014
For soprano, flute, piano, and cello
Duration: 12’ Instrumentation
sp, fl, pno, and vc.
Remarks
Lyrics from Rabindranath Tagore’s poetry “Stray Bird.” Language: English.. Awarded the Ezra Laderman prize for the best vocal writing, Yale Universtiy, 2007. Editing in progress.
World Premiere
February 22, 2007. Sprague Hall, Yale, New Haven CT. New Music New Haven series. Members from Yale School of Music, Adelaide Muir, soprano, Yuan-Chen LI, piano.
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Performance
Numerous performances by at least 6 different sets of musicians in recitals, conferences, and festivals in Taiwan, China, and USA.
Three Pomes by Shyi Mu-Rong
(2001) 004
For soprano and piano
Duration: 10’ Instrumentation
sp & pno.
Remarks
Lyrics by poet Mu-Rong SHYI (
World Premiere
May 2003, composer’s senior recital, Dance Hall, TNUA, Taipei, Taiwan.
Performance
(data missing)
Taiwan Premiere
December 17, 2010, Soochow University performing art center. Concert of contemporary vocal works series, curated by ISCM-Taiwan, Tzyy-Sheng LEE, artistic director.
Mong Huan Pao Ying
). Language: Chinese (Mandarin)
(2008) 019
For SATB chorus with or without 4 percussionists
Duration: 7’ Instrumentation
4S4A4T4B, with or without four percussionists.
Remarks
Readings, January 22, 2011. Taipei Chamber Singers; Yun-Hung CHEN, conductor.
ARRANGEMENTS “Where Do We Go?”
”
”
Selections from Stephen Cohen’s songs and instrumental album, for mixed ensemble
Duration: ca. 20’ Instrumentation vocals, and zither, keyboard, and percussion. Remarks
Six pieces of arrangement/collaboration with Oregon Portland artist Stephen Cohen (3 hand Stephen) from his album “Where Do We Go”: Where Do We Go, In a Small Concert Hall, Once We Were Lovers, The Road West, Fight in A, and A Thousand Dreams.
Bright College Year
(2017) 040
For string octet
Instrumentation vln, vla, cello, kb Remarks
An arrangement based on the school song of Yale University, commissioned by Taiwan-Yale Ensemble for their annual concert “A Night of Elite Strings.”
World Premiere December 18, 2017, National Concert Hall, Taipei Taiwan, performed by Taiwan-Yale Ensemble, Chia-Chun LU (
), artistic director.
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Folksong - Homage to Formosa
(arr. 2010) 021
For mezzo soprano and mixed ensemble
Duration: 30’ Instrumentation fl, cl, 2p, hp, mezzo, vla, and vc (same instrumentation as Berio’s Folk Songs). Remarks
Includes 7 songs, adapted from folk songs and pop songs of four different dialects spoken in Taiwan. Commissioned by Philharmonia Moments Musicaux.
Premiere
March 4, 2010, National Concert Hall, Taipei Taiwan. “Spring Anointing! ” Philharmonia Moments Musicaux - Camelot Players. Paul Chin-Po CHIANG, conductor; Jo-pei WENG ( ), mezzo-soprano (6 songs).
Performance
September 2-6, 2010, Johannesburg, South Africa. Arts Alive – International Festival Johannesburgh. Philharmonia Moments Musicaux Camelot Players. Paul Chin-Po CHIANG, conductor; Ping LU, mezzo-soprano (6 songs).
Performance
December 29, 2010, National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan. “2010 Year-end Musical Prayer” Philharmonia Moments Musicaux Camelot Players; Paul Chin-Po CHIANG, conductor; Jo-Pei WENG, mezzo-soprano (7 songs).
Hakka Folk Song Cycle
(arr. 2006)
For folksong singers and Chinese orchestra
Duration: ca. 42’ Instrumentation Various instrumentations such as 3di.2sheng.3sona. – 2yangqing.2liuqin.2pipa. 5ruan(1,2,alto,bass). – zheng.hp. – 3P – strgs.
Remarks
Arrangements of nine songs commissioned by National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan, curated by ethnomusicologist Dr. Rung-Shun WU ( ). Televised. It drew wide acclaim. Continuing to develop into a forum entitled “The Dialogue between the Tradition and the Innovation” with regards to the novelty of the arrangement.
Premiere
April 13, 2006, National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan. “NCO Beauty Taiwan” series. National Chinese Orchestra, conducted by Chun-Quan QU ( ).
Les Miserables (
) (arr. 1998)
For female chorus and chamber orchestra
Duration: 16’ Instrumentation Female chorus and chamber orchestra Remarks
Arrangement for high school chamber orchestra and female choir including a rearrangement of the orchestral accompaniment.
EDITORIAL WORK Ravel/Colnot: Daphnis and Chloe, Suite No. 2 (2012) For woodwind quintet
Duration: ca. 16’30” 14
YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Instrumentation
fl/a.fl/picc, ob/e.h, a.cl, bsn, hn
Remarks
Commissioned by IMANI winds, arranged by Cliff Colnot.
Stravinsky/Colnot: Rite of Spring (2016) For 12 players
Duration: ca. 34’ Instrumentation
picc./fl./al. fl., cl. in A, Bb, Eb/b.cl., bsn., tpt in C/picc. tpt. in D, vln, vla, vc, bass, pno, 2 perc, 1 timp.
Remarks
Commissioned by International Contemporary Ensemble, arranged by Cliff Colnot.
COLLABORATIVE WORKS The Dead of Winter (
) (2013)
Piano Improvisation for Video
Remarks
Commissioned by visual artist Michael Schuh, curated by PSA Project, Casey Smallwood and Andrew Cantrell.
Premiere
January 13 - February 24, 2013 on 2509 N Lawndale Ave, Chicago, IL http://www.thevisualist.org/2012/01/mike-schuh-the-dead-of-winter/
The Upper Hallway (
) (2012-13)
Score for modern dance
Remarks
A site-specific project involved with improvisatory and collaboration between music and choreography curated by Gray Center for Arts and Inquiry, Leslie Buxbaum Danzig, director. Choreographer: Claudia Lavista, dance company: Delfus Danza Contemporánea, and improvisor/pianist: Yuan-Chen Li.
Premiere
April 20, 2013, Reva and David Logan Center for the Arts, Chicago, IL.
ELEVEN (
) (2009)
Score for modern dance
Duration: ca.15’ Instrumentation
ob, pno, perc, and tape
Remarks
Commissioned by Susan Matheke for her choreography “Neptune” performed by student dancers. ACES, New Haven, CT. Music includes original score, speeches, adaptation of the Greek melody, pop song, rehearsed improvisation, and recording edited to tape.
Premiere
May 2009, Education Center of the Arts, New Haven, CT.
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YUAN-CHEN LI | LIST OF WORKS
Pas de Deux (
) (2001)
Score for drama reading
Duration: ca. 6’ Instrumentation
vln. & vc.
Remarks
Miniatures for Hui-Chun CHEN’s texts “Les Fenétres,” including a short prelude, interlude, and episodes of incidental music. TNUA, Department of Theater, Taipei Taiwan.
IMPROVISATORY WORKS Free Improv For Trio |
(2017)
electronics, saxophone, and piano
Remarks
In collaboration with Jeremy Rose on Tenor and Baritone Saxophone, Alberto Novello on electronics, and Yuan-Chen Li on piano in Omi International Arts Ceneter, Ghent, NY in 2017 Summer.
The Man In the Snow, Feeding Swans |
(2013)
for shô, bass clarinet, and violoncello
Remarks
In collaboration with Duo X and Fonema Consert, directed by Francisco Castillo Trigueros.
Premiere
April 6, 2013, Logan Center for the Arts, Chicago IL, performed by Naomi Sato, Laura Carmichael, and Sarah.
Lily Pond |
(2010)
Score for modern dance
Remarks
Commissioned by pianist Shih-Yang LEE (
).
Premiere
Premiered on December 4, 2010 in Forum Music Recital Hall by Shih-Yang Lee, YiLing LIN ( ), Shih-Chieh LIN ( ), and Jay-Ting Hsieh ( ).
Updated June, 2018
*Works with asterisk receive gracious editorial assistance by Cliff Colnot. **Works without the reference numbers, by the nature of the collaboration or the editorial value, are not available. 16
WORKS BY YEAR 2000 The Funeral (aka, Zang) | Nicknamed Romanza |
, chamber ensemble…………………………………………….……001
, chamber ensemble…………………………………………….002
2001 The Source (aka. Yuan) , solo……………………………………………………………………003
Three Pomes by Shyi Mu-Rong , vocal with instruments……………………… 004
Chant for an Enjoyable Evening | , duet….…………………………………………………005
Pas de Deux ( ), incidental music for drama reading
2003 Awakening | , orchestra………………………………………………………….……006
Hy , solo………………………………………………………………………………………007
Cat’s Romp , solo………………………………………………………………………………008
2005
Adagio for Promenade | , chamber ensemble………………………………………………..009
Intermezzo: Tsan | 好 , chamber ensemble……………………………………………….010
2006 Reminiscence | , duet……………………………………………………………………………011
The Morning Bell and the Evening Drum | , duet……………..…………………………012
Hakka Folk Song Cycle | , arrangement (Chinese orchestra with folk singers)
2007 Migoh , solo…………………………………………………………………………………..…013
Three Pomes by Rabindranath Tagore , vocal with instruments…..…..………014
Butterfly | , chamber ensemble…………………………………………………………………015
Like A Dream, An Illusion | , orchestra……………………………………………………016
2008 Ring | , chamber ensemble………………………………………………………………………017
Cats’ Romp | , duet……………………………………………………………………………018
Mong Huan Pao Ying , vocal with instruments (chorus)………………………….…..019
2009 Spell (aka. Ling) , solo…………………………………………………………………………… 020
ELEVEN ( ), collaborative work (score for dance)
2010 Folksong, Homage to Formosa
, arrangement (vocal with instruments)
17
…… … ……… ……………………………… … ……… … … … … … … … … … … … … … … …021 Motion 2010 | , chamber ensemble……………..……………………………………………022
Lily Pond | , improvisatory work
2011 Intermezzo: SHANG | Hovering in the Air | Ice Crackle Glaze |
好 , orchestra………………………………………………….……023
, orchestra (concerto)……………………………………………….……024
, chamber ensemble……………………………………………………025
2012 Youth Yet Young , solo………………………………………………………………………026
Obsidian | 個 , duet………………………………………………………………………………..027
2013 Aldebaran | , chamber ensemble…………………………………………………………….028
Fauna Republic | , chamber ensemble…………………………………………………029
The Man In the Snow, Feeding Swans | , improvisatory work
The Upper Hallway ( ), collaboration (improvisatory work for dance) The Dead of Winder ( ), collaborative work (improvisatory work for video)
2014 Shivering Winds, Serene Sky (aka.Tian jing sha) , solo………………………………….030
Harmony | , duet……………………………………………………………………………….031
On Aldebaran | , orchestra………………………………………………………………032
2015 Dolphin ’n’ Cat | Wandering Viewpoint |
, duet……………………………………………………………………..033
, chamber concerto…………………………………………………..034
2016 Shadows of the Lonely Phoenix , solo…………………………………………………035
Iluwan | ⼀一 ⼈人, orchestra……………………………………………………………………………036
Mist, Three Pomes by Carl Sandburg , , voice with instruments……………037
2017 In Response To , solo……..………………………………………………………………………038
Rain Noir Noir | , chamber ensemble………………………………………………………..039
Bright College Year , chamber ensemble………………………………………………040
Free Improv for Trio |
2018 Tell , solo……………………………………………………………………………………………041
Light, Shadows and Objects | , chamber ensemble…………….…042
Indispensable Dislocation | , chamber ensemble……………………………….043
“Where Do We Go?” | , arrangement
*Works without the reference numbers, by the nature of the collaboration or the editorial value, are not available.
18
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