 | |
An arrangement of Bach's "St. Matthew's Passion" is performed by water-percussion, soloists, a chorus, violin and cello. The tune is titled "Water Passion," by the American composer "Tan Dun."/provided by the LG Art Center
|
 |
|
It's needless to say what music can do to breathe life into a motion picture so that it can turn into a masterpiece. Such was the case for the movie "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon" which won four Oscars in 2001 including one for the best original motion soundtrack. And the man behind that vital element is Tan Dun who was in Korea for a music performance called 'Water Passion After Saint Matthew.' The New York-based composer, conductor and winner of many prestigious awards also gave a lecture to students at Seoul National University on his philosophy about music which affected his life at a rather belated age of 18.
"When I first heard a Western music was when the Cultural Revolution just finished. So music of Bach, music of Beethoven coming in was like medicine, spiritual medicine, because we were all destroyed during the Cultural Revolution, suddenly the music comes, it served as a medicine." Tan Dun said.
From a rice-planter to a world-renowned classical music composer he strives to explore new sounds by playing with all things organic mainly water. He believes his unique perspective of blending Chinese shamanistic traditions with the western avant-garde derived from his Asian heritage.
 |
|
A music performance 'Water Passion After Saint Matthew'/Provided by LG Art Center
|
|
|
"I think my Asian cultural background really helped myself as a certain angle to see a classical music tradition differently and become another creative source." Many critics agree that he is more of a creator of sounds than a performer. A lot of people around the world have been comforted and soothed by his music. It is not only because of his humane personality, but also because he strives for and stimulates homing instinct in people. He also unveiled an ambitious plan of inputting various cultural ideas to enrich the tradition of classical music.
"I really wanted to share with Korean audience because the Asian culture is very important in the health of world music, especially the future of classical music. Without diverse input, without diverse cultural influence I think Western music will have no future."he added.
Arirang TV
|
