Chen Yi

Chen Yi's combination of Chinese melodies and instruments with Western composition traditions is seamless, always inspired and never campy. Her "Symphony No. 2" moves with the dark percussive brilliance of Bela Bartok's "Music for Strings, Percussion and Celesta." The pentatonic brass opening "Duo Ye No. 2" explodes with bold brilliance and no small amount of humor. The "Chinese Myths Cantata" (4, 5 and 6) uses a Chinese instrumental quartet and orchestra to subtle effect.