Chen Yi

Woodwind.
Chen Yi’s ELEGY was composed in 2020 both as her own response to the covid pandemic, and in conjunction with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s series of solo commissions for their performers offered through the SPCO’s website. Musically inspired by a common bond with oboist Cassie Pilgrim’s cultural heritage from southern China, Chen Yi drew from Cantonese folk music materials, whose Yifan mode is particularly sad and mournful.
Chen Yi’s ELEGY was composed in 2020 both as her own response to the covid pandemic, and in conjunction with the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra’s series of solo commissions for their performers offered through the SPCO’s website. Musically inspired by a common bond with oboist Cassie Pilgrim’s cultural heritage from southern China, Chen Yi drew from Cantonese folk music materials, whose Yifan mode is particularly sad and mournful. The premiere recording may be viewed at https://youtu.be/5rxEws2qYqc?si=M1hwv_5V9sbGkE2d
Elegy was commissioned by the Saint Paul Chamber Orchestra for its principal oboist Cassie Pilgrim who premiered the work at Ordway Hallin St. Paul, MN on November 28, 2020.Since Cassie and I share the same cultural heritage from Southern China, ELEGY has a strong influence from Cantonese folk music material, including the folk tunes in Yifan Mode, which sound sad and sentimental. This solo piece expresses a deep nostalgia for our loved ones, as well as our painful mourning for thousands of people who lost their lives around the world during the Covid-19 pandemic.

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