The ‘Book of Songs’ : A Tan Chen Perspective

Michael Tan Chen is a celebrated American Chinese pianist and composer. He learnt playing the piano at age four and composed his first piece at 11. In 1990, 14-year-old Tan went to the US and studied at San Francisco Conservatory of Music. Later, Tan studied piano and composition at the renowned Julliard School of Music.

Last week, Tony Reid had the pleasure meeting Tan Chen at his home in Beijing. Today, let's hear his story and enjoy some of his compositions from the Book of Songs, the oldest existing collection of ancient Chinese poetry.

Song Lists:

1. Intro: 淇奥 River inlet of Qi, women's choir and piano

2. 子衿 Blue is your collar, for mixed choir a cappella

3. 关雎 The Crying Osprays, for mixed choir a cappella

4. 黍离 Millet Grows, for Men's choir and piano

5. 淇奥 River inlet of Qi, women's choir and piano

Lyrics from 'Book of Songs', composed by Tan Chen, and sung by Madrigal Choir 中德牧歌合唱团