Composer Study - Chen Yi

Chen Yi

“When contemporary music is introduced in a university, it serves as a bridge for us to share thinking and understanding between peoples with different cultural backgrounds. It benefits all human beings in the society little by little.”

Chen Yi (1953 - ) is a Chinese-American composer. She was born in Guangzhou in 1953. She started learning the piano and violin at age 3 but was sent to work camps at age 15 by the Red Guards. Though she could only play "approved" music, she practiced classical pieces and even started composing her own variations and interludes. She eventually became the first woman in China to receive a master's degree in composition. She moved to New York in 1986 where she continued to compose, teach, and conduct. She became a U. S. citizen in 1999 and won the Charles Ives Living Award in 2001. She is known for infusing her Chinese roots with Western influences with songs like Spring Medley and Chinese Myths.

Composer Study

Start off with the Music Lesson which includes

  • Music Links

  • Read Alouds

  • Time & Place Connection Subjects

  • Recipe

Throughout the week, cover the Multi-Subject Connections

  • Science Activity, read aloud, fun code worksheets

  • Art Activity, read aloud, optional coloring page

  • Literature Activity, read aloud, copywork

  • History Activity, read alouds, geography activity, Book of Centuries

Yi’s dessert: Chinese Spice Cake

Learn how to make this Chinese dessert. Click on the picture below to go to the recipe.

 

Yi’s Music

Song 1: spring

Music Class


SONG 2: As in a dream

Science Song


Song 3: chinese myths cantata

Art Song


Song 4: KC Capriccio

Literature Song


Song 5: Singing in the mountain

History Song


Biography

Beth SmithComment