MusicWeb International Reviews Les Temps Modernes recording, December Chrysanthemum: Chamber Music of Xiaogang Ye:
“Xiaogang Ye’s booklet notes are illuminating and in respect of the first piece he explains that Basong Cuo is one of nine lakes in Tibet which are considered holy. The music seeks to describe the atmosphere of the lake and the emotional reaction one might experience on seeing it. The zheng, and harp seem perfect for expressing ripples upon the lake’s surface – at least, that’s what I felt on hearing the piece -and the flute, clarinet, violin and cello combine to create the rest of the scenic picture of the lake’s setting within the landscape and the incredibly potent spiritual reaction a human presence might experience on seeing such a stunningly calming vista. … The album’s title track December Chrysanthemum… is a hauntingly beautiful work with a sad emotional attachment on behalf of the composer… [and] convey[s] this feeling of a plant which resolutely refuses to be prevented from flowering by the most inhospitable environment and as such is a symbol of hope. … this is a fascinating and important release. The ensemble Les Temps Modernes play wonderfully, giving the music its best possible chance of attracting new listeners to Chinese contemporary music – and it is very well recorded.”
—Steve Arloff, MusicWeb International
See the full review on MusicWeb International
