Mixing sounds

Tan Dun.[Photo provided to China Daily]

Adapted from one of the songs of Hanggai, with the same title, Shanghai Transistor keeps the rock beats while integrating the symphonic elements. The hit number Four Seasons Song, performed by the late Zhou Xuan, a pop singer and actress from Shanghai, has also been used in the piece.

"Classical music is struggling to reach new and young audiences. You cannot blame the young people," says Tan. "Rock music is free and enjoyed by young people. By combining rock and symphony orchestra, I want to give classical music a bigger power, longer influence and a larger young audience."

Hanggai, the Mongolian term for a place with beautiful pastures, mountains and rivers, was formed by ethnic Mongolian musicians in Beijing in 2004. Now, it has eight members, including the vocalist Ilchi, the morin khuur (horse-head fiddle) player Batubagen and vocalist-guitarist Yilalata.

Tan said in an earlier interview that "Hanggai is from the vast Mongolian grasslands. I love their music because they have the power of the Earth and nature. Their music also represents a world trend in making music".

According to Ilchi, who uses his throat sounds as the main vocal contribution, Hanggai collaborated with the National Symphony of China under the baton of Tan during a concert at the Great Hall of the People in Beijing in 2016. They performed together at concerts held in Macao and Shenzhen, Guangdong province, as well.

"Tan can be global and local with his compositions. His attempts to combine symphonic music with rock are both bold and interesting," says Ilchi.