A new program entitled "Water Heavens," created by Tan Dun, a composer who has received Grammy and Academy Awards, combines music and architecture in a work of art that will grace Zhujiajiao water town in Shanghai on March, as reported by Shanghai Daily.
A concert hall with the same name was constructed specifically for Tan's composition. It is connected to a canal.
The canal's water plays a crucial role in the program. The composition was conceived for strings, vocals and water, which is involved in the sound of the piece.
The concert hall resembles an old, two-story house, situated on the riverbank across the Yuanjing Temple, which shows the marriage between East and West. The upper story is made up of a wooden structure in the style of 100-year-old houses, while the iron pillars and steel of the first story are closer to a German Bauhaus industrial space.
Usually, the performance will start when the Buddhist monks opposite the river start their evening chanting. This is when the string quartet accompanies the chanting with a piece by composer Johann Sebastian Bach.
With the stage partly submerged in water, the musicians rock their bodies and move their feet while they play. The splashing sounds are incorporated into the performance.
Also adding to the sound experience are artificial rain drops and the sounds of performers stomping on the steel stairs at one side of the concert hall.
During the performance, interior and exterior space are linked with the river flowing in and out of the house.
"The combination of the Chinese Ming house and German Bauhaus styles, as well as the contrasting sounds of water, iron and other natural elements completes my architectural music wonderland where heaven and man become one," said Tan. "My ultimate goal for 'Water Heavens' is to create a space where music can be seen and the architecture can be heard."
Tan has become known for his "organic" compositions.
In 1998, he created "Water Concerto for Water Percussion and Orchestra." He later came out with "Paper Concerto for Paper Percussion and Orchestra" in 2003 and "Earth Concerto for Stone and Ceramic Percussion and Orchestra" in 2009.
Tan said that the inspiration for "Water Heavens" came during an ordinary walk along the Zhujiajiao riverbank, while listening to Bach on his earphone. As he was walking, the monks started chanting, and their singing dominated one ear, while Bach dominated the other.
Tan explained how the two sounds created harmony. When a drop of water fell on his nose, he realized he had to artistically recreate the experience.
Tan worked with Isozaki Studio in China to help him design the concert hall that can be played as an instrument.
Apart from "Water Heavens," the concert hall will be open to other educational programs.
Performances of "Water Heavens" will happen on Saturdays starting March at the concert hall located in 3 Caogang Tan, Xijing Road, Zhujiajiao Old Town. Those interested to experience the performance may call 6249-0502 or 962-388 and purchase tickets for 180 to 1,080 yuan.