Orchestre National de Lyon, International Choir Academy Lübeck & Tan Dun - Tan Dun: Buddha Passion (2023)

Decca releases the world-premiere recording of this epic choral work, composed and conducted by the OSCAR, Grammy and BAFTA award-winning and UNESCO Global Goodwill Ambassador Tan Dun. The monumental work, involving massed choirs, large orchestra, six percussionists and an array of soloists including indigenous singers, traditional Chinese instruments and a dancing pipa player, is the first such ‘Passion’ on a Buddhist rather than Christian narrative. Set at the foot of the Himalayas and inspired by Chinese and Sanskrit texts, the captivating and life-affirming score fuses the ancient wisdom of Buddhism with the musical tradition of JS Bach’s Passions, featuring hypnotic orchestral textures and Eastern vocal techniques. Recorded at the Shanghai Oriental Art Center Concert Hall in 2029 with Orchestre National de Lyon and International Choir Academy Lübeck, conducted by Tan Dun with eminent Chinese soloists.

Tracklist
01. Chant
02. Little Prince
03. Mantra
04. Under the Bodhi Tree
05. Equality
06. Deer of Nine Colors
07. Gratitude
08. Betrayal
09. Trees Wish to Be Still, yet the Wind Doesn't Let Go
10. Karma
11. Apsaras
12. Father and Three Daughters
13. My Dear Father
14. Sacrifice
15. Mantra of Nine
16. A Body is a Bodhi Tree
17. Is it the Wind or a Banner Moving, or is it My Soul?
18. Zen Dream
19. A Solar Eclipse
20. Silk Road: An Invisible Road
21. Home Lies so Far Away
22. Love is Destined to Part
23. Heart Sutra
24. In No Time, I Shall Enter Nirvana
25. All Creatures in the Universe
26. The Other Side
27. Buddha Was Man, Man Will Be Buddha
28. One Last Question
29. Nirvana