SUBMITTED BY LClem

December 12, 2002 — Tan recalled how it all started with a visit from Zhang Yimou. "Zhang came to ask me whether I would like to compose for his movie," Tan said. The composer said he was impressed by the heroism in the story and the strength of the four leading roles. The composer said some embryonic tunes immediately entered his mind. From the very beginning, Tan decided "the music should feature the flavour of northern China and the emotion the music implies is concern for its boundless land. The theme tunes are both romantic and profound." How could these ideas be reflected in a score? Tan first thought of Itzhak Perlman, whose violin playing is the most romantic as far as Tan is concerned. Tan and Perlman are good friends. Perlman once told Tan that he wanted to co-operate with Tan on a Chinese work. So Perlman accepted Tan's invitation without hesitation. Read more at the link