Chou Wen-Chung

After earning a degree in civil engineering in China, Chou moved to the USA and attended the New Engalnd Conservatory and Columbia University. He also studied with Varèse and serves as the composer's musical executor. Chou completed Varèse's Nocturnal according to the composer's instructions. In his own work, Chou has successfully fused the Chinese tradition with Western styles. His major works are based on Chinese poetry, painting, calligraphy or philosophical ideas. He considers his work to be in the tradition of Chinese art. His compositions include orchestral, choral, vocal and chamber works. Chou's interest in variety of sound led him to compose two of his most important works, The Willows are New and Y ko, both based on the traditional works for the ch'in, a Chinese zither whose tablature includes over 100 symbols. ~ Lynn Vought, All Music Guide