After 1980, important changes took place in the composition of Chinese music. As part of the increased communication between China and the outside world, Western contemporary music has begun to exert direct influence on the compositions of young Chinese composers. Contemporary Chinese music is joined by a new generation full of individuality. This new CD is the outcome of precisely that period: The music is based largely on traditional Chinese elements, but also on elements that at the moment are influencing new Chinese music from outside. Xiaogang Ye (b. 1955) is regarded as one of China's leading composers. He lives in Beijing, China, and Exton, Pennsylvania, USA. Ye is the founder and artistic director of the Ensemble Eclipse (China's first ensemble specialising in contemporary music) and an Associate Professor of the Central Conservatory of Music, Beijing. His works, which have been awarded numerous prizes, include both symphonic and chamber works as well as stage and film music.