The contrast between the two voices – one gravelly and earth-bound, the other high and gurgling – was extreme. The colours were further enhanced by the range of instruments on the Royal Festival Hall stage; the London Philharmonic Orchestra – with alto flute, celeste and no fewer than four percussionists – supplemented by a xiqin, a traditional Chinese three-stringed bowed instrument played vertically like the cello. The player was Batubagen, a musician from the Inner Mongolian area of Bairin Right Banner. He was one of several special guests that composer – and tonight’s conductor – Tan Dun had invited to give the UK premiere of Buddha Passion, the 2018 work co-commissioned by the Dresden Music Festival, New York Philharmonic, Los Angeles Philharmonic and the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra.
When Bach composed his (first performed
