Steel music? Tan Dun introduces musical steel wheel

Chinese composer Tan Dun (L) plays music on four steel wheels on August 29, 2008. [Photo: auto.sina.com.cn]

Instrument selection has become a signature trait of award-winning Chinese composer Tan Dun, who is known for his use of paper, water and rocks. Now he has a new option: motorcycle wheels.

Tan is set to premiere his latest work, "Champion's Overture 2008," played on a row of steel wheels, at the First Audi Summer Concert from September 10 to 17.

"I've always been interested in the sound of steel," Tan said at a press conference last week. "I had the honor to visit Audi's factory and see its diligent workers. To me, the sound there is music."

Tan gave an impromptu show of how wheels can be transformed into musical instruments. He generated a range of pitches by using a drumstick to strike different parts of four wheels that were hung like a bianzhong, an ancient Chinese instrument consisting of a set of bronze bells.

Tan said he expects to continue finding inspiration at steel factories.

Tan, best known for his Grammy and Oscar wins for the soundtrack of "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon," is spearheading what he calls "organic music." His most notable works include "Paper Concerto" and "Water Concerto."

Audi, the global automobile maker that initiated the concert series, has invited Tan to serve as the event's art director. Besides steel music, Tan will present two of his other works, which incorporate multimedia installations.

A series of shows will be staged during the concert week in Beijing, Shenzhen and Hangzhou, with proceeds going to Audi's newly-launched program to assist young musicians.