Regarded as one of China's most important composers, Chen Yi is a brilliant figure, stretching musical boundaries at each turn. She integrates traditional Chinese melodies, instruments, and dances into her compositional palette and, in doing so, creates aural energy that is hard to equal. Percussive thunder can rain down on percussively harmonic chimes, just as dark, low-note string segments can shadow minimal sound scapes. This collection brings together two full orchestra pieces, including Chen Yi's rousing Symphony No. 2. There is also, though, the phenomenally large-scale Chinese Myths Cantata, full of oceanic vocal power and grace provided by Chanticleer. This is a stellar snapshot of New Music's large-ensemble present, and, hopefully, its future. - -Andrew Bartlett