Isang Yun, born on September 17, 1917, in Sancheong, South Korea, was a composer who not only bridged worlds but also expanded the horizons of classical music with his unique synthesis of Eastern and Western musical traditions. Yun's early fascination with Western classical music led him to study in Japan and later in Europe, where he settled in West Berlin. His distinct style emerged from combining traditional Korean musical principles, like the notion of Hauptton (principal tone), with techniques of Western avant-garde, particularly those from the Post-War period.

Yun's life was marked by political and artistic struggles, most notably his abduction by the South Korean military government in 1967, which accused him of espionage for North Korea. This incident sparked an international outcry from the artistic community, leading to his release in 1969. Despite these challenges, he remained prolific, creating works that reflect his philosophy of music as a means of overcoming national and ideological divides. His discography includes an eclectic mix of compositions from solo instrumental pieces to large-scale symphonic works, as encapsulated in his recent releases such as "Inner Journey," "Yun: Three Late Works," "Fascinated by a Single Tone," and "Sunrise Falling." His chamber music, particularly notable in releases like "Isang Yun: Chamber Music" and "Yun: Music for Wind," showcases his talent for creating intricate, emotionally resonant soundscapes.

Yun passed away on November 3, 1995, but left behind a legacy as a pioneer of cross-cultural music expression, influencing generations of composers and musicians, and contributing to the dialogue between Asian and European musical philosophies. His works continue to be celebrated and performed worldwide, affirming his status as one of the most significant composers of the 20th century.

Genres

Contemporary Classical

Korean Contemporary Classical

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Latest Release

Lullaby

Isang Yun

Single - Released March 22, 2024