Scherchen, Tona

Scherchen, Tona, Swiss-born French composer, daughter of Hermann Scherchen ; b. Neuchatel, March 12, 1938. She was taken to China at age 12 by her mother, the Chinese composer Hsia Shu-sien, who was her first mentor in theory, composition, and classical Chinese music (from 1952). She studied basic Western theory and the Chinese instrument P’i p’a at the conservatories in Shanghai and Peking (1957–60). Upon returning to Europe, she studied composition with Henze at the Salzburg Mozarteum (1961–63). She continued her training in Paris with Pierre Schaeffer at the Centre de Recherche Musicale (1963), and also received instruction in analysis from Messiaen at the Cons. (1963–64), where she won a premier prix; then had private lessons with Ligeti in Vienna (1966–67). In 1972 she settled in France and later became a naturalized French citizen. In 1991 she was awarded the Prix Italia. In addition to works for traditional instruments, she has produced electronic and multimedia scores. In all her works, her Eastern heritage has remained a powerful resource and inspiration.

Works

DRAMATIC : Tzan-Shen, ballet (1970–71; version of Shen for Percussion, 1968); Éclats obscurs, radiophonie piece, after St.-John Perse (1982). Multimedia : Between (1978–86); Cancer, solstice ’83 (1983–87); Fuite? (1987); Le Jeu de Pogo, radiophonique film piece (1989–91). ORCH .: Tzang for Chamber Orch. (1966); Khouang (1966–68); Tao for Viola and Orch. (1971); Vague- T’ao (1974–75); “S…” for Chamber Orch. (1975); Oeil de chat (1976–77); L’Invitation au voyage for Chamber Orch. (1977); Lô for Trombone and 12 Strings (1978–79); L’Illégitime for Orch. and Tape (1985–86). CHAMBER : In, Sin, 2 pieces for Flute (1965); Hsun for 6 Instruments (1968); Shen for 6 Percussionists or Percussion Orch. (1968; ballet version as Tzan-Shen, 1970–71); Tzoue, trio for Clarinet or Flute, Cello or Double Bass, and Harpsichord (1970; also as a multimedia piece, 1980); Yun-Yu for Violin or Viola and Vibraphone (1972); Bien for 12 Instruments (1972–73); Tjao-Houen for 9 Instruments (1973); Ziguidor for Wind Quintet (1977); Tzing for Brass Quintet (1979); Tarots for Harpsichord and 7 Instruments (1981–82); Lustucru for Variable Ensemble (1983). VOCAL : Wai for Mezzo-soprano and String Quartet (1966–67); Tzi for 16-voice Chorus (1969–70); La Larme de crocodile for Voice (1977).

—Nicolas Slonimsky/Laura Kuhn/Dennis McIntire