China II - Beijing (1990), written for string orchestra, is the second work of a cycle called the China Quartet. In this work, the composer tries to portray an overview of the long and impressive history of China in the manner of a legend. The work opens with quiet entries over a pedal tone on “A”. A set of harmonics brings memories of past stories. High dynamic levels and quick tempos illustrate the struggles of the people over the centuries.
Various images appear in successive climaxes leading to a free section which is the apotheosis of string sound. A return to the opening pedal tone “A” brings the piece to a close.
