Yun, Isang (1917–1995)

Korean-born German composer. He studied in Korea and Japan, and with Blacher and Rufer in Berlin. An espousal of serial techniques (methods of composition based on the twelve-note system) led to the withdrawal of works written before 1959. In 1967 he was kidnapped from West Berlin by South Korean agents and charged with sedition. After release, he taught at the Hochschule für Musik, Berlin, 1970–85.

Works Stage operas Der Traum des Liu-Tung (1965), Die Witwe des Schmetterlings (1967), Geisterliebe (1971), Sim Tjong (1972).

Orchestral Colloides sonores for string orchestra (1961), Dimensionen for orchestra (1971).

Concertos cello (1976), flute (1977).

Symphonies no. 1 (1983), no. 2 (1984), no. 3 (1985), no. 4 ‘Singing in the Dark’ (1986), no. 5 for baritone and orchestra (1987).

Choral with orchestra cycle Om Mani padame hum for soprano, baritone, chorus, and orchestra (1964); Der weise Mann for baritone, chorus, and small orchestra (1977).

Chamber four string quartets, piano trio (1975), Pièce concertante for chamber ensemble (1977), flute quartet (1988).