Zipangu (Vivier)

[5][6] Zipangu was later written in 1980 as a Japanese-infused work for string orchestra, with elements of South Indian Carnatic music (dronal imitation of the tanbur, rhythmic tala, further raga manipulation and chalanata, etc.

[9][10] The piece was completed in Vivier's Montreal apartment on 13 August 1980, and premiered on 4 April 1981, as part of the "New Music Concerts" program at the University of Toronto in Ontario, Canada.

[14] The notes given by Vivier in the finished manuscript, with English translation: « Zipangu » était le nom donné au Japon à l'époque de Marco Polo.

A colourful sound is obtained by applying exaggerated bow pressure on the strings as opposed to pure harmonics when returning to normal technique.

"river opera") portraying the explorers life, entitled Rêves d'un Marco Polo — only the prelude has survived, and it remains one of his most performed compositions.