With Lunar New Year coming up this weekend, take a few minutes to listen to these ear-opening Chinese classics. While traditional tunes are the backbone of Chinese classical music, the musicians are extremely resourceful in arranging them to new contexts; there is no “essential” presentation of these tunes. That’s why this list is as much about the players of the music as the tunes.
- Wu Man, Ambushed Again. Wu Man is an internationally renowned virtuoso on the pipa, the Chinese lute. On this track her fingers are flying, and you can hear half a dozen characters. Read an interview with her, including a couple of videos.
- The Silk Road Ensemble, Mido Mountain. The Silk Road Ensemble was cellist Yo Yo Ma’s idea — master musicians from along the ancient Silk Road trading route from China to Europe playing music from the different traditions together. Mido Mountain is a traditional tune given the all-star treatment here.
- Tan Dun, Desert Capriccio from Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. Tan Dun is a frequent collaborator with Yo Yo Ma, who plays on the composer’s soundtrack to the martial arts movie Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon. This track begins quietly, but the rhythms build to an action-filled finish.
- Xu Fei Yang, Heavenly Bird. Xu Fei Yang is a Chinese guitarist and on this 2005 album, Si Ji (Four Seasons) she plays a number of classic, traditional tunes. This track features a gentle melody; listen to the cool, percussive intro.
- Chen/ He Butterfly Lovers Concerto. Probably the most famous piece of Chinese classical music, it was written for Western instruments in a Romantic style. Here it is complete, for those of you who missed it at last week’s concerts. Read about it here.
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