On June the 21st I had the great pleasure to attend an evening about the Erhu Music at Shanghai Conservatoire.
`I did not understand the conference, but I certainly enjoyed all the different types of music played by talented artists on this magic instrument with only two strings.
Before I went to this special evening I made some research on the web about the music which was going to be performed.
Among the pieces was the most famous one called 'Moon reflected on Second Spring'. (link to the article in "Hidden Harmonies)
In Shanghai I did not have access to youtube but I found a marvellous site with a whole article on this famous Erhu music and I was moved to tears by the music, the life story of its composer.
This post has both versions of this moving tune, the genuine one played by its composer, Abing, and a modern version.
All my thanks to the blogger of 'Hidden harmonies' which is not only fantastic for this particularly Erhu music.
On China as well, it is an endless source of information.
The concert Hall was packed. It was the music school music festival and the last conference on the Erhu. There were music teachers, lots of children and young people ! certainly not the dead atmosphere which is felt in our concert halls.
Way cool, Yvette! :oD I heard erhu playing when growing up in Thailand, but not in many years. The Thais have a couple of similar instruments, I think, with 2 or 3 strings. I didn't like them because the tempo was always so slow (and I was a rather hyper kid). Must go and find some clips on Youtube now. Thanks very much to you! ;o)
ReplyDeleteDear Smorgy ! thanks for stopping by! I enjoyed several musical outings this time. I am somehow very moved by this tune.So you have experienced this type of music? then it is part of you!
ReplyDeleteFascinating stuff, Yvette! I love hearing music which is challenging to our sanitised Western ears and, as you say, it can be most moving. It seems your Eastern adventure was more invigorating this time?
ReplyDeleteHello Eyes! I am glad to answer your very sensible post, sanitised indeed... and dead audience when they are the proper concert goers educated and well bred... well I have met other type of people and I experienced three music Halls. Each time it was responding participating audience and what could be irritating here became normal after I realised that Mozart's audience were even worse! What is striking is the number of kids at opera houses (like Yi fi theater,I went three times!!!)and concert halls. Well yes I had a great time because I managed to travel down town SHANGHAI by myself and meet people in various places. I am working (so to speak!) on my best experiences ... By the way I listened to Janet Baker's interview chez vous, what a wonderful person and so young...! (Joyce sounded older and less at ease in oneself, strange.. may be it would have been better if Alice Coote had been the interviewer) ! Have a nice and peaceful week-end!
ReplyDeleteYes, I suspect that JB, being so English, would seem fairly formidable and Coote may have been more ar ease.
DeleteLooking forward to more Tales from the Orient!