Masterpieces of Chinese Music: A Musical Performance by Music from China

The speaker introduces the topic of music from China, highlighting a group celebrating its 25th anniversary with a relationship to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. The group is known for concerts, a composers competition at Merkin Hall, commissioned music, family programs, and a youth orchestra. The audience is encouraged to learn to play Chinese instruments. The music to be heard is described as masterpieces of the repertoire, featuring a string ensemble from the 'Silk and Bamboo Chinese Ensemble,' which includes unique string and percussion instruments.

The paragraph delves into the specifics of the instruments that will be played, including the Ran R UA, the hammered dulcimer (Yangqing), and the J and Guang. The history of these instruments is explored, with mentions of their origins and the cultural significance they hold, such as the DAR run dating back to the Tong Dynasty. The hammered dulcimer's Middle Eastern origins and adaptation into Chinese music over 400 years is also noted. The paragraph concludes with the anticipation of the ensemble's performance, starting with southern style Chinese music.

This paragraph is a collection of applause and music notations, indicating a live performance setting where the audience is responding to the music being played. Specific details about the music or the performance are not provided in the text.

The speaker discusses the use of different types of U (a Chinese string instrument) by the musician Wangu, highlighting the differences in sound between the GAO (higher pitched) and the regular U. A duet between the GU J and the AR is introduced, titled 'Fisherman's Night Song,' which is described as a peaceful scene of nature, depicting the return of fishermen to their homes and families.

Four musicians perform a northern style folk song called 'Crescent Moon at Dawn,' which captures the tranquility of the early morning. The use of the Banu, a northern instrument with a wooden soundboard, is noted for its piercing and energetic sound. The music's soft and lively nature is emphasized, along with the cultural significance of the crescent moon in Chinese culture.

The paragraph discusses a popular Cantonese song associated with the Mid-Autumn Festival, a major folk festival in China. The song, 'Autumn Moon over a Tranquil Lake,' is played during family gatherings and lantern hangings in the evening. The full moon symbolizes the life cycle and family reunion, making it an important part of the celebration.

The music transitions to a nature-related piece titled 'Birds in the Forest,' followed by a solo on the aood (a Chinese string instrument) called 'Variations on the Song of Yang Guan.' This music is based on a famous poem from the Tang Dynasty by Wang Wei, expressing sentiments of parting with a dear friend. The poem and its musical adaptation are described, emphasizing the historical and cultural significance of the piece.

The Jun, another Chinese string instrument, is featured in a solo performance titled 'Ravens Frolic in the Wintry Water.' The music of this instrument is discussed in terms of regional styles, particularly the kja style from southern China, which is pentatonic. The technique of raising the third scale degree by half a step is highlighted, contributing to the piece's playful and descriptive nature.

The performance moves to Mongolian music with the introduction of a larger resonator instrument from the hoochi family, called the J, which means medium size. The music 'Grass on the Grass Land' reflects the open geography of Mongolia and the nomadic lifestyle of its people. The tungu instrument imitates a Mongolian cello-like instrument, the morer, and the performance includes elements of throat singing, creating a vivid tableau of life on the Mongolian steppes.

The program concludes with a rousing Mongolian horse race song, which is not detailed in the text but is implied to be a dynamic and spirited piece that encapsulates the energy of the Mongolian culture and its renowned equestrian traditions.