This work is a four movement suite written for cello and piano inspired by the four parts of China: “Hunan”, “Tibet”, “Hailongjiang”, and “Hong Kong”. These four regions of China, each with its own distinct culture and magnificent landscapes, are presented in a musical journey that tells the stories, sceneries, and human experiences in a poetic approach.
The music of “Hunan” is invented from a Chinese folk song 節氣歌 “The Song of the Solar Terms”- an old tune that sung by ancient ancestors in compliance with the agricultural season, observing the movement of celestial bodies, and understanding the changing laws of natural rhythms. The tranquil yet joyful nature of the music is a sentimental memoir of an individual growing up in the city of Lixian in Hunan: playing in the rivers while watching her grandmother washing clothes, the description of lush greeneries of hills with orange trees and the smell of tea leaves.
“Tibet” is an imaginary train ride through the Himalayas to the city of Lhasa. Music is grand and vibrant, depicting the breathtaking landscape of Himalayas, the exciting journey through the city of Lhasa to worship in the golden temples, hearing the sound of the chanting of the monks, and feel the pulse of the city when vendors and visitors mingle.
The music of “Heilongjiang” is inspired by the name “The Black Dragon River”- which is one of China’s four great rivers unfurling up to Russia in the north. The vigorous and dramatic first section imagines a dance of the “Black Dragon” to symbolize the province’s fierce winters and the dormant volcanoes of Wudalian Chi beckon beyond the capital Harbin. The tranquil second section is a winter lullaby relating to the famous ice festivals when locals celebrate the cold winters with warm hearts.
“Hong Kong” captures the night scenes where locals gather at the harbor and lively night markets. Music unfolds the magical view of the Victoria Harbor glittering with city lights, there are the sounds of street performers singing and playing traditional instruments. One can interpret the “convergence” of mixing musical elements through a series of encounters in a cosmopolitan city, and the nostalgia of past and present through political challenges.
This piece is commissioned by the wonderful duo cellist Leah Plave and pianist Tong Wang through the generous support of the Canada Council for the Arts.
