Music at Noon Concert Program, January 25, 2024

Jan. 23, 2024

Performers

Lina Cao, guzheng
Jerzy Kaplanek, violin
Katie Schlaikjer, cello
Brennan Connolly, percussion
Joesph Ferretti, piano
Snow Bai, erhu

Program

Suzhou City by Yuanqing Li (b.1985)

Tango: Dance of Strings by Peggy Chan Pui Ian (b. 2000)

Singing the Night Among Fishing Boats Ancient Theme, arr. Fan Mo (b. 1949)

Ancient Traveler by Jun Wei (b. 1947)

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Dun Tan (b. 1957), arr. Le Liu (b. 1985)

Program Notes

Suzhou City by Yuanqing Li (b. 1985）
North American premiere

The composition "Suzhou City" is divided into three parts: "Eternal Canglang," "Shantang by the Seven Li," and "The Gate of the Orient." The composer selected three iconic landmarks and structures in the city, namely "Canglang Pavilion," "Shantang Street," and "The Gate of the Orient." Through the portrayal and expression of music, the intention is to present the spiritual essence and infinite charm of the composer's hometown, Suzhou, from three perspectives: "history," "Jiangnan," and "modern."

Tango: Dance of Strings by Peggy Chan Pui Ian (b. 2000)
North American premiere

This piece was composed in 2023, drawing inspiration from Argentine tango dance, showcasing the author's unique approach to combining the guzheng and tango music. The composition incorporates rhythmic and musical elements of tango dance steps, infusing the music with a sense of allure. In the middle section, a lyrical melody vividly depicts the composer's yearning for exotic charm and a beautiful life, with smooth and dynamic musical lines. The following section features a rhythmic and lively fast-paced segment, concluding in the intense rhythm of the tango, creating a tension-filled entirety for the composition.

Singing the Night Among Fishing Boats Ancient Theme, arr. Fan Mo (b. 1949)

This is a classical-style guzheng piece from Henan province in China. The music depicts the sunset casting its glow on the vast expanse of water, where fishermen leisurely enjoy their time, and the fishing boats gradually drifting away with the waves, creating a beautiful scene. Since the 1930s, this piece has been the most widely circulated and influential solo Zheng composition in China. After the founding of the People's Republic of China, the renowned musician Mr. Guoquan Li adapted and composed it into a violin piece under the same title, achieving widespread circulation worldwide.

Ancient Traveler by Jun Wei (b. 1947)

"Ancient Traveler" is a uniquely styled new Qin (a type of Chinese zheng) artistic piece, created by Professor Wei Jun from the Department of Folk Music at Xi'an Conservatory of Music in 2015. It follows the ancient Silk Road, tracing the long vanished ancient oasis kingdom—Kucha in the desert for a thousand years.

"Longing for your magically beautiful existence, once spreading divine principles and civilization. Along the way, the heart recalls the brilliance and glory you once possessed."

Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon by Dun Tan (b. 1957), arr. Le Liu (b. 1985)

This piece is orchestrated based on the music composed by Mr. Dun Tan for the film "Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon." It employs a sectional structure and the unique colors of ethnic instruments to create music scenarios with a martial arts style, such as the billowing desert winds and sword dances in bamboo groves. The music features emotional ups and downs, deeply stirring the soul, portraying a free and unrestrained yet chivalrous and tender spirit reminiscent of martial arts heroes and heroines.