Music Talks China Plus
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- Music
Feast your ears on the musical classics of the east with MUSIC TALKS, the Middle Kingdom’s mashup of classical music and in-depth discussions with some of China’s most celebrated orchestral professionals. Experience the instruments, get some perspective, feel the pulse of antiquity.
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The Flying Dutchman: Igniting China-Germany cultural fusion through Wagner
In April of 2024, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, China, presented German composer Richard Wagner’s enduring and epic opera "The Flying Dutchman". The production received enormous acclaim from Chinese audiences for its spectacular stage design and masterful performances.
In this special episode of Music Talks, we will talk with conductor of the performance Marcus Bosch, bass-baritone Ólafur Sigurdarson, and Ms. Wei Lanfen, Director of the Production Department of the NCPA. Let’s dive into the world of Wagner's timeless masterpiece "The Flying Dutchman". -
Jiangnan Rhythms: The Mystique of Silk Threads and Bamboo Melodies
Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music is a cherished folk instrumental tradition in southern China. From its ancient origins to its modern-day significance, this episode highlights the evolution of this musical heritage, and its role in contemporary society. There are insights from experts and performers, as well as captivating musical performances, shedding light on the cultural heritage, social functions, and improvisational essence that continue to define Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music.
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Flowers Blooming in Qingming: Traditional Chinese Music Reflecting the Essence of Spring
The traditional Chinese festival Qingming Festival is commemorated to honor and pay respects to ancestors. Flowers such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies, which bloom during the Qingming Festival, carry profound cultural connotations. They serve as emotional symbols to express respect and nostalgia for deceased loved ones, while also symbolizing the vitality and hope of life.
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Sanxian: A Revered Icon of the Chinese Musical Tradition
The Sanxian is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It belongs to the plucked lute family and is widely played in various genres of Chinese music, including traditional folk music, opera, and contemporary compositions. It holds a revered place in Chinese musical culture, embodying centuries of tradition.
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Jizhong Sheng-guan Music: Field Music concert
The Jizhong Sheng-guan Music, a traditional genre prevalent in the Jizhong Plain region of China has been playing an important role in the people's lives for centuries. Its instrumentation, performance styles, and historical background established its distinctive status in folk activities and ceremonies.
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Di and Xiao: Chronicles of Chinese Flutes
The sound of Di, echoing through imperial courts and bustling marketplaces alike, has weaved melodies that transcended time and still resonate with collective memories of generations. The mellifluous tones of the Xiao, melting into the serene landscapes and through ancient pavilions, evoke a beauty that mirrors the soulful tranquility of traditional Chinese ink paintings.