【聆聽中國】(Xiaokanshijie)

專輯英文名: Chinasong
藝術家: Shanghai Quartet
發行時間: 2002年
Label: Delos Records


專輯介紹：

The enchanting arrangements of favorite Chinese folk songs were created by Yi-Wen Jiang, the Quartet’s second violinist; a labor of love on his part, and some years in the process. Everywhere the Quartet plays a group of these song arrangements, they are an instant hit with audiences.

Yi-Wen Jiang writes:
“Some years ago I developed the idea of arranging a few sets of Chinese folk songs along with popular music by various Chinese composers. I grew up with many of these pieces, and played some as solo works for violin and piano during the difficult days of the Cultural Revolution.

“These works are short and diverse, some based upon traditional folk songs, and others composed recently. Although their musical style is not structured or sophisticated, the pieces seem to be accessible and enjoyable for a general audience. The themes speak to the individual listener because they are expressive, direct and easily absorbed and understood. I asked myself: "Why not arrange them for string quartet, which is the form I love the most? That way I can play beautiful Chinese music again and also bring it to a wider audience with my group, the Shanghai Quartet."

“I sifted through many songs and began arranging them for string quartet or small ensemble. Some of the folk songs are usually performed by a singer, violin, or piano; or by Chinese traditional instruments such as the Pipa, Erhu or Suona (a double-reed wind instrument, almost like an oboe), and Bamboo flute. But I didn't want simply to imitate traditional Chinese instruments when we play those pieces. I tried to make the harmony and the structure closer to traditional western styles. The idea is that Chinese music can be played on western instruments and thus can be enjoyed internationally.”


Shanghai Quartet
The Shanghai Quartet is a string quartet that formed in 1983. The quartet is made up of four members: first violinist Weigang Li, second violinist Yi-Wen Jiang, violist Honggang Li, and cellist Nicholas Tzavaras. The group’s tours have included North America, South America, Japan, China, Australia, New Zealand, and Europe. Among their performances, the Shanghai Quartet has developed a long list of performance collaborators including Yo-Yo Ma, David Soyer, Eugenia Zukerman, Sharon Isbin, Ruth Laredo, Arnold Steinhardt, and Chanticleer.

The group was formed in 1983 at the Shanghai Conservatory in China. In 1984 the quartet was selected by the Ministry of Culture (China) to compete at the Portsmouth International Quartet Competition in England where they won 2nd prize. The group then left China in 1985 to study at Northern Illinois University with the Vermeer Quartet until 1987. The Shanghai Quartet made its New York debut in 1987 at Town Hall. In 1989 they became the quartet-in-residence at the University of Richmond. In 2003 the quartet became Distinguished Visiting Artists of the school’s Modlin Center for the Arts, giving concerts during the Great Performances season from September to May. They then were established as artists-in-residency at the John J. Cali School of Music at Montclair State University in New Jersey where they are currently located. The four members are also visiting guest professors at the Shanghai Conservatory and Central Conservatory of Music in China where they share in master-classes what they have learned in America.


專輯曲目:

1. Miao Mountain Morning, Composed by Gang Chen
2. Yunnan Folk Songs (1) Dali Girl, for piano, Composed by Jian-Zhong Wang
3. Yunnan Folk Songs (2) Following the Brother, for piano, Composed by Jian-Zhong Wang
4. Yunnan Folk Songs (3) Puzzle Tune, for piano, Composed by Jian-Zhong Wang
5. Yunnan Folk Songs (4) Mountain Song, for piano, Composed by Jian-Zhong Wang
6. Yunnan Folk Songs (5) Dragon Lantern Tune, for piano, Composed by Jian-Zhong Wang
7. Erquan spring reflecting the moon, Composed by Yan-jun Hua
8. Caprice (in the style of an Henan folk song), for violin & piano, Composed by Cheng-Qian Xue
9. Pastoral Song, for violin & piano, Composed by Han Kun Sha
10. Celebrating at Harvest, for violin & piano, Composed by Jing-ping Zhang
11. Liuyang River, for piano (trans. by Wang Jian-Zhong), Composed by Bi-Guang Tang
12. Young Soldier's Joy (in the style of a Shandong folk song), for violin & piano, Composed by Qi-Ming Lu
13. Temple Fair, for piano A Busker's Little Tune, Composed by Zu-Xin Jiang
14. Temple Fair, for piano Double Dance, Composed by Zu-Xin Jiang
15. Yao Dance, Composed by Tie-Shan Liu, Mao Yuan
16. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 1) Morning Song, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
17. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 2) Echo in a Deep Valley, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
18. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 3) Lyrical Tune, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
19. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 4) Xuanzi Dance, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
20. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 5) Spring in Chengdu, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
21. Pictures from Bashu (Sichuan folk song 6) Evening Dance at Aba, for piano, Composed by Hu-Wei Huang with Eugenia Zukerman
22. Shandong Folk Suite, for piano Native Tune, Composed by Shi-Quang Cui
23. Shandong Folk Suite, for piano Drizzle, Composed by Shi-Guang Cui
24. Red flowers in bloom, Composed by Qi Liu