Chinasong

et al Gang Chen (Composer) (Artist)

Product Details

• Audio CD (November 26, 2002)
• SPARS Code: DDD
• Number of Discs: 1
• Label: Delos Records
• ASIN: B00007FE3T
• In-Print Editions: MP3 Download
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (4 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #222,588 in Music (See Bestsellers in Music)

Editorial Reviews

The Strad
...vividly detailed, diverse and beautiful works... the Five Yunnan Songs...are brought vibrantly into three dimensions in this lush, rich arrangement...Reflections of the Moon in the Er-Quan Spring... is well-loved enough to have been referred to as the Chinese version of Barber's Adagio... sensitively arranged collection of songs...

From the Artist
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. -- Yi-Wen Jiang

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

17 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A true work of art., October 5, 2003

By	L. C - See all my reviews

Once in a while, one leaves the performance in complete awe and is unable to find the words to laud it to the extent it deserves. The Shanghai Quartet's recent new CD titled "ChinaSong" arranged by its violinist Yi-Wen Jiang was a true work of art.

Each piece was played to perfection. Classics in the Chinese folk music repertoire, they are recognizable from the first strains of each piece. I am certain the Quartet's performance of these classics evoked compelling emotions in many listeners. It would have been difficult not to have felt something stir within. There is no way I can overstate the brilliance of these showings.

Shanghai Quartet is technically flawless. However, to me, that accounted for only part of the sheer wonder of its performance. The Quartet distinguishes itself with its sound, which is mellifluous, intimate and at the same time, immensely passionate. It has the rare ability to sound like one whole while retaining the individuality of each performer and his instrument. Four distinct sounds as one, I was completely enthralled.

13 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Great CD!!!, June 13, 2003

By	JJ Johnson (Chicago, IL) - See all my reviews

One of the best Chinese Albums I have ever heared. Smart arrangements, beautiful music played by a world class quartet.

16 of 18 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Excellent Disc., February 4, 2003

By A Customer

...this is an album by the Shanghai Quartet. All of the folk tunes on it were arranged by one of the two violinists in the group, Yiwen Jiang. The tunes are masterfully arranged, beautifully recorded, and expertly performed by this group of supreme expressive calibur. It's a great disc! ...