Customer Reviews

Tides and Sand: The Art of the Chinese Hammered Dulcimer

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

You don't have to be a lover of traditional Chinese music to enjoy this album -- but if you are, you will all the more appreciate this CD's breadth of expression. Some pieces are decidedly traditional in flavor (Spring Arrives on the Qin River, for example); others are crafted with a Romantic flair (Beautiful Africa); still others belong to the realm of folk music (Tibetan Dance) -- but all are unmistakably Chinese. The entire album is compiled with a keen sense of balance and "flow." Sisi Chen's playing is breathtaking, and she truly tells a unique and living story with each piece. Once heard this album will surely become a favorite.

I had such high hopes, based upon the one review above and the little snippets of songs on the samples. I guess I should have listened more carefully, because although the playing itself is lovely and Ms. Chen is indeed a fine musician, the instrument is so out of tune as to render the CD unlistenable in my opinion. I played hammered dulcimer for years and know first hand that it is an extremely hard instrument to tune and to keep in tune, as the tuning pegs are not geared like many other stringed instruments and there are like a zillion strings with many tuned to exactly the same note. While one is performing, particularly outside, it can be difficult to maintain good tuning, but when one is recording an album, there is no excuse not to retune if necessary.

The first cut isn't too bad, but starting with cut two, oh my! The dulcimer is so out of tune in places that it is absolutely painful and is particularly evident because of the many octaves and unisons inherent in the music. And it's not because Chinese music uses different notes than those used in Western music or that these pieces just seem out of tune to the Western ear. I've heard and loved anough Chinese music to know that the lack of attention to perfect tuning on this recording is not indicative the style. Again, the tunes are lovely and the artistry of Ms. Chen is unmistakable, but for either musicians or non-musicians with good ears, I'd say: Stay away from this one. You'll want to hurt someone within six minutes.

I was reading the reviews prior to the download, and I'm honest saying that I don't have any expertise in music or anyting like, I just enjoy it and so far it's all I can offer; If I'm going to listen chinese instruments, obviously I have to prepare myself (as well as my ears) for the notes that the dulcimer offers, but if I can stand 4 hours of Metallica real loud with headphones :), sure I can appreciate the quality of the sound that the dulcimer offers!!! Is just a matter of culture!!!