Program

金蛇狂舞 | The Fiery Dance of the Golden Snake 

"Dance of the Golden Snake" is one of China’s most celebrated traditional masterpieces, reimagined here in a vibrant arrangement for a two-part guzheng ensemble. Composed in 1934 by the pioneer of modern Chinese music, Nie Er, the piece is a brilliant adaptation of the traditional Jiangnan folk melody Dao Ba Ban (Backward Eight Beats), originally depicting the electrifying atmosphere of a festive dragon boat race.

In this two-part ensemble version, the percussive energy of the original orchestration is dynamically translated onto the twenty-one strings of the guzheng. The two parts engage in a breathless musical dialogue using the traditional technique "Luosi Jieding" (Spiral Shell Top). As the musical phrases rapidly contract and echo between the instruments, the glissandi, sharp plucking, and syncopated rhythms create an accelerating call-and-response. This intricate interplay builds a powerful, driving momentum that propels the piece toward a thrilling, joyful climax.

茉莉花 | Jasmine Flower 

Although it is known as an iconic folk song from China, It subtly conveys the simple and sincere sentiments of the working people, as well as their yearning for truth, goodness, and beauty. 

Originating from the Jiangsu Province during the Qing Dynasty (with roots dating back as early as the Ming Dynasty), "Mò Lì Huā" is a tender celebration of purity, fragrance, and the delicate beauty of the white jasmine blossom. Built upon a traditional Chinese pentatonic scale and tied to the soft cadence of the Yangzhou dialect, the song balances gentle admiration with a touch of youthful hesitation—capturing a speaker who longs to pluck the flower, yet hesitates out of shyness or respect for the garden.

Over the centuries, this quintessential melody transcended its regional origins to become an unofficial musical ambassador for China. It gained Western classical renown when Giacomo Puccini wove its theme into his 1926 opera Turandot, and it has since been featured on global stages, including the opening ceremony of the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

伊犁河畔 | On the Banks of Yili 

This piece evokes the unique flavors of Chinese minority music using the Guzheng.  Taking the Uyghur “Sainaimu” style from Xinjiang province as its inspiration, this piece brings together a Chinese instrument with Minority music, using the Guzheng to express the rhythm and flavor of the Uyghur people.  This music takes us to the banks of the Yili River at the foot of Mount Tianshan and depicts the beauty of the scenery and the joyful atmosphere of the people singing and dancing.

彝族舞曲 | The Dance of the Yi Tribe  

The Yi people have a rich cultural heritage rooted in music, dance, festivals, and communal celebrations. The Dance of the Yi Tribe brings this spirited tradition to life through the expressive voice of the guzheng, with lively rhythms and flowing melodies evoking the joy of people gathering in music and movement.

Dance is a universal expression of the human spirit, transcending language, culture, and generations. In the same way, music reminds us of our shared humanity and our innate desire to connect and celebrate. As part of Embracing Your Seasons, this piece is a joyful reminder that life moves through many rhythms — moments of reflection, seasons of growth, and, above all, times when we simply let go and dance.

雲裳訴 | Lament of the Cloud-Robe

Composed in 2002 by acclaimed composer Zhou Yuguo at the request of guzheng virtuoso Yuan Sha, Yun Shang Su is a modern concerto that brings together the ancient, earthy voice of the Shaanxi Qin zither and the sweeping grandeur of contemporary orchestral expression. Expanded from Zhou’s earlier work, Charm of the Homeland, the composition evokes the fleeting splendor of a bygone era and the timeless emotions of the human heart.

Inspired by the legendary romance between Emperor Xuanzong of the Tang Dynasty and his beloved consort, Yang Guifei, the work draws upon the poignant narrative of Bai Juyi’s epic poem, The Song of Everlasting Sorrow. Its title finds its poetic roots in Li Bai’s celebrated verse: “At the sight of clouds, I recall her flowing robes; at the sight of blossoms, her radiant face.”

Through the imagery of these ethereal cloud-like robes, the music transports us to the opulence and splendor of the High Tang court, while gently revealing the sorrow, longing, and impermanence that lie beneath its beauty. It is a musical reflection on love, memory, and the fleeting nature of all things magnificent.

將軍詠嘆調  | General's Aria 

An unfolding tale of war through the eyes of a general, performed by Winnie Wong and CSME’s Silk Ensemble on the guzheng.

General' Aria takes the listener on a Soul-stirring cinematic journey through the emotional landscape of war, inspired by the melodies of the original composition General's Command. The piece transforms fragments of this earlier work, reimagining them into a sweeping narrative that follows a General from the first distant echoes of the war drums to the final surge of victory.

Through the expressive tones of the guzheng, General's Aria explores themes of duty, loss, and hope. The original melody serves as a foundation, evolving to depict the havoc of battle, the sorrow of destruction, and the fierce determination to protect and prevail. Each movement builds upon this transformation—turning past themes into a vivid portrayal of a soldier’s internal and external struggle, where every note speaks of the agony, passion, and ultimate triumph of war.

戰颱風  |  Battling the Typhoon

Composed in 1965 by Wang Cangyuan, Battling the Typhoon vividly portrays the indomitable spirit of pier laborers as they confront one of nature’s fiercest tempests. The music unfolds like a cinematic journey—from the bustling energy of the docks and the ominous approach of the storm, to the workers’ valiant struggle against the raging winds, and finally, the triumphant calm that follows their victory.

With its powerful rhythms and evocative melodies, this distinctive work immerses listeners in both the physical and emotional intensity of the storm.

In 2018, Ms. Wong reimagined this piece for guzheng ensemble, expanding its dramatic scope enhancing the natural elements of mother nature’s wrath through guzheng effects and the addition of drums and percussion. The new arrangement deepens the sonic landscape, bringing the typhoon’s raw, untamed force vividly to life—transforming this classic composition into a multi-sensory experience that is as exhilarating as it is moving.

青花瓷 | Blue Porcelain

The lyrics express the idea that the woman's beauty is like a work of art, hidden for ages and revealed through careful observation.

The song expresses the anticipation of meeting someone, and how their presence is worth the wait. The imagery of "blue and white porcelain" represents the timeless beauty and grace of the person they are longing for. The lyrics mention the desire to meet this person and how their presence is like a piece of art, beautiful and intriguing. The repeated refrain, "天青色等烟雨 而我在等你" (I'm waiting for you under the blue sky, while the mist and rain await), emphasizes the patient longing for their loved one.

Overall, the lyrics evoke a sense of yearning and appreciation for the beauty and presence of a special person, using artistic and natural imagery to convey the depth of their feelings.