Search - Chinese Traditional :: Hard to Say Goodbye: Duets with Qin and Xiao

Divine Sounds Of The Ch'in & Heavenly Sounds Of The Xiao

Kean Chhay Chang | Vic, Australia | 03/24/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"Qin (also spelt ch'in) and dong xiao (vertical notched flute) I must say is the most beautiful tones I have ever heard. The unique sound of ch'in with its primordial tones and the wonderful timbre of the dong xiao creating a very mellow and fluid like texture is wonderful to the ear. The ch'in is rarely accompanied by another traditional Chinese musical instrument... however one exception is the dong xiao only played as a duet. I found it lovely and mellow as well as divine to hear two instruments married together in tones, timbre, texture and sounds which makes it sound like a time had forgotten. This to me the ch'in duet with the dong xiao is apogee of classical ch'in music. Ch'in music at its best, the sounds are so meditative, relaxing and sooths the soul... there is a sense of calmness with the music, which I found pretty enjoyable. The tracks and compositions played in the recording are wonderful and I found that great care has been taken to select the appropriate ones featured here in the recording. Most of the music is quite enjoyable but there is an expression and atmosphere of sadness in the compositions which makes it very unusual and I guess in most ch'in music its usually about nature, thought and human emotions... which is true once the dong xiao accompanies the ch'in which makes it even more moving, stirring the human thought and mind and also our deepest reccesses of our hearts. The first track could be so with the dong xiao and its wonderful sounds which flows like human emotions out into the open air while the ch'in is heavy and gives it that unique sound. Track two I enjoyed listening to the most... its a very well known story of how a daughter of a famous ch'in player was sent to marry someone in a foreign land much similar to lady Wang Zhao and also Zhao Jun. Very mournful and full of sorrow, regret and despair and sadness as the dong xiao weaves its own embellishment over the ch'in and the ch'in once again becomes the primordial surfacing and re-surfacing join in the union of one sound and to float around and come back again like in ones emotions would be when its in limbo.The Buddhist Chant as the liner note mentions is very descriptive. The ch'in becomes like a prayer bell which strikes the beat and the dong xiao has become like the burning incense which delivers the prayers to heaven. The other classical is Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbanks. I have heard many ch'in versions of this piece in solos however to hear it as a duet is very astounding. Such quality of the sounds and a multitude of colour from both instruments must be the most beautiful thing to express the wild geese flying around and looking for a place to land. Ingenious way to convery and capture nature in sound. Many more tracks are so enjoyable. Great for afternoon dinner or just afternoon relaxation while watching the sun set as the music is mournful but yet offers a contrast to the sounds and textures that haven't been heard before.Most of the tracks are ch'in classicals and well known compositions that have been around for generations and are considered virtuoso. I found them very different because, espcially with the dong xiao as a duet, it creates something different yet unique however, the music itself is never blurred compared with most music that I have heard. However the ch'in duet with the dong xiao retains all its characteristic themes for the composition, however except one track which is track 10 "The Variations of the Plum Blossom" which I found very different from the ones that I am used to hearing being played. However I guess that could have been because, the musicians were interpreting from the manuscripts which do vary from one period to period in regards to emphasis of sections of the piece. I found that the liner notes are full of information describing the ch'in as an instrument honoured above all others and the origin of the dong xiao. Pictures also appear to let the listener know what shape or form they appear in. Each track contains information and also stories about the piece which is very helpful for the listener who will try and gain mood and atmosphere of each track. The musicians themselves are very skilled in their art. Time and effort and love went into these recording. I also got to thank the musicians for putting in their best peformance... its not everyday that you would come across such lovely music. Through the dong xiao and the ch'in they have expressed what each piece represents through their own interpretation. They played through their hearts which is good as one can hear from both instruments. The recording is just wonderful as well. Crisp and clear... the quality is overall excellent.Overall I give it the thumbs up. If you want to hear something a little bit more different with simple tones and timbres as well as sounds then this one is for you."