Featured in the Fall 2014 Issue – Art Of The Times
Silk, bone, and snakeskin. With their rich adornments and slender necks, the ancient instruments of China are full in sound. However, they are also gracious in form. Today, the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra brings these ancient sounds to the modern stage.
Consider the pipa, also known as “the king” of Chinese instruments. During the Tang Dynasty, poet Bai Juyi immortalized this instrument. He compared the notes of the pipa to “pearls large and small” tumbling onto a jade plate.
The Soulful Erhu
The erhu, on the other hand, has a more soulful character. With only two strings and a snakeskin head, it may appear simple. Yet, it is richly expressive. The Chinese say this bowed instrument is the closest to the human voice.
Historically, the erhu’s strings were made of stranded silk. In today’s noisy world, they have been replaced with steel. This change represents a mixture of traditional form and modern innovation.
East Meets West
Innovation and cultural exchange have always been the hallmarks of Chinese music. Currently, there is no better example of this than the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra.
As a grand 100-piece ensemble, the orchestra represents an evolution in classical music. It features Chinese soloists wholly integrated into a Western ensemble. Consequently, the music is imbued with a grandeur that was likely unimaginable in ancient times.
Sitting right in front of the conductor, you will find the pipa and the erhu. Meanwhile, the percussion section reveals treasures like the tang drum and singing bowl.
A Feat of Harmony
Combining the best of East and West is not simple. Because the West uses equal temperament tuning, it differs from Chinese systems. Thus, the musicians of the Shen Yun Symphony Orchestra must work closely together to create consonance.
The results of this partnership expand the world of possibilities. For example, in the piece Ladies of the Manchu Court, the erhu carries the melody alongside a trumpet. Neither is the accompaniment; both are playing soli.
Ultimately, an evening with this orchestra is a soulful exploration. It offers a chance to hear a breakthrough in classical music through the seamless fusion of East and West.
