Music

When Xiao Zhan's studio announced the global release of his album We / Us / Wild on March 14, even they might not have anticipated the storm it would unleash within 24 hours-all without pre-promotion, no music show performances, and zero TikTok hype. Day One Triumph: Numbers That Speak Volumes Within eight hours of release, the album topped iTunes charts in 19 countries. By the next day, that number had climbed to 21 No. 1s and 41 high rankings globally, securing the second spot on the worldwide album chart. What's more shocking is its dominance in Japan, a notoriously insular market where the Mandarin album debuted at No. 1 on iTunes. In the U.S., it rose from No. 2 to claim the top spot, with its music video also hitting first place. A foreign music critic remarked, "This isn't just a win for Chinese music-it's a triumph of emotional resonance." Unlike K-pop groups that flood global markets with multilingual tracks and worldwide tours, his Mandarin-only album shattered cultural barriers through raw authenticity. His Milan Fashion Week appearances, Cannes Film Festival teasers for The Legend of Eagle Shooter, and casual Barcelona postcards shared on social media became subtle catalysts for this…

In the quiet countryside, life moves at a slower pace, governed by the rhythm of the seasons and the sound of nature. My cousin, raised in this world of simplicity, found his own rhythm—a melody played on a flute he made himself. His flute was not just an instrument; it was a living, breathing connection to the natural world, a voice that carried the essence of the bamboo it was born from, and the moonlight under which it was crafted. Crafting a Flute from Patience and Moonlight My cousin wasn't just a farmer's son; he was a patient artist. In his family’s backyard stood a cluster of bamboo, and from it, he would cut the most perfect, straight piece. He chose the bamboo not for its beauty, but for its uniformity—he needed the smoothest, strongest segments to shape into his instrument. The true challenge, however, was hollowing out the bamboo. This delicate work required endless patience. By day, he worked with his parents in the fields, but when night fell, under the dim glow of the moon, he became a craftsman. With nothing but a flattened piece of iron wire, he meticulously scraped away the inside of the bamboo, segment…

In recent years, a unique fusion of traditional Chinese opera and modern music, known as "opera songs" (戏歌), has captivated audiences across China. Songs like "Wan Jiang (万江)," "Tan Chuang (探窗)," "Chi Ling (赤伶)," and "You Shan Lian (游山恋)" have gained immense popularity online, blending the deep, resonant tones of traditional opera with contemporary pop elements. This innovative art form has intrigued music lovers, drawing them closer to the rich heritage of Chinese opera while offering a fresh, accessible twist on the classical style. Opera songs are essentially modern compositions that incorporate traditional opera elements, using classic vocal techniques and musical structures to create something familiar yet new. By blending traditional opera with modern songwriting techniques, opera songs transform these age-old forms into more accessible and fashionable music. The appeal lies in their ability to balance complexity with simplicity, making them more relatable to today's audiences while preserving the unique charm of opera. The Opera Songs and Chinese Music History The development of opera songs has deep roots in Chinese music history. As early as the 20th century, iconic Peking opera master Tan Xinpei’s recording of "Selling Horses" was widely popular and considered an early form of opera song. This…

An Evening on the Banks of the Huangpu River As summer gradually transitions to autumn, the symphony of cicadas lingers in the air, blending with the gentle breeze of the Huangpu River. The city lights dance on the water, and at the Shanghai 1862 Art Center, a breathtaking scene unfolds. The theater's walls are partially open, revealing flickering lights that reflect on the river as boats glide by. Against this backdrop, Bai Juyi's timeless poem, Song of the Pipa (琵琶行), comes to life in a performance of Kunqu Opera—a captivating blend of ancient verse and new-age creativity. On the evening of September 7th, the neo-classical Kunqu Opera (昆曲) adaptation of Song of the Pipa premiered, immersing the audience in a poetic journey. The character of Bai Juyi, the poet himself, makes his appearance, embodying the lines of the poem, "The master dismounted, the guest was on the boat, wine was raised, but no music played." What follows is a two-hour performance where characters from Bai Juyi's verse—including the pipa-playing heroine, Qian Niang—grace the stage. The opera traverses through five acts: Splashing Wine, Parting Ways, Reunion, Blindness, and Lingering Echoes. Through these, the ups and downs of Qian Niang's life unfold,…

The Timeless Allure of Mountains and Waters in Chinese Artistic Expression In the tapestry of Chinese culture, few threads are as enduring and evocative as the reverence for mountains and waters. This ancient motif, known as "shanshui," (山水) has woven its way through millennia of artistic expression, from calligraphy and painting to poetry and music. Today, in the bustling metropolis of Shanghai, this timeless theme finds new life in a remarkable concert series that marries traditional Chinese instruments with contemporary composition. The Shanghai Chinese Orchestra's upcoming performance, "Anthology of Mountains and Waters," promises to transport audiences from the urban cacophony to the serene majesty of China's natural landscapes. This ambitious program, divided into three distinct movements - Distant Mountains, Reflections on Water, and The Poet - showcases six modern folk music compositions that pay homage to the enduring "shanshui" aesthetic. For centuries, Chinese scholars and artists have looked to nature as a wellspring of inspiration and philosophical insight. Mountains, with their imposing presence and immutability, have come to symbolize virtue and moral strength. Waters, in their fluid adaptability and life-giving properties, represent the essence of human nature. This duality forms the cornerstone of a uniquely Chinese worldview, one that seeks harmony between…

Ancient Poetry Meets Modern Melodies: A Unique Auditory Experience In the heart of Zhengzhou, a remarkable musical event is set to unfold, bridging the gap between ancient Chinese poetry and contemporary musical expression. On September 27, 2024, the Zhengzhou Grand Theater will host an extraordinary concert that promises to transport audiences through time, weaving together the lyrical beauty of classical Chinese verse with the emotive power of modern musical arrangements. This innovative performance, aptly titled "Echoes of Antiquity," brings together a stellar lineup of artists, each renowned in their own right, to create a tapestry of sound that honors China's rich literary heritage while pushing the boundaries of musical interpretation. The concert features an impressive array of compositions, ranging from pre-Qin dynasty verses to Song dynasty masterpieces, all reimagined through the lens of 21st-century musicality. At the forefront of this cultural fusion is soprano Wu Ruirui (吴睿睿), whose crystalline voice has graced stages across Europe and Asia. A professor at the East China Normal University and a special guest performer at the Greek National Opera in Thessaloniki, Wu brings a wealth of experience and a uniquely cosmopolitan perspective to her interpretations of ancient Chinese poetry. Her renditions of classics such as…

 From "Dream Water Town" to "Wuzhen Good to Meet" In the tapestry of China's rapidly evolving digital landscape, there lies a town where the whispers of a thousand-year history mingle with the hum of cutting-edge technology. Wuzhen, an ancient water town in Zhejiang Province, has become an unlikely nexus of tradition and innovation, a place where the past and future engage in a captivating dance. This convergence has found its voice in a new song, "Wuzhen Good to Meet," (乌镇好相见) a musical bridge spanning three decades of China's internet revolution. As the gentle breezes of Li Qiu (the Start of Autumn) swept across the country on August 7th, 2023, this melodic homage to Wuzhen made its debut across major Chinese music platforms. But the story behind this song is as intricate and layered as the town's winding canals and stone bridges. Rewind to 1994, a pivotal year that saw China fully connecting to the global internet. It was also the year that renowned musician Luo Bing (洛兵) penned "Dream Water Town," a song that would become etched in the annals of Chinese music history. Fast forward three decades, and Luo found himself revisiting the theme, this time collaborating with lyricist Si Xinying to create…

As the digital age blurs the boundaries between sports and entertainment, e-sports has emerged as a unique fusion of both, creating a new cultural phenomenon. Among the various e-sports tournaments, the FC Pro Championship, a top-tier football e-sports event, has gained significant attention, particularly in Shanghai, the city striving to become the global hub of e-sports. This year, the championship is not only about the thrill of competition but also about the cultural resonance of music that transcends borders and brings together different nations. The stage is set, not just for the players, but for a symphony that amplifies the spirit of the game, thanks to the creative efforts of Shanghai’s very own music ensemble. Music as a Cultural Bridge: Crafting the Soundtrack of Competition The integration of music into sports events is not a new concept, but Musicore’s (心琉乐团) approach to the FC Pro Championship is groundbreaking. Traditionally, music has been the backdrop, a subtle enhancer of the competitive atmosphere. However, in this championship, music has taken center stage, becoming a vital element that embodies the cultural essence of the participating nations. The Musicore, led by founder and music director Liu Xuejing (柳雪婷), has created a series of anthems…

In a world where modern sensibilities often overshadow classical elegance, the timeless allure of ancient Chinese poetry has once again captured our imagination. Recently, while watching a variety show, I was struck by the poetic charm of traditional Chinese culture, reminiscent of the profound beauty found in The Book of Songs (诗经). This ancient collection of verses, which dates back over 2,500 years, offers a glimpse into the romance and wisdom of early Chinese civilization. The Enigmatic Charm of Ancient Names The show in question featured actor Yu En Tai asking a guest about the meaning of Wang He Di 's name. The response highlighted the deep poetic roots embedded in traditional Chinese names. According to the explanation: - "He" refers to a crane whose call is heard across the heavens. - "Di" relates to the flower of the flowering thorny plant, symbolizing resilience and brilliance even in adversity. This interpretation, rooted in The Book of Songs, reveals the beauty of names imbued with poetic significance. The realization that names once held such profound meanings left many viewers in awe, prompting reflections on how such poetic heritage enriches our understanding of personal identity and cultural depth. The Eternal Elegance of…