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Global
Chinese Composers in Concert
The 2003 Chinese Composers' Festival may well be described as a continuation of the first Contemporary Chinese Composers' Festival held seventeen years ago. The opening concert performed by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra will lift the veil on four days of musical exchanges and studies by ethnic Chinese composers from all parts of the globe. As new compositions are brought to light and experiences are shared, their works will consolidate to become new strengths injected into the world of music. This is evidenced by the achievements of the first Contemporary Chinese Composers' Festival in 1986. Before that, Chinese composers worked on their own without gaining the attention they deserved. But today, those who published their works at the Festival – Chen Qigang, He Xuntian, Tan Dun, Chen Yi, Su Cong, Ye Xiaogang, Guo Wenjing, Xu Shuya, Zhou Long, Huang Anlun, Qu Xiaosong, Lin Pinjing, Law Wing-fai, Richard Tsang and Chan Wing-wah – have carved a niche for themselves in the world of music. They have become not only the driving force behind the development of music by Chinese composers, but also a growing influence on the international scene. The use of modern and traditional techniques and the blending of east and west composition concepts in the six pieces that will be performed at the historic opening concert are examples of the strength and creativity of ethnic Chinese composers. Local composer Chan Ming-chi will be at the concert to hold a dialogue with other composers to examine his own composition and to take the audience deep into the creating process. # Point to note: Like all historic moments, the opening concert will be one rare opportunity to witness music by Chinese composers take flight. Book your tickets early!
Ri Huan Shi by Xu Jianqiang of Shanghai, which is unique in both theme and musical thoughts; Rain•Bamboo, which is brimming with the refined talent of Yang Qing; and the nine sections representing nine paintings in The World of Chinese Painting* by Chung Yiu-kwong of Taiwan, are works of great inspiration making their debut in Hong Kong. The other three - An-Ching (Song of Bliss) by Richard Tsang of Hong Kong, Song of Wind-scape for Dizi/Shakuhachi, Satsuma Biwa and Chinese orchestra by Chan Ming-chi also of Hong Kong, and Fire Sacrifice for huqin and Chinese orchestra by Tan Dun – are outstanding compositions with a unique character commissioned by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra. Life in a modern city like Hong Kong can give us the doldrums these days. So let us be enlivened and be inspired by the sounds of composers of our own time. *Only three sections are chosen for this concert.
Three
directions to appreciate modern music 1. Pay attention to the continuous changes in the sounds. Take for example, the music idiom of Mozart. Although he used modulation to create changes, there are directions in each change. The result is an elegant style, harmony and balance. As for modern music, there are even more nuances and possibilities in the dynamics. So try to catch the paths of the undulation in sounds, and pay attention to not only the tone colour and the rhythm, but also the interest and ethos of the texturing of sounds. 2. Pay
attention to the hidden tension in each piece. Music is a medium for the expression
of tension. So what is "tension"? It can be compared to a tug-of-war,
when a force emerges between the two sides competing. Most composers would give
their music a hidden tension, whether consciously or unconsciously. Such tension
may be subtle or marked, depending on the presentation of each composer. But very
often, it is when the notes are played at pianissimo that the tension would come
out the strongest.
26.11.2003(Wed)
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