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Yuen Shi Chun
Research Fellow, Research and Development Department
Research & Development Officer (Musical Instruments)
9 September, 2022
Background
In 2014, when the second generation of the HKCO Eco-Huqin Series (Eco-Huqin 2) fully replaced the traditional huqins in the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra, innovative programming with new compositions and arrangements was launched in tandem. Examples included a concert featuring bass string instruments, ‘Fusion – A Gehu Ensemble Concert’, and another, featuring a string quartet, ‘String Stories I’. Unlike the acoustical configuration of a section in a full-size orchestra, the instrumentation for ensemble groups deployed one piece for one voice, and thus a new frontier in music was formed. It was a daunting challenge to the composers, arrangers, players as well as the instruments’ deliverables per se. The new compositions for ensemble were chosen for their complexity in musical structure, distinct contrastive acoustic variations, great virtuosity in playing, and absolute precision in transition between instruments to maintain the same volume. All these were necessary to achieve balance and harmony for ensemble effect. In order to foray into new musical realms and maintain a highly competitive edge, the five groups in HKCO’s string section formed, out of their own accord, eight ensembles of various combinations, and started practicing feverishly. After I heard their rehearsals for over a hundred times, I arrived at the following conclusion: our string instruments are in the membrano-chordophone* system, and have their own attributes and therefore, limitations. With the ensemble repertoire, there is an even more stringent demand for high quality production of sounds and consummate techniques. Therefore, string instruments for ensemble playing have to be continually improved, or continue to achieve breakthroughs in order to achieve higher levels. With this as goal, I spent three years experimenting until I finally developed the ‘hexagonal flattened-tube gaohu’, coded ‘HKCO 3 Gaohu’.Although we see the success of the reform project so far, we must bear in mind that the road to final fruition is still long. As the Book of Changes famously states, ‘Just as the heavens have their ways of self-rejuvenation, the superior man ought never to rest in his self-improvement.’ We shall continue to work towards our goal.
Yuen Shi Chun
Research Fellow, Research and Development Department
Research & Development Officer (Musical Instruments)
Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra
6 May, 2014
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