Zhao Zhang: Song of the Sun and Moon (First Movement: Song of the Moon)

Zhongruan/Liuqin: Shih-Yun Lee / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra, Tien-Ku Percussion Group / Chih-Sheng Chen / National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan / Commissioned Work, World Premiere 2014.7.13.

The first movement (Song of the Moon) is performed on the zhongruan and displays the three characteristics of the moon: calmness, brightness and movement. The moon is not like the lively stars, she always keeps her calm. When everything is asleep, she is alone yet bright, calm but in motion; in her speedy rotation, she reflects the brightness from the sun. It is just as if she is watching over the world, looking back at the past and thinking about the future.

(Translation: Anthony Ko / Edit: Patty Chan)