Exploring Chinese Orchestral Repertoire Series #65

Sung Hui LIU: Hakka Musical Scenes

Suona: Yu Cheng LIN, Chao-Hsien CHOU / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra / Conductor: Chih-Sheng CHEN / National Recital Hall, Taipei, Taiwan 2011.4.24 http://www.littlegiant.idv.tw/index.htm

To commemorate their 15th anniversary, the National Chinese Orchestra Taiwan commissioned Sung Hui LIU, to compose this work: Hakka Musical Scenes for Double Suona Concerto. It uses the unique flavours of Hakka folk songs. The work is in three parts: 1) old folk songs, in a free style; 2) Pingban, in pentatonic form; 3) folk songs, duet.

The Hakka people are known for their hardworking and enduring character, and their strong sense of connection. The folk songs, using the pentatonic scale pattern (with emphasis on lah, doh, and mi), describe their simple life of farming and daily routines.

Translation: Anthony Ko / Edit: Patty Chan