Zhao Zhang: Song of the Heaven and Earth
Pipa: Xiaolin Dong / Little Giant Chinese Chamber Orchestra, Tien-Ku Percussion Group / Chih-Sheng Chen / National Concert Hall, Taipei, Taiwan / 2017.8.23.
This composition for pipa and Chinese orchestra is derived from two legendary love stories. One is from an idealistic and heroic poem, “The Peacock Princess”, the other from Congwen Shen’s novel, “Border Town”, a famous story about human nature. As humans, we want to overcome all difficulties with perfection and love, and yet we may also need to wait a lifetime anticipating this beautiful love. The inspiration for this composition comes from this universal sentiment. This work does not focus on the details of the stories; instead, it emphasizes the intense emotions, all the while calling on harmony between people and nature.
This composition demonstrates the colourful and powerful combination of the pipa and Chinese orchestra.
~Translation: Anthony Ko/edited Patty Chan