Music Talks

Over the past decade, Liu Yuening, a Chinese dulcimer professor with the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, has committed herself to using music as a bridge to enhance intercultural communication between China and India. She believes cultural exchanges between the two giants play a significant role in helping people understand each other's cultures more deeply. This episode was produced on June 24, 2022.

The Chinese Orchestra of Renmin University of China brings together students from diverse majors like finance, mathematics, information management and more. Bound by a shared love for music, they cherish and create music with passion, drawing solace and strength from every note they play.

American-born Jake Pinnick has great passion for Wudang martial arts and the wisdom of Daoism. He has also been exploring the art of traditional Chinese flute called dongxiao, among other instruments, as a means of self-cultivation.

Li Shuyou, an 80-year-old music teacher, has turned his home into a music school. Here, children and teenagers have gathered for years to take lessons and learn about the art of traditional Chinese music, free of charge.

Meet different people across China, who live and breathe traditional Chinese music, and find out how music inspires, heals, and connects generations in ways beyond words.

Huang Ye is an innovative Jazz musician and music director at the Lincoln Center Shanghai. It won't be surprising to hear segments in his music reflecting the clamor of horns beeping during rush hour or a tiger's mighty roar. The 26-year-old artist once composed 24 works within one single month, but it took him more than a decade to find all the motifs he needed to create them. Let's find out how Huang has been devoting himself to transcending cultural barriers and incorporating diverse cultures into his music.

Shaun Gibson is a British singer and songwriter who weaves his narratives into music. His music is so catchy that it often goes around in listeners' heads once they hear it. He represents the distinctiveness of the instruments from the East to make them accessible and appealing. In this episode, we're thrilled to get up-close with Shaun Gibson who has been immersing himself in the rich tapestry of Chinese music and culture to discover inspiration in every corner of the country.

Christophe Hisquin is a French singer and songwriter who has been devoting himself to making both Chinese and French songs. Better known as Dantes in music industry, the artist creates music that transcends cultural barriers. In this episode, we'll delve into his musical journey and explore how his career has been shaped within the Chinese music industry.

In this episode, we will explore "Phenomena," a Sheng concerto commissioned by China's NCPA Orchestra. The program features European composer Bernd Richard Deutsch, Sheng virtuoso Wu Wei, and NCPA Orchestra's Head of Artistic Planning, Tang Ning. They discuss the ancient Chinese mouth organ, the Sheng, and its unique integration into Western classical music.

Ancient instruments are symbolic cultural relics, and people can get a glimpse of the culture and traditions behind their unique sounds. In this episode, Zhang Xuguang, a zither and bowed instrument performer with the China Broadcasting Performing Arts Troupe, join us to explore the captivating story behind the revival of the soulful sound of a seven-stringed zither whose melody has resonated across a millennium.

​Embark on a captivating journey with Gesang Norbu, who has been pursuing his passion for the Tibetan fiddle despite tough challenges and discouraging voices from his family. When he finally brought his instrument into the limelight, he returned to his hometown with a resolute commitment to spread his love of the fiddle among the younger generations.

A recent concert titled "The Song of Xianghe", meaning a harmonic blend, is considered a fusion of Eastern and Western culture. In this episode, we will delve into the collaboration, and find out why Chinese flutist Zhang Weiliang believes his instrument is able to represent the Chinese spirit and people, and discover how Chinese music speaks to French harpist Celine Goudour.

In April of 2024, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, China, presented German composer Richard Wagner's enduring and epic opera "The Flying Dutchman". The production received enormous acclaim from Chinese audiences for its spectacular stage design and masterful performances.In this special episode of Music Talks, we will talk with conductor of the performance Marcus Bosch, bass-baritone Ólafur Sigurdarson, and Ms. Wei Lanfen, Director of the Production Department of the NCPA. Let's dive into the world of Wagner's timeless masterpiece "The Flying Dutchman".

Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music is a cherished folk instrumental tradition in southern China. From its ancient origins to its modern-day significance, this episode highlights the evolution of this musical heritage, and its role in contemporary society. There are insights from experts and performers, as well as captivating musical performances, shedding light on the cultural heritage, social functions, and improvisational essence that continue to define Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music.

The traditional Chinese festival Qingming Festival is commemorated to honor and pay respects to ancestors. Flowers such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies, which bloom during the Qingming Festival, carry profound cultural connotations. They serve as emotional symbols to express respect and nostalgia for deceased loved ones, while also symbolizing the vitality and hope of life.

The Sanxian is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It belongs to the plucked lute family and is widely played in various genres of Chinese music, including traditional folk music, opera, and contemporary compositions. It holds a revered place in Chinese musical culture, embodying centuries of tradition.

The Jizhong Sheng-guan Music, a traditional genre prevalent in the Jizhong Plain region of China has been playing an important role in the people's lives for centuries. Its instrumentation, performance styles, and historical background established its distinctive status in folk activities and ceremonies.

The sound of Di, echoing through imperial courts and bustling marketplaces alike, has weaved melodies that transcended time and still resonate with collective memories of generations. The mellifluous tones of the Xiao, melting into the serene landscapes and through ancient pavilions, evoke a beauty that mirrors the soulful tranquility of traditional Chinese ink paintings.

The Erhu, with only two strings, has the power to express a thousand emotions and a myriad of styles. From its origins as an accompaniment, the Erhu has evolved into a solo instrument, transitioning from folk traditions to the grand stages of classical music. Its versatile repertoire showcases remarkable singing qualities and narrative depth, playing a crucial role in preserving and transmitting the rich cultural heritage of Chinese music.

The Bili is a Chinese double-reed wind instrument with a history dating back to ancient dynasties. Discover its distinctive mellow yet piercing timbre, exploring its unique cylindrical bore that sets it apart in the realm of traditional Chinese music. Join us on a musical odyssey as we unravel the cultural significance of the Bili, its role in various regional traditions, and the timeless stories embedded in its soulful echoes.

The trapezoidal Yangqin is a Chinese hammered dulcimer, most likely derived from the Iranian Ssantur or the European Ddulcimer. After evolving for hundreds of years, now with its unmistakable timbre of bamboo and steel, it brings the impressive sound of a traditional Chinese instrument to modern musical works.

The Spring Festival is commonly believed to be the most important among Chinese people. Out of all kinds of celebrations, music is the most indispensable. In this special edition of Music Talks, we appreciate several ensembles of traditional Chinese instrumental music that are popular and usually played during the Spring Festival, and learn about the stories behind the composition.

The Suona is a traditional Chinese instrument that is played by blowing into a double-reed, through a mouth piece and then through the wooden body. Known for its extremely penetrating sound and distinctively northern flavor, the Chinese Suona is an instrument that has the ability to instinctively take the lead of all other instruments when played. Today, the Suona can refer to different kinds of trumpets that span across multiple registers.

The Ruan is a lute with four strings, a fretted neck, and is similar to the Pipa. The Ruan existed about 2000 years ago in the Western Jin Dynasty. This episode walks us through the history of the Ruan, telling stories about its origin, and explores how it combines tradition with new ideas.

Nanyin music is an ancient art form with a lineage of more than a thousand years surviving political, social and cultural change. It has been able to incorporate new influences, stay relevant to changing audiences yet maintain its ancient legacy. In 2009, China successfully championed for UNESCO designation of Nanyin as intangible cultural assets.

The Konghou is an ancient Chinese harp. It was once one of the most popular musical instruments in China but became extinct sometime in the Ming Dynasty. Now in the 20th Century, it has been revived in the shape of a double bridge harp. This modern version of the instrument barely resembles its ancient form, but has a shape similar to Western frame harps.

Qin music tends to linger on certain notes, with an emphasis on silence and timbre, giving it a meditative quality. "Qin qi shu hua" refers to the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar, wherein "qin" refers specifically to Guqin. In this episode, we learn more about the development of this musical instrument, to understand its connotation in trying to cultivate one's mind.

“Pi” for plucking the strings forward, and “pa” for plucking the strings backward. The Pipa, sometimes called the "Chinese lute", is a plucked instrument with a varying number of frets ranging from 12 to 31. In this episode, we explore the historical stories of this traditional musical instrument, and see how modern Pipa artists have been working to keep it alive.

The Bianqing is a traditional Chinese percussion instrument consisting of a set of L-shaped flat stone chimes known as Qing, played melodically. In this episode, we dive into the stories associated with this musical instrument, while understanding more about China's ancient ritual and court music.

Explore the Xun, an ancient Chinese wind instrument with over 7,000 years of history. This rare earthen instrument reflects a journey through China's musical history and connects deeply with traditional Chinese philosophy. In this episode, we delve into the Xun's legacy and its significance in Chinese culture.

COP28 calls for global collective action and commitment to protect the environment and restore the vitality of nature in response to the climate change crisis. We explore the melodies depicting the natural scenery of China and the prosperity of local people through traditional Chinese ethnic instruments such as the Erhu, Yangqin, and Suona, as well as contemporary vocal works that praise the protection of nature. The harmonious coexistence between humans and nature has always been an eternal theme pursued by artists in the musical world.

The traditional Chinese Zheng has an illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. Along its evolving journey, it has also inspired the creation of many other musical instruments. Join us to appreciate the wonderful music composed by this "Chinese harp".

This episode explores the Sheng, a traditional Chinese wind instrument known for its ability to produce harmonies independently. Revered as the forebear of reed instruments, the Sheng has influenced various Western instruments like the organ and accordion. We delve into its phoenix-inspired design and its profound role in shaping musical aesthetics in China and beyond.

In September 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra visited China for the first time, marking a historic moment as the first American orchestra to tour to the country. In November 2023, they return to Beijing, commemorating 50 years of enduring cultural ties and musical collaboration between the two nations. In this special edition of “Music Talks”, we will take you on a journey of friendship and harmony, a tale that has unfolded over half a century, through the power of music.

In China, drums are an instrument that transcend its musical identity. In times long past, they acted as a celestial bridge for communication, an integral part of labor, military, ceremonial, and spiritual life. Today, they continue to symbolize the Chinese people's aspirations for prosperity and happiness, playing a vital role in the performing arts.

Embark on a journey to explore the poetic beauty of Hangzhou, the host city of the 19th Asian Games. Let your soul be enchanted by harmonious melodies and timeless poems in this special episode of Music Talks, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

Words from Chinese ancient poems... Captivating notes in Chinese traditional music... A symphony of culture and history that will touch your heart and stir your soul... Will Hangzhou, the heart of China's poetic heritage, now a city of sportsmanship and unity, leave you inspired and enchanted？ Join the Hangzhou Rendezvous with Music Talks on Mid-Autumn Day, to appreciate the serene beauty described in legends, the natural wonder and perfect harmony of tradition and modernity. Hangzhou Rendezvous, a journey of a lifetime!

In this episode, we journey through the majestic realms of China's ancient Bianzhong Bells, which are grand percussion instruments dating back to the 11th century BC. Join us to uncover the bells' extraordinary design, dual-tone capabilities, and their role in unveiling the rich tapestry of China's musical and ceremonial culture.

In this episode, we unravel the enchanting story of the Jiahu Bone Flutes, or Gudi, an ancient instrument that emerged over 8,000 years ago. Rediscovered in the 1980s, these flutes illuminate a rich musical heritage that has long been forgotten...

In this episode, we dive into the distinctive music of the Yi people, the sixth largest ethnic minority in China. In 2019, two Gen-Z musicians, Ji'er Chisha and Liu Junlin, embarked on a journey to the Yi ethnic areas in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to collect folk songs. In March, 2023, they released an album featuring a collection of songs with strong Yi characteristics based on what they had seen, heard and felt during the three-year journey.

Our guest today is Liao Nini, a guqin enthusiast, a teacher and also an online influencer who has been actively promoting the ancient Chinese zither over the past decade. With a history of over 3,000 years, the guqin is one of the oldest plucked instruments in China. Apart from her proficiency in the guqin, she is also skilled in playing the guzheng, another traditional Chinese plucked zither with 21 strings. In some of her music videos, she blends the sounds of both instruments to create a distinctive musical style.

Duanwu Festival, better known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on June 22 this year. With a history of over 2,000 years, it's celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. To mark this special occasion, we invite several young musicians from across the country to share with us how the festival is reflected in music.