Music Talks

Ye Yunchuan, executive producer of Rhyomi Music, takes us on a musical journey to southwest China's Tibet Autonomous Region to explore its sacred landscape, fascinating culture, and wealth of music.

We have previously introduced several classic Chinese instruments. Many are famous for their unique tonality, texture and flavor, and are able to portray certain scenarios that can’t be reflected by others.

Some good examples are the birdlike chirps made by the Chinese flute, imitations of flowing water by the 21-stringed zither and horse gallops as recreated by the two-stringed bowed fiddle.

In this episode, Yang Chunlin, famed conductor and composer with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, highlights the exquisite powers of expression of five remarkable Chinese instruments.

It is hoped that listeners will be able to feel the difference when they compare the sounds.

In our last episode, we had Mr Ye Yunchuan on our show. He is an award-winning music producer and founder of one of China's most prestigious recording labels, Rhymoi Music. Since starting Rhymoi in 2003, Ye has aimed to produce first-class Chinese music with distinctive national and ethnic characteristics. In addition, his years of cooperation with international music production and publication circles have given him with a truly global perspective.

Previously, we enjoyed some amazing pieces from Ye’s electric musical projects, including ‘When the Blues Meet Chinese Folk Music', ‘One with Nature’, and ‘Musical Map of China’. Today, Mr Ye continues to share with us his inspirations, thoughts, and Rhymoi’s distinct musical pieces that you can’t hear elsewhere, with this piece titled ‘Rites’ from the album ‘Glimpses of Tibet’.

Ye Yunchuan is an award-winning music producer, Grammy member, and founder of one of China's most prestigious recording labels, Rhymoi Music. He is one of the fairly important figures who have impacted Chinese music in various ways. Today, let’s join Mr Ye for inspiring stories, thoughts, and Rhymoi’s distinct musical pieces that you couldn’t hear elsewhere.

The earth is the only home for all humans and as many as 8.7 million different forms of life.

In recent decades, there have been increasing calls and popular initiatives around the need to protect and save our planet.

Earth Day is a typical example, which falls on April 22nd each year since 1970.

As we mark Earth Day, five celebrated composers and musicians join us in this edition in the hope of using their music to spread the message about the importance of environmental conservation and wildlife protection.

The sound of recorders in the air. A special concert is held in Ruiliang cave of Chuanshan Town in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region. With no amplifying equipment, the cave itself serves as a naturally brilliant concert hall where pupils from a local elementary school take the centre stage. A year ago, these kids from humble backgrounds had no concept of musical notes. Now they are letting their skills shine in front of the world. Thanks to Ms Zhao Qianyi, their music teacher, visionary and conductor of the concert, who planted the seed of music in the hearts of the local residents. Today, we have Ms Zhao share her story of music, mentorship and inspiration.

Honoring deceased family members is a common practice in many continents across the globe, such as Day of the Dead, Day of Saints and the Wag Festival, just to name a few. China also has this tradition to cultivate kinship values, filial piety and continuity of lineage. In fact, it is a public holiday called the Qingming Festival, or Tomb-Sweeping Day, which falls on April 4th this year. Families across the country visit the graves of friends and family, spruce up the area and make offerings to their spirits, including cakes, fruit and flowers. White and yellow chrysanthemums are one of the conventional options, which symbolize grief in Chinese culture. In this edition, our guest on the show is Yang Chunlin, a famed conductor and composer with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group. He brings us some of his works that depict the appearance, aroma and spirit of the flower. In addition, we’ll get a glimpse of the customs observed during this special time of the year.

Spring has arrived. A favorite for most of us since it’s the time of the year when we can finally say farewell to winter, enjoy more daylight, and feel more uplifted by the natural stimuli the season brings.

To echo this cheerful atmosphere, our guest on the show Yang Chunlin brings you several songs about this particular season. Yang is a famed conductor and composer with the China Oriental Performing Arts Group, one of the earliest cultural groups at the national level.

Previously, Mr Niu Jiandang, the suona master with China National Traditional Orchestra, brought us up close with the instrument that is widely played in rural China. In today's episode, Mr Niu will share with us his musical journey, from which we will hear how this Chinese trumpet changed a teenage boy's destiny.

Tony has a confession to make that the suona, regarded as the Chinese oboe or trumpet, wasn’t one of his personal favourites. Yet meeting Mr Niu Jiandang, a suona master, Tony has new eyes and ears for the instrument. We hope you do too.