China: Shantung Folk Music & Traditional Instrumental Pieces

Lu-sheng Ensemble - China: Shantung Folk Music & Traditional Instrumental Pieces

If I had planned better in advance, I would have arranged to get more Chinese music posted here during the olympics. I just thought of that idea now, but it's probably too late. I have a little more interesting Chinese music buried deep somewhere in my archives. All I have for now is the outstanding recordings China: Folk Instrumental Traditions, Eleven Centuries of Traditional Music of China and this one.

From the liner notes:

The appeal and vitality of Chinese music is enriched by numerous regional styles or "dialects". One of the most ebullient styles is that of Shantung (classical name Lu), a province in Northeast China. This music, undoubtedly of ancient heritage, was performed by itinerant professional musicians hired whenever music was called for - festivals, funerals, weddings, or spirited parties. Since most were outdoor occasions, the ensemble featured instruments with suitably strong volume and carrying power: gongs, drums, and reeds. And since the performance context was a large public gathering, rather than a small, private elite audience as for classical music, there is an infectiously earthy quality in its melodies and rhythms (Side One, Bands 1, 2, 6; Side Two, Bands 4,5, 6). Contrasting with and complementing the Shantung Folk Music are more restrained compositions from the classical repertory (Side One, Bands 3, 4, 5; Side Two, Bands 1, 2, 3).

Tracklisting:

Side One

1. Tien Chang {4:36}

2. T'ao Li Ch'un Feng {2:18}

3. Tao Yi Ch'u {3:44}

4. Ku Su Hsing {5:10}

5. Liang Hsiao {2:15}

6. Pai Niao Yin {6:27}

Side Two

1. Yu Chou Ch'ang Wan {5:18}

2. Yueh Yeh {3:58}

3. Hsiao Fang Niu {3:32}

4. Yeh Shen Ch'en {3:00}

5. Lao Seng Sao Tien {2:33}

6. Pai Yun Ku Hsiang {4:56}

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