The 50-member orchestra exclusively accompanying Shen Yun gives traditional Chinese music a modern twist, combining the otherworldly melodies of the erhu (Chinese violin) and the guzhen (zither) with western instrumentation. The specially composed music balances well-ordered western classical compositions with the free form melody driven music of Chinese culture, using a series of very ancient five-, seven- and eight-note scales.
Music in ancient China was intended not for entertainment but to purify one's thoughts. Traditional belief held that sound can influence and harmonise the universe. The sons of nobility were required to study music as one of four compulsory subjects. So, anyone who performed music just for entertainment was held in very low esteem.
Zi Xia, one of Confucius's students and a well-known educator, once said this about music: "When ancient music is performed, it moves cleanly and sounds peaceful and broad. The string and wind instruments follow the drum's rhythm. The music always starts with the drum, and ends with cymbals. Ya (a type of a song) controls the speed of the music. Musicians of noble character express deep meaning through the music and praise our ancient holy emperors' outstanding achievements. Ancient music guides people to cultivate themselves, responsibly manage their family affairs, and even bring peace to the world."
Music in ancient China was intended not for entertainment but to purify one's thoughts. Traditional belief held that sound can influence and harmonise the universe. The sons of nobility were required to study music as one of four compulsory subjects. So, anyone who performed music just for entertainment was held in very low esteem.
Zi Xia, one of Confucius's students and a well-known educator, once said this about music: "When ancient music is performed, it moves cleanly and sounds peaceful and broad. The string and wind instruments follow the drum's rhythm. The music always starts with the drum, and ends with cymbals. Ya (a type of a song) controls the speed of the music. Musicians of noble character express deep meaning through the music and praise our ancient holy emperors' outstanding achievements. Ancient music guides people to cultivate themselves, responsibly manage their family affairs, and even bring peace to the world."
The erhu, as played in the show by soloist Xiaochun Qi, is capable of conveying great tragedy. Whether the musical tempo is fast or slow, the erhu produces a melancholic sound that is hauntingly beautiful but ultimately sad.
Although the erhu is sometimes called the two-string violin, it is held vertically, not horizontally, on the lap of a seated player. It is made of dense wood, such as rosewood or ebony, and consists of a small sound box covered with snakeskin – traditionally python – and a long slim neck slightly curved at the end. Two steel strings have now replaced the traditional silk strings. The bamboo and white horsehair bow is permanently placed between the two strings.
