FESTIVAL - Main Program: WANG LI

Základní

11. 6. 2011 - 14:55

China

Stvanice Island

ALIQUOT TRANCE MUSIC FROM HIGHLANDS OF CHINA

The Chinese Jew’s Harp – Kouxian or Kou-Huan, is named “Huang” (reed) in the ancient time. In Shi Jing, the first collection of three hundred poems dated 500 B.C., the “Huang” has been descried as a popular musical instrument. The “Huang” was played with the other instruments such as “Sheng” and “Yu”. The first document in writing of “Huang” appeared in the Dictionary (Shi Min- Explanation of Definition) dated in the second century. In this dictionary, the document described how to the play “Huang” and how to make “Huang”. After the 14th Century, this musical instrument disappeared from the geographic and cultural center part of China. However, “Huang” was continually played and celebrated by Chinese minorities in the remote areas. Beyond a musical instrument, for some people, “Huang” has become a media to convey the language to communicate. For example, in some area, the young girl plays “Kou Xian” to express amour to her lover.

Video

The jew’s harp is one of the most ancient musical instruments in the world. It was celebrated in the different cultures and traditions, which demonstrates the magical essence of this simple object.
Wang Li comes from Tsinghao, a port from the banks of the Yellow Sea, North East China. Raised in the strict environment of a residential complex of the Chinese People's Army, he followed graduate studies while playing bass in orchestras. After he chose exile to France where it is hosted by fathers seminarians of St. Sulpice in Issy-Les-Moulineaux. For nearly 4 years, he shared their austere life. It finds its own way to develop his poetic personality. There he discovers the value of learning patience and silence.
The compositions of Wang Li are generally inspired by his own experience: memories of childhood and his family, his life. He has fond memories of nursery rhymes and counting songs, whose simple rhythms he still appreciates.