Chinese Song


Here are some suggestions for a recital which might include vocal selections from Western culture (Italian songs, Lieder, Mélodie, and Opera) alongside of stellar examples of Chinese songs being sung today.

Chinese song composed in recent times is interesting in that it reflects the basic Belcanto (Italian tradition) grounding in western music, while retaining stylistic features of Chinese culture, such as, use of the pentatonic scale, traditional melodies,  poetry infused with traditional stories and legends of Chinese culture, and in some cases the use of traditional instruments. One can easily find on the Internet many beautiful renditions of traditional Chinese songs, now performed with full orchestra, chorus, etc.

Here is a sample of some notable pieces being sung in China today which might function well in a fusion recital of Western and Chinese culture.
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A Cup of Fine Wine (Uygur Folksong) 杯美酒

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Chuntian de balei (A Spring Ballet)

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https://youtu.be/8gPSxIhYhfM

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Dengni dao tianming (Wait for You until Dawn)

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The following song is for tenor or baritone. It originages from Xinjiang Province located at the western border of China, beside middle asia.

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Hong Mei Zan (In Praise of the Plum Tree)

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ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (Voice part is doubled):

FULL PERFORMANCE:

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Let’s Row the Boat 让我们荡起双桨

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Mayila bianzouqu (Mayila Variations)

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Meili jiayuan (Beautiful Hometown) 魏荟羚《美丽家园》缩

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https://youtu.be/giSrc1YI8HM

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Na jiu shi wo (That Is Me)

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Pamir, How Beautiful is My Homeland

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Qiushui changtian (Autumn Water and Sky)

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https://youtu.be/7XgCnuOd3hg

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Song to the Moon 月亮颂

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The Sun Shines on Taxkorgan

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The Turpan Grape Is Ripe

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Under the Silver Moonlight

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Wang Ning Mei (Longing in Vain) 枉凝眉

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(from a classic book, Dream of the Red Chamber)
ACCOMPANIMENT ONLY (Voice part doubled):

Also . . .[flute doubles voice part]

Also . . . [Guzheng Cover of melody]

FULL PERFORMANCE:

Also . . .

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Wo de shenqing weini shouhou (My Deep Love Waits for You)

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Xiao-He-Tang-Shui (folk song from the Yunnan Province)

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Yi meng shan xiao Diao (Folk song from the Shandong)

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The following four songs are often sung by famous folk song singer, Sisi Chang.

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Zai yinse de yueguang xia (Under Silver Moon Light)

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Remember, that any performances of Chinese songs might well be enhanced by musical selections of original Chinese instruments such as the erhu. Please enjoy the following performance by a distinguished professor of music specializing in the erhu.

Here is another beautiful performance, this time of the guzheng, another Chinese original instrument.