Jiangnan Sizhu Discography

This is a work in progress.
Things to do: arrange in some sort of order, add details for albums that only have one or two track of Jiangnan sizhu.
Updated: June 2010


Records, cassettes and CDs that are all or nearly all Jiangnan sizhu pieces are listed first. Recordings that have one or two tracks of Jiangnan sizhu are listed at the bottom.


Format:
Title in English if there is one.
Title in pinyin and characters (translation if title is in Chinese only)
Performers
Format, year, company, catalogue number,
Track list for album that doesn't have a post on this blog.
Additional info.
My comments.


In no particular order (at the moment).


Chinese Classical Instrumental Music.



The Chinese Cultural Theater Group.
Performers include Sūn Yùdé 孙裕德, Zhū Wényí 朱文颐 and Zhōu Huì 周惠.

1962 (1950), Folkways Records.
Recorded in San Francisco, USA, c. 1950.
http://www.folkways.si.edu/albumdetails.aspx?itemid=1180

Track list:
A1. Moonlight on the Ching Yang River (5:58)
A2. The Green Lotus (2:51)
B1. The Reminiscence Song (2:56)
B1. Buddhist Chanting (5:52)

Musicians as listed on the record:
Hahn Chen-Han: erhu, drum.
Sung Yue-Tuh: pipa, xiao. (Sun Yude 孙裕德)
Chu Ven-Yee: yangqin, drum. (Zhu Wenyi 朱文颐)
Tsao Su-Chen: erhu.
Hahn Chen-Kia: erhu.
Chow Wei: erhu. (Zhōu Huì 周惠)
Taso Chen Chuan: yuan and sin se [sic].
Sheng Shek-Sing: dizi.

I've added the modern spellings and characters in brackets. Zhou Hui is stated as playing the erhu but he plays the yangqin in other recordings, perhaps his name got mixed up with the erhu player Zhou Hao.

Sun Yude (1904-1981) was one of China's leading pipa and xiao players. The CD Chine: Musique classique, Ocora C 559039 or C 582039 has two tracks of him playing the pipa and xiao.


I got the details of this this recording from Witzleben's book Silk and Bamboo Music in Shanghai. However, now that I've finally been able to listen to it, it doesn't have any recordings of the main Jiangnan sizhu pieces. The record only has four tracks, and the only piece I recognise is "Chun Jiang Hua Yue Ye (moon lit night on a spring river)", called "Moonlight on the Ching Yang River" on the record.

I would guess this recording is of musicians who have performed Jiangnan sizhu or were involved with Jiangnan sizhu ensembles, rather than of Jiangnan sizhu. Nevertheless it's interesting to hear these early recordings of guoyue, in the sense of a specific type of traditional Chinese music, so I've left it here.







Moon and Lanterns, Silk and Bamboo Music of East China.
jiāngnán sīzhú, dēng yuè jiāo huī 江南丝竹, 灯月交辉.


Performered by Shanghai traditional ensemble Silk and Bamboo Music group
shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán 上海民族乐团 (Shanghai traditional ensemble)
1981, Hong Kong: Bailey Record Company, Baili Changpian Gongsi

Cassette: NS61.
LP: NRS-33.

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/jiangnan-sizhu-shanghai-traditional_13.html

Essential listening for fans of Jiangnan sizhu.








Song of Joy, Traditional Chinese Music.
huān lè gē, jiāngnán sīzhú 欢乐歌, 江南丝竹


Performed by The Traditional Ensemble of the Lake Pavilion of the Shanghai Old Emperor Temple [sic]
shànghǎi lǎo chénghuángmiào húxīntíng yuèduì 上海老城隍庙湖心亭乐队
(Lit. Shanghai old chénghuángmiào (city god) temple mid-lake pavilion ensemble)

Cassette: 1988, Pop Art Productions Co Ltd PA-881, bóyì zhìzuò yǒuxiàngōngsī 博艺制作有限公司

I think this recording is of Jiangnan sizhu as performed the amateur Jiangnan sizhu music club musicians; it's the type of Jiangnan sizhu heard in teahouses, or at least the music is in that style.

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/jiangnan-sizhu_2762.html

Essential listening for fans of Jiangnan sizhu.







South China Traditional Music.
jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹


Performed by :
Chén Yǒnglù 陈永禄 (èrhú 二胡),
Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄 (dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫),
Lín Shíchéng 林石城 (pípá 琵琶),

CD: 1994, huácǎi 华彩 TBR 005
人民音乐出版社 (people's music publishing house)
ISRC CN-M26-94-341-00/A.J6

01. ní cháng qǔ 霓裳曲 Music of Gorgeous Dress
02. sān liù 三六 (zhōng bǎn sān liù 中板三六) Rondo Moderato
03. chūn jiāng huā yuè yè 春江花月夜 Moonlit Night on Spring River
04. fàn wàng gōng 梵忘宫 Fan Wang Gong
05. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Song of Happiness
06. xíng jiē sì hé 行街四合 Wedding Procession Suite
07. zhègū fēi 鹧鸪飞 Flying Partridge
08. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Liuban and Variations
09. hàn gōng qiū yuè 汉宫秋月 Autumn Moon Over the Han Palace
10. zhuāng tái qiū sī 妆台秋思 Longing for Love at Dressing Table

Titles in English as on CD.


The CD seems to be a re-release of some of the tracks from the following two cassettes:

江南丝竹 Jiangnan Sizhu
Cassettes in 2 vols:
1983, Huánghé 黄河 8026 L007
1983, Huácǎi 华彩 8026 L008
Both 人民音乐出版社 (people's music publishing house)
Performed by :
Chén Yǒnglù 陈永禄 (èrhú 二胡),
Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄 (dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫),
Lín Shíchéng 林石城 (pípá 琵琶),


Vol 1 cassette tape track list:
A1. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 (erhu, xiao, pipa) (medium ornamented six beats)
A2. ní cháng qǔ 霓裳曲 (erhu, xiao, pipa) (rainbow skirts)
A3. wū yè tí 乌夜啼 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (sound of crow at night)
A4. sān liù 三六 (as zhōng bǎn sān liù 中板三六) (erhu, dizi, pipa) (three six)
B1. chūn jiāng huā yuè yè 春江花月夜 (erhu, xiao, pipa) (moon lit night on spring river)
B2. xiāng zhuàn qǔ 香篆曲 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (fragrant seal characters tune)
B3. fán wàng gōng 凡忘工 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (fan as gong)
B4. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (song of joy)


Vol2 cassette tape track list:
A1. xíng jiē sì hé 行街四合 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (procession suite)
A2. dēng yuè jiāo huī 灯月交辉 (erhu, xiao, pipa) (lanterns and moon both shine)
A3. yī zhī méi 一支梅 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (a plum flower)
A4. yuè yuè 悅乐 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (joyful music)
A5. zhègū fēi 鹧鸪飞 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (flying partridge)
B1. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (medium ornamented six beats)
B2. shàng què qiáo 上雀桥 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (on sparrow bridge)
B3. hàn gōng qiū yuè 汉宫秋月 (erhu, xiao, pipa) (Han palace autumn moon)
B4. zhuāng tái qiū sī 妆台秋思 (erhu, dizi, pipa) (autumn thoughts at dressing table)

Both cassettes in Chinese only.


Has a sparse sound, quite different to the recordings by the Shanghai traditional ensemble or Lu, Zhou, Ma and Zhou. In particular the erhu has a very thin and scratchy tone.






Ode to the South.
yǒng nán 咏南
Awarded Works at the First Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Composing and Performing Contest from China and Abroad.

Performed by (Central Conservatory ensemble):
Èrhú 二胡: Féng Zhìhào 冯智皓
Dízi 笛子/ Xiāo 箫: Zhān Yǒngmíng 詹永明
Pípá 琵琶: Liú Guìlián 刘桂连
Yángqín 揚琴: Huáng Hé 黄河
Shēng 笙: Wáng Yǒng 王勇
Zhōnghú 中胡: Yè Qiáng 叶强
Sānxián 三弦: Zhào Tàishēng 赵太生
Zhēng 筝: Zhōu Wàng 周望
Dǎjīyuè 打击乐: Lǐ Cōngnóng 李聪農
Art Advisor: Lín Shíchéng 林石诚 [sic]

CD: 1989, China Record Co CCD-89/043

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/jiangnan-sizhu_20.html








Song of Joy.
huān lè gē, jiāngnán sīzhú 欢乐歌, 江南丝竹
Great Masters & Masterpieces of Chinese Music 4


Performed by:
dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫: Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄
èrhú 二胡: Zhōu Hào 周皓
pípá 琵琶: Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙
yángqín 揚琴: Zhōu Huì 周惠

CD: 1996, Starlight International (HK) Ltd,
D & I Dragon Classic, dí'ānlóng chàngpiàn 迪安龙唱片, DDD 8214

01. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Song of Joy
02. yún qìng 云庆 Cloud Celebration
03. sì hé rú yì 四合如意 All is Hapiness as Wishes
04. xíng jiē 行街 Walking on the Streets
05. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Medium Fancy Six Beat
06. sān liù 三六 San Liu,Three Six
07. màn liù bǎn 慢六板 Slow Six Beat
08. huā sān liù 花三六 Fancy Six Three







The Charm of South China Yangzi ensemble.
jiāng nán sī yùn 江南丝韵


Performed by:
dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫: Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄
èrhú 二胡: Zhōu Hào 周皓
pípá 琵琶: Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙
yángqín 揚琴: Zhōu Huì 周惠

CD: 1995, shànghǎi shēngxiàng chūbǎnshè 上海声像出版社 CD-0019
(Shanghai sound and video publishing house)

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/jiangnan-sizhu_22.html









Sihe Ruyi (Bridge), Silk and Bamboo Music of East China.
sì hé rú yì (qiáo), jiāngnán sīzhú 四合如意 (桥), 江南丝竹.


Performed by:
dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫: Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄
èrhú 二胡: Zhōu Hào 周皓
pípá 琵琶: Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙
yángqín 揚琴: Zhōu Huì 周惠

Cassette tape: 1982, China Record HL-103

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/jiangnan-sizhu-sihe-ruyi-bridges.html

Contains the longest of the "eight great pieces".







jiāngnán sīzhú míngqǔ jīngxuǎn 江南丝竹名曲精选(1)
(Selected pieces of Jiangnan silk and bamboo music vol 1)


Performed by:
Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄 (dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫),
Zhōu Hào 周皓 (èrhú 二胡),
Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙 (pípá 琵琶),
Zhōu Huì 周惠 (yángqín 揚琴)

Cassette tape: 1991, China Records HL - 641

A1. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 song of joy
A2. yún qìng 云庆 cloud celebration
A3. xíng jiē 行街 walking in street
B1. ní cháng qǔ 霓裳曲 rainbow skirts
B2. sān liù 三六 three six
B3. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 medium ornamented six beats
B4. fàn wáng gōng 梵王宫








Popular Jiangnan Music.
jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹


Performed by:
dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫: Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄
èrhú 二胡: Zhōu Hào 周皓
pípá 琵琶: Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙
yángqín 揚琴: Zhōu Huì 周惠

CD: 1982, 1988, HK Records 8.880015

1. huā sān liù 花三六
2. yáng bā qǔ 阳八曲
3. màn liù bǎn 慢六板
4. hán jiāng cán xuě 寒江残雪 (Cold River and Remnants of Snow)
5. huái gǔ 怀古 (Thinking of the Past)

Recorded in 1982 at China Records and Broadcasting Theatre, Beijing.
Licensed from China Records, Beijing.










Jiangnan sizhu, San Liu, Jiangnan Silk-and-Bamboo Music
sān liù, jiāngnán sīzhú 三六, 江南丝竹


Performed by:
Lù Chūnlíng, Zhōu Hào, Mǎ Shènglóng, Zhōu Huì
Shanghai Traditional Music Society
shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán 上海民族乐团
Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄 (dízi 笛子, xiāo 箫),
Zhōu Hào 周皓 (èrhú 二胡),
Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙 (pípá 琵琶),
Zhōu Huì 周惠 (yángqín 揚琴)

CD: 1993, China Record Co. Shanghai SCD-041 (in Chinese and English)
中国唱片上海公司

01. sān liù 三六
02. yáng bā qǔ 阳八曲 (fàn wáng gōng 梵王宫, fa as tonic, or fàn huáng gōng 梵皇宫)
03. màn liù bǎn 慢六板 or qī yǎn bǎn 七眼板
04. chūn huī qǔ 春晖曲 (Spring Sun)
05. huā sān liù 花三六 or màn sān liù 慢三六



Cassette: 1993 (1983), China Record Co. HL-151 (in Chinese only)
中国唱片

A1. sān liù 三六
A2. yáng bā qǔ 阳八曲
A3. màn liù bǎn 慢六板
B1. chūn huī qǔ 春晖曲
B2. huā sān liù 花三六


The recordings on this CD/cassette (both have the same tracks) appear to date from much earlier than 1993, as some of the tracks are the same recording as on the 1982 “Popular Jiangnan Music, jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹”. The cassette version has "℗ & © 1983" as well as the ISRC number with the year of 1993. The covers of the CD and cassette are completely different.









Masters of Chinese Traditional Music Solo Appreciation, CD14: Music of South of Changjiang River
Zhōngguó mínyuè dàshī chún dúzòu 中国民乐大师纯独奏鉴赏 CD14 Jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹


Performed by:
Yáng Jǐn 杨瑾, Zhāng Xuě 张雪, Lǐ Chén 李晨, Yú Qiūxuán 于秋旋, Dǒng Lǐzhì 董礼治

CD: 2006, Guǎngzhōu zhōngbó yǐngshì yǒuxiàngōngsī
广州中博影视有限公司
(Guangzhou Zhongbo film and TV Co Ltd)








Selected 8 works of Jiang Nan Si Zhu.
江南丝竹八大曲精编


Performed by:
shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán 上海民族乐团 (Shanghai Chinese orchestra)

CD: 1991, Wing Hang Record Trading Co Ltd WHCD-1039
永恒唱片贸易有限公司

01. xíng jiē 行街 Walking
02. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Liu Ban
03. màn liù bǎn 慢六板 Slow Liu Ban
04. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Happy Song
05. sān liù 三六 San Liu
06. sì hé rú yì 四合如意 Good Wishes
07. màn sān liù 慢三六 Slow San Liu
08. yún qìng 云庆 Celebration

This recording is of the orchestrated and arranged type of Jiangnan sizhu performed by a large ensemble/orchestra.









The Eight Great Jiangnan Chinese Classics Vol 1 & 2.
jiāngnán sīzhú bādàqǔ 1, 2 江南丝竹八大曲 (一), (二)


Perform by: Shanghai Conservatory Jiangnan Chinese Classical Ensemble
shànghǎi yīnyuè xuéyuàn jiāngnánsīzhú xiǎozǔ 上海音乐学院江南丝竹小组
Wáng Niànbīng 王念冰 (sānxián 三弦, zhōngruǎn 中阮)
Wáng Yǒngdé 王永德 (èrhú 二胡)
Zhāng Jiǔjīn 张九斤 (dízi 笛子)
Shèng Hǎihuá 盛海华 (yángqín 揚琴)
Zhāng Tiě 张铁 (pípá 琵琶)
Liú Yīng 刘英 (dǎjīyuè 打击乐 percussion)

CD: 1992, KK Productions Ltd.
Vol 1: Yellow River 82024,
Vol 2: Yellow River 82025,
Recorded in Shanghai, Jan 1992.

Vol 1:
01. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Song of Happiness
02. xíng jiē 行街 Strolling in the Streets
03. sān liù 三六 (méi huā sān nòng 梅花三弄) Three Sections (Mei Hua San Nong)
04. sì hé rú yì 四合如意 Pleasing Quadrangle

Vol 2:
01. xūn fēng qǔ 薰风曲 Song of a Warm Southerly Breeze
02. màn liù bǎn 慢六板 Slow Six Accented Beats
03. màn sān liù 慢三六 Slow Three Sections
04. yún qìng 云庆 Cloud Celebration

Seven of the eight tracks were later released on a Naxos World CD:
Si-Zhu - Jiangnan Classics, The Jiangnan Ensemble (of the Shanghai Conservatory)
2001, Naxos World 76008-2, HNH International Ltd


Some of the tracks are also on this 1998 Nanjing CD "Jiangnan sizhu, South Breeze Lyric". The performers are not credited for each track but only listed for the whole CD.



The style of performance is stately and refined but still with the right Jiangnan sizhu "flavour".





Eight Famous Folk Melodies of Southern Yangtse Regions
jiāngnán sīzhú bādàqǔ 江南丝竹八大曲


Performed by:
shànghǎi diànyǐng yuètuán mínzú yuèduì 上海电影乐团民族乐队 (Shanghai film orchestra
traditional ensemble)

Cassette tape: 1985, China Travel & Tourism Press CTTP AV-0090

This recording is of the orchestrated and arranged type of Jiangnan sizhu performed by a large ensemble/orchestra.

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/jiangnan-sizhu-shanghai-film-orchestra.html






Chinese Melody 3, Music of Southern Yangtze.
zhōngguó xuán lǜ 3, jiāngnán sīzhú 中国旋律 (三) 江南丝竹


Performed by:
Shanghai Traditional Orchestra, shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán 上海民族乐团

Cassette tape: 1986, China Records HL-466

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/12/jiangnan-sizhu-shanghai-traditional.html


Some of the tracks sound the same as some on the "Moon and Lanterns, Silk and Bamboo Music of East China". Essential listening.




Strolling Along the Su Causeway.
The First Competition of String-and-Wind Music of Southern Yangtse for Compostion and Performers at Home and Abroad vol 2.
sūtí mànbù 苏堤漫步


Performed by:
Shanghai Conservatory of Music, China Conservatory of Music, Shanghai traditional ensemble (shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán), Student ensemble

Cassette tape: 1987, China Record HL-540

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2009/08/jiangnan-sizhu-strolling-along-su_07.html









jiāngnán sīzhú, yáng chūn 江南丝竹, 阳春
(Jiangnan silk & bamboo music, sunny spring).


Performers not stated.

Cassette tape: 1984, Art-Tune Records Co. Hong Kong, AC-1376
香港艺声唱片公司 xiānggǎng yìshēng chàngpiàn gōngsī

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/jiangnan-sizhu-yang2-chun1-sunny-spring.html








jiāngnán sīzhú, yú gē 江南丝竹, 渔歌
(Jiangnan silk & bamboo music, fishing song)


Performers not stated.

CD: 1995, Starwin Records Co, xīng wén chàng piàn 星文唱片
guǎngzhōu yīnxiàng chūbǎnshè 广州音像出版社
(Guangzhou audio & video publishing house)
ISRC CN-F28-95-337-00/A.J6

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/jiangnan-sizhu-1995-starwin-guangzhou.html


Sounds like the performers could the Shanghai traditional ensemble (Shanghai minzu yuetuan).








Masterpieces of Chinese Music 5, Chinese Jiang Nan Music.
zhōngguó míngqū 5, zhōngguó jiāngnán yīnyuè 中国名曲5,中国江南音乐


Performers: zhōngguó dōngfāng guóyuèshè, gèmínzú yuètuán shǒuxí 中国东方国乐社,各民族乐团首席 (China eastern Chinese music society).

Cassette tape: year not stated.
Company: zhōngguó wéncǎi shēngxiàng gōngsī chūbǎn 中国文采声像公司出版.
běijīngshì wàiwén shūdiàn shìtīngbù fùzhì fāxíng 北京市外文书店视听部复制发行

A1. huā sān liù 花三六 Flower San Liu
A2. yú gē 渔歌 Fisherman's Song (bawu piece)
A3. sū tí màn bù 苏堤漫步 (as sū tí xiǎo jǐng 苏堤小景) Pretty Scene on the Su Bank
A4. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Liu Ban
B1. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Happy Song
B2. sì hé rú yì 四合如意 Good Wishes
B3. sān liù 三六 (as sān luò 三落) San Luo
B4. shānzhài liàngē 山寨恋歌 Love Song from Border Village

The performances on this cassette is what could be called the "generic" style of traditional Chinese music; highly orchestrated, with part playing, and includes a heavy bass sound. Also, performances of each piece is more or less fixed in form, in contrast to the traditional practice of playing a piece in a different ways.







Jiangnan Sizhu, Music From Southeastern China
jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹


Performers: Shanghai Traditional Music Society 上海国乐研究会 (Shànghǎi guóyuè yánjiūhuì).

Zhōu Huì 周惠 (yángqín),
Zhōu Hào 周皓 (èrhú),
Tú Bǐngróng 屠炳荣 (pípá),
Shěn Rìxīn 沈日新 (dòngxiāo),
Dài Shùhóng 戴树红 (dòngxiāo),
Zhōu Tāo 周韬 (pípá),
Wáng Zàntíng 王赞庭 (zhōnghú),
Shěn Jìsūn 沈继荪(zhōngruǎn,yángqín),
Zhāng Guìxīng 张桂兴(pípá),
Sūn Wényán 孙文妍 (guzhēng),
Wáng Yǐ 王乙(èrhú).

CD, 1998, Hugo, HRP7179-2

01. ní cháng qǔ 霓裳曲 Rainbow Coloured Raiment
02. hàn gōng qiū yuè 汉宫秋月 Autumn Moon over Han Palace
03. qīnglián yuè fǔ 青莲乐府 Qinglian's Music
04. xúnyáng yè yuè 浔阳夜月 Moonlit Xunyang
05. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 (as xūn fēng qǔ 薰风曲 South Breeze)
06. sāi shàng qū 塞上曲 Along the Strategic Pass
07. dēng yuè jiāo huī 灯月交辉 Brilliance of Lanterns and Moon
08. fán wàng gōng凡忘工 Fan Instead of Gong
09. fó shàng diàn 佛上殿 Dignity of Buddha
10. cháoyuán gē 朝元歌 Song of Chaoyuan


Has a wider range of pieces, only one of the tracks is from the "eight great pieces". Also the combination of instruments is more varied.





Chinese Chamber Music of Jiangnan Sizhu. The World Roots Music Library, 82.
中国／江南絲竹の響き
Musicians include Lu Chunling on the dizi, and Zhou Hao on the erhu. Recorded in 1997.
King Records, KICW-85115/6 (2 CDs set).
Previously released as KICW-1057/KICW-1058.

CD1.
1. ZHONGHUA LIUBAN
2. HUANLEGE
3. NISHANGQU
4. MAN SANLIU
5. YANGBAQU
6. XINGJIE

CD2.
1. XUNFENGQU
2. YUNQING
3. DENGYUE JIAOHUI
4. SANLIU
5. MAN LIUBAN
6. SIHE RUYI




Virtuosi of Jiangnan Sizhu. The World Roots Music Library, 84.
中国／江南の小合奏
Recorded in 1997.
King Records, KICW-85118.
Previously released as Miniature Ensemble of Jiangnan, World Music Library, KICW-1038.

01. HANJIANG CANXUE
02. PIPACI
03. SUWU MUYANG
04. SAISHANGQU
05. ZHUANGTAI QIUSI
06. QINGLIAN YUEFU
07. XUNFENGQU
08. HANGONG QIUYUE
09. HUAIGU
10. XUNYANG YEYUE







Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Music, Hebei Blowing Songs
jiāngnán sīzhú, héběi chuī gē 江南丝竹, 河北吹歌


Performed by (Central Conservatory traditional ensemble):
Jiǎng Zhìchāo 蒋志超
Xiàng Zǔhuá 项祖华
Wú Jùnshēng 吴俊生
Lǐ Zhēnguì 李真贵
Hú Zhìhòu 胡志厚
Zhào Hányáng 赵寒阳
Tián Zàilì 田再励

Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo Music:
01. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板
02. xíng jiē 行街 Procession
03. sān liù 三六
04. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Jubilant Song
05. yún qìng 云庆 Cloud Celebration

Tracks 6 to 10 are "héběi chuī gē" (Hebei Blowing Songs, Hebei wind and percussion music):

Hebei Blowing Songs:
06. Fàng Lǘ 放驴 Driving a Donkey
07. Wàn Nián Huān 万年欢 Everlasting Happiness
08. Xiǎo Táo Hóng 小桃红
09. qīng tiān gē 青天歌
10. dié duàn qiáo 叠断桥

Performed by Central Conservatory traditional ensemble:
guǎnzi 管子: Hú Zhìhòu 胡志厚
"Performed by the teachers of The Traditional Wind and Percussion Music Teaching and Researching Section of the Central Conservatory of Music."
"中央音乐学院民族管乐,打击乐研究室, 管子主奏: 胡志厚"

CD, 1991, Forte Productions Ltd, Chino 321-09-2.
(千河 Chino(qiānhé))


This is a split CD, half the tracks are Jiangnan sizhu, and the other half are Hebei wind-and-percussion music (Hebei chuige).






Jiangnan Sizhu Music
jiāngnán sīzhú 江南丝竹


Performers: "Chang-Feng Ensemble of National Music" 长风中乐团/Music From China (New York)
(conducted by Zhou Long 周龙)
erhu: Huang Tianzuo 黄天佐
dizi: Wei Laigen 韦来根
zhonghu: Tang Liangxing 汤良兴
yangqin: Yu Ailun 余霭伦
daruan: Zheng Xiaohui 郑小慧
pipa: Wu Man 吴蛮

Track list:
1. Flowery Six Beats (zhonghua liuban)
2. Song of Joy (huan le ge)
3. Slow Three Six (man san liu)
4. Festive Gathering (yun qing)
5. Slow Six Beats (man liu ban)
6. Wedding Processional (xing jie)
7. Three Six (san liu)

CD, 1993, Janus Resource International Co Ltd, JRAF 2041

Notes in Chinese and English by Zhou Long.


This is my least favourite album in this discography. Although the New York based group "Music From China" feature musicians with impeccable credentials and obviously they play at the highest level; but in my opinion the Jiangnan sizhu on this CD doesn't have the right style/feel.


The Autumn Moon Over the Han Palace
hàn gōng qiū yuè, jiāngnán sīzhú 汉宫秋月, 江南丝竹



Artist/Performers: "Traditional Ensemble of the Lake Pavilion of the Shanghai Old Emperor Temple"
shànghǎi lǎo chénghuángmiào húxīntíng yuèduì 上海老城隍庙湖心亭乐队
lit. Shanghai old chénghuáng (city god) temple pavilion in the middle of the lake ensemble

Cassette tape, 1988, Pop Art Productions Co Ltd, bóyì zhìzuò yǒuxiàngōngsī 博艺制作有限公司, PA-881

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2010/06/jiangnan-sizhu-autumn-moon-over-han.html

==========================================


The following albums have tracks of Jiangnan sizhu.


Chine, Musiques de Shanghai


Performed by:
Chen Zhong: xiao, dizi, xun, erhu, pipa
Gao Zhiyuan: yangqin, erhu
Yang Lining: qin, zheng
Francois Picard: xiao, sheng
Recorded in France, Nov, 1995

CD: 1996, Ocora C560090

01. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Huanlege (Song of Joy) - Chén Zhòng 陈重 (erhu), Gao Zhiyuan (yangqin), Francois Picard (sheng),
02. sān liù 三六 San liu (Three-Six) - Chén Zhòng 陈重 (erhu), Gao Zhiyuan (yangqin), Francois Picard (sheng),
12. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Zhonghua liuban (Six measures, moderato, with ornaments) - Chén Zhòng 陈重 (erhu), Gao Zhiyuan (yangqin), Francois Picard (xiao),
13. xíng jiē 行街 Xin Xingjie (new Passacaille) - Chén Zhòng 陈重 (erhu), Gao Zhiyuan (yangqin), Francois Picard (sheng),



Hommage à Chen Zhong


Performed by Chen Zhong and others.
Tracks 1-11 recorded 1991-1992 in Shanghai (booklet also says 1987 at Shanghai Conservatory), originally released in Guangzhou 2001.
Track 12 recorded Montreaux, Radio Suisse Romande.
Track 13 recorded Paris, Radio France.

CD: 2003, Ocora C 560183

01. xūn fēng qǔ 薰风曲 (warm wind, aka zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 medium ornamented six beats) - Chén Zhòng 陈重 (xiāo), & ensemble


This version of the piece is beautifully played, especially by the unnamed erhu player on the recording.








The next two CDs have a few recordings of the amateur tradition performed by Jiangnan sizhu music clubs heard in teahouses.


Sizhu, Silk Bamboo, Chamber Music of South China

Two tracks of Jiangnan sizhu:
07. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Huanle Ge (Song of Happiness; Jiangnan sizhu, rec 1986) - Suzhou Wuping Guoyue Tuan (Suzhou Wuping Chinese music ensemble)
08. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Zhonghua Liuban (Moderate decorated 6 beat; Jiangnan sizhu, rec 1990) - Shanghai Huxin Ting (pavilion in middle of lake)

CD: 1994, Pan 2030CD
Detailed and scholarly booklet notes by ethnomusicologist Alan R. Thrasher.








Chine: Classique-Minorites-Conte-Opera


Three, or two, tracks of Jiangnan sizhu:
01 Music of Yangtze Region, Qian nan si zhou [sic] (xíng jiē 行街 walking in street)
02. Music of Yangtze Region (píng hú qiū yuè 平湖秋月 calm lake autumn moon)
03. Music of Yangtze Region (huān lè gē 欢乐歌 song of joy)
Performers not stated.

CD: 1989, Playasound PS65048
The booklet notes are rather poorly written and/or translated from French.

http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2008/11/jiangnan-sizhu.html

Essential listening for fans of Jiangnan sizhu.








The following are albums that feature an instrumental soloist playing a range of pieces, and include one or two tracks of Jiangnan sizhu.



Glad Tidings - Lu Chunling, Dizi
喜报, 笛子独奏: 陆春龄


Three tracks:

06. xíng jiē 行街　Wedding procession
07. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Happy time
08. zhōng huā liù bǎn 中花六板 Zhong hua liu ban

Performed by Lù Chūnlíng 陆春龄 (dízi 笛子) with Zhōu Hào 周皓 (èrhú 二胡), Mǎ Shènglóng 马圣龙 (pípá 琵琶), Zhōu Huì 周惠 (yángqín 揚琴)

CD: 1996, Hugo Productions HRP 7148-2.

Recorded in Studio of China Records Co, Shanghai, Sept 1995,
Hugo HRP 7148-2 (1996) .
As "Lu Chun-ling" on CD.

The dizi is more prominent than the other instruments in the mix of these tracks. The four musicians are Lu Chunling, Zhou Hao, Ma Shenglong and Zhou Hui, who appear on many of the albums in this discography.

Zhāng Ruì 张锐 - Liu Tianhua Erhu Solos (China Record, 1982 cassette)

Post up-dated.

Zhāng Ruì 张锐 - Liu Tianhua Erhu Solos (China Record, 1982)



Performer: Zhāng Ruì 张锐,
Album: "Erhu Solos Composed by Liu Tianhua Performed by Zhang Rui"
Liú Tiānhuá èrhú dúzòu qǔ jí, Zhāng Ruì yǎnzòu
刘天华二胡独奏曲集, 张锐演奏

Year: 1982 (recorded in 1981)
Format: cassette tape

Track list:
A1. liáng xiāo良宵
A2. kōng shān niǎo yǔ 空山鸟语
A3. bìng zhōng yín 病中吟
A4. kǔ mèn zhī ōu 苦闷之讴
A5. dú xián cāo 独弦操
B1. guāng míng xíng 光明行
B2. yuè yè 月夜
B3. bēi gē 悲歌
B4. xián jū yín 间居吟
B5. zhú yǐng yáo hóng 烛影摇红

Download link: 40MB 130 vbr mp3 in zip folder inc covers

Translation of titles:
Bìng Zhōng Yín (病中吟) 1918 (recitation of ill-being)
Yuè Yè (月夜) 1924 (moon night)
Kǔ Mèn Zhī Ōu (苦闷之讴) 1926 (song of depression)
Bēi Gē (悲歌) 1927 (sad song)
Liáng Xiāo (良宵) 1928 (beautiful evening)
Xián Jū Yín (闲居吟) 1928 (recitation of leisure)
Kōng Shān Niǎo Yǔ (空山鸟语) 1928 (empty mountains bird song)
Guāng Míng Xíng (光明行) 1931 (towards brightness)
Dú Xián Cāo (独弦操) 1932 (exercise on one string)
Zhú Yĭng Yáo Hóng (烛影摇红) 1932 (shadows of candles flickering red)

This album of the ten erhu solo pieces composed by Liu Tianhua is performed by Zhang Rui, without accompaniment as originally composed.

To me, the erhu sound and the playing style on this recording has less of the characteristics that would be typical of the erhu and erhu music. It's almost as if how a classical violinist would would play these pieces. The notes on the cassette does mention that Zhang Rui did learn the violin.

Four of these tracks are also on the CD "A Collection of Music Played on the Erhu Vol 1" (1992, China Record) http://huqinblog.blogspot.com/2009/07/collection-of-music-played-on-erhu-vol.html

This is a video of Zhang Rui performing huái xiāng xíng 怀乡行 (journey of nostalgia for hometown) on Youtube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JUymInzy3og

A Special Selection of Han Music (1990 cassette)

Artist/Performers: Guǎngdōngshěng gēwǔ jùyuàn mínzú yuètuán 广东省歌舞剧院民族乐团
(Guangdong song & dance opera house ensemble)
Album: Zhōngguó Mínzú Qìyuè Xìliè 中国民族器乐系列
"A Series of Chinese Traditional Instrumental Music"
Hàndiào yīnyuè zhuānjí 汉调音乐专辑
"A Special Selection of Han Music"
Year: 1990
Company: Bái tiān é yīnxiàng chūbǎnshè 百天鹅音像出版社
W-S-8889

Cassette tape track list:
A1. jià hǎo láng 嫁好郎 Marrying to a Good Husband
A2. yíng xiān kè 迎仙客 Guest Welcoming the Immortals
A3. tiǎo lián 挑帘 Lifting Door Curtain
A4. xūn fēng qǔ 薰风曲 Intoxicating Breeze
A5. jìn běi gōng 北进宫 North Palace Ceremony
A6. bǎi jiā chūn 百家春 Spring of All Families
A7. cuìzǐ dēng tán 翠子登潭 Kingfisher Arriving at Pool
B1. chū shuǐ lián 出水莲 Lotus Newly Out of Water
B2. xiǎo yángzhōu 小扬洲 Little Yangzhou
B3. nán jìn gōng 南进宫 South Palace Ceremony
B4. píngshān yuè 平山乐 Pingshan Tune
B5. fàn hòu chá 饭后茶 Sipping Tea After Dinner


Performers:
Guǎngdōngshěng gēwǔ jùyuàn mínzú yuètuán 广东省歌舞剧院民族乐团
(Guangdong song & dance opera house ensemble)
Chén Xiónghuá 陈雄华 (tíqín, tóuxián 提琴, 头弦)
Yú Qíwěi 余其伟 (yehu)
Zhāng Yùnlíng 张运龄 (yangqin)
Lǐ Wěi 李伟 (zheng)
Xiāo Chénguāng 肖晨光 (suona)
Wǔ Guózhōng 伍国忠 (dizi)
Xiè Zhìqiáng 谢志强 (sheng)

Download link: 59MB 130 vbr mp3 in zip folder inc cover, notes in Chinese only

This is a recording of Kejia (aka Hakka) music known as Hanyue (Han music), performed by a small ensemble. My faourite track is the the first one, unfortunately the first few seconds has some distortion when the rest of the album doesn't have any.

Track B1. chū shuǐ lián 出水莲 Lotus Newly Out of Water, aka lotus emerging out of the water etc, is well known as a solo guzheng (Chinese zither) piece, the cassette has an ensemble version.

This is a version of A4. xūn fēng qǔ 薰风曲 Intoxicating Breeze in a guzheng (zither) and xiao (flute) version performed by Rao Ningxin and Luo Dezai from the CD Sizhu - Silk Bamboo - Chamber Music of South China (1994 Pan Records):
Link: http://sharebee.com/9809c132

Jiangnan Sizhu - Strolling Along the Su Causeway (1987 cassette)

Various Artists - Jiangnan Sizhu - Strolling Along the Su Causeway (1987, China Records cassette)

A1. sān liù 三六 - Huang Xinfeng (Singapore) & Shanghai Conservatory of Music
A2. chūn jiāng huā yuè yè 春江花月夜 Spring on a Moonlit night - China Conservatory of Music
A3. huān lè gē 欢乐歌 Song of Joy - Shanghai traditional ensemble (shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán)
B1. ní cháng qǔ 霓裳曲 Dance of Rainbow Coloured Gown - Shanghai Conservatory of Music
B2. yún qìng 云庆 Celebrating the Clouds - Shanghai traditional ensemble (shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán)
B3. sū tí màn bù 苏堤漫步 Stroll Along Su Dongpo Causeway - Shanghai traditional ensemble (shànghǎi mínzú yuètuán)
B4. qìng 庆 Celebration - Students (from various countries) ensemble


From cassette tape, China Record HL-540 (1987):
"The First Competition of String-and-Wind Music of Southern Yangtse for Compostion and Performers at Home and Abroad" vol 2.

Detailed notes in Chinese and English.

Download link: 49MB 130 vbr mp3 in zip folder inc covers and notes

Yu Hongmei - erhu solo (1995 cassette)

Artist/Performers: Yú Hóngméi 于红梅 (erhu), Zhōngyāng Yīnyuè Xuéyuàn Mínzú Yuètuán 中央音乐学院民族乐团 (Central Conservatory ensemble)

Album: zhōngguó chuántǒng qìyuè míngjiā 中国传统器乐名家名曲
(Chinese traditional instrumental music masterpieces)
èrhú yǎnzòu jīngsuǐ 二胡演奏精髓 (erhu solo quintessence)
èr quán yìng yuè 二泉映月 (moon reflected in Er spring)

Year: 1995
Company: guǎngdōng zhūjiāng yīnxiàng chūbǎnshè chūbǎn 广东珠江音像出版社出版 (Guangdong Zhujiang audio &video publishing house)

Format: cassette tape

Track list:
A1. jiāng hé shuǐ 江河水 (river water)
A2. yī zhī huā 一枝花 (a flower)
A3. qínqiāng zhǔtí suíxiǎngqǔ 秦腔主题随想曲 (theme from Shaanxi opera)
B1. èr quán yìng yuè 二泉映月 (moon reflected in Er spring)
B2. hán chūn fēng qǔ 寒春风曲 (cold spring wind)
B3. tīng sōng 听松 (listening to pines)
B4. xíng jiē 行街 (walking in street)


Track B4, Xing Jie is a Jiangnan sizhu piece and is is performed with Zhōngyāng Yīnyuè Xuéyuàn Mínzú Yuètuán 中央音乐学院民族乐团 (Central Conservatory ensemble). Track B2 is erhu only solo, the rest are are erhu with yangqin (dulcimer) accompaniment.

Cassette in Chinese only.


Download link: 47MB 130 vbr mp3 in zip folder inc cover

Buddhist Music of the Ming Dynasty, Zhihuasi Temple, Beijing (1993 CD) JVC World Sounds - VICG 5259

Updated re-post.



Buddhist Music of the Ming Dynasty, Zhihuasi Temple, Beijing (1993)
JVC World Sounds - VICG 5259

Music of the Zhi Hua Temple in Beijing, China, performed by musicians from the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, ensemble led by Hu Zhihou on the guanzi (double reed pipe).

běijīng zhìhuàsì 北京智化寺 = Beijing Zhihuasi temple

Tracks:

Buddhist Suite "Chui Si Diao"
zhōng táng zǔ qǔ 中堂组曲: chuí sī yuē 垂丝约

01. chuí sī yuē 垂丝约 as "Chui Si Diao" on CD
02. zhòu jǐn táng 昼锦堂 as "Zou Jin Tang" on CD
03. zuì wēng zǐ 醉翁子 as "Zui Wong Zi" on CD
04. jīn wǔ shān 金五山 as "Jin Wu Shan" on CD

Performed by:
Zhōngyāng Yīnyuè Xuéyuàn 中央音乐学院 Central Conservatory of Music,
stated on CD as "Beijing Central Music Academy" and "Beijing National Music Academy"
Lead guanzi 管子 : Hú Zhìhòu 胡志厚

JVC World Sounds VICG-5259 (1993)
Recorded in Beijing, 21 September 1992



From booklet:
中央音楽学院民族管楽・打撃楽教研室
JVC WORLD SOUNDS ＜CHINA＞
1993.03.24
アルバム / VICG-5259
\2,548（税込） / \2,427（税抜）
オンラインショップで購入
JVC
1994年に北京、智化寺で発見された、中国最古の明代の仏教音楽を、現代最高の演奏者のアンサンブルで復元した話題盤。
01. Chui Si Diao [sic]　垂絲釣（チュイスーディアオ）(chuisudiao)
02. Zou [sic] Jin Tang　昼錦堂（ズージンタン）
03. Zui Wong [sic] Zi　醉翁子（ズイウォンズ）
04. Jin Wu Shan　金五山（ジンウシャン）
1992年現地デジタル録音

From Amazon Japan:
智化寺の残照 中国最古の仏教音楽
~ 民族音楽 (アーティスト), フー・ジーホウ (演奏), 中央音楽学院民族管楽・打撃楽教研室 (演奏)
1. 垂絲釣
2. 昼錦堂(ズージンタン)
3. 酔翁子(ズイウォンズ)
4. 金五山(ジンウシャン)
内容（「CDジャーナル」データベースより）
明の時代からの伝承を今も守り続ける北京智化寺。ここでは芸僧たちが一代相伝で仏教音楽そのものを受け継いできたのである。つまり古典中の古典。中国最古の~というタイトルに偽りはない。日本の雅楽に通じるオリエンタリズムが堪能出来る。

Link, 67MB, 192kbps mp3

Alternative link:

Link,80MB, 320kbps mp3, part 1

Link,32MB, 320kbps mp3, part 2

Scans of the CD booklet in Japanese and English, scanned from B&W photocopies in zip folder, 3.3MB:

http://sharebee.com/5ec4dff3


I think it's worth mentioning the fact that whilst this CD is of music of the Zhihuasi temple in Beijing, it is not actually performed by the temple's monks/priests, who are the keepers and purveyors of this music. The performers are scholar/musicians from Beijing's Central Conservatory of Music who learnt the music from the temple's monks.

For a recording performed by musicians of village music associations, including one former Buddhist monk, who learnt their music in a more traditional way, I recommend the album "Buddhist Music of Tianjin" by the Tianjin Buddhist Music Ensemble released in 1994 (Nimbus NI 5416).


Complete English text from the booklet:

Text on cover:
BUDDHIST MUSIC OF THE MING DYNASTY
Zhihuasi Temple, Beijing
JVC VICG 5259
JVC WORLD SOUNDS


Page 5:
JVC WORLD SOUNDS
JVC World Sounds is a series of CDs featuring the
traditional music unique to many countries, music which
people all over the world enjoy listening to and performing.
The most advanced recording techniques have been used
in order to present the music in all its natural freshness.
This collection featuring musical voices from every corner
of the globe is now being offered by Japan to the world.


CHINA: BUDDHIST MUSIC OF THE MING DYNASTY

Although music as a professional activity has been practised in China for
more than two thousand years, we are no longer able to recreate the sound
of all the music which has been performed through the whole length of
Chinese cultural history. For instance, the Southern Song dynasty (1127-
1279) poet and composer Jiang Boshi wrote a work entitled "Anthology of
songs by the white Stone Hermit" which includes musical notation in the
so-called "common notation" (suzipu) system, but no one has been able to
decipher this notation convincingly for several centuries, thereby making it
impossible for us recreate these art songs today.

The late musicologist Yang Yinliu began research on the notation employed
in this work in 1947 with the aim of translating this early notation into actual
sound. His work included analysis of the literary structure of poems in the
ancient classic "The Book of Odes", as well as investigation of the musical


Page 6:
form of ancient folk songs. But in spite of his concentrated endeavours, he
did not succeed in realising the goal he had originally set himself.

Chinese musicologists have through the years thus spent much time and
effort striving to give sound to their silent music history.

Since 1949 Chinese musicologists have conducted large-scale surveys of
their nation's popular music and have acquired vast quantities of musical
notation. But all they arranged to do for a long time was to accumulate
abstract notation and the texts of folk songs dating from the age of The "Book
of Odes" down to the present. They have still not yet managed to decipher the
scores they have obtained with any degree of success.

Over the last few decades it has become easier for musicologists to con-
duct surveys of popular music all over China, although it is no longer possible
to conduct a meaningful comparative survey of folk music nationwide.
A particularly exciting discovery was, however, made during the 199Os. it
became evident that the monks of the Zhihuasi Temple in Beijing were still
performing music on the basis of scores dating from 1693 employing the
song dynasty "suzipu" notation system. This discovery marked the first step
towards the realisation of the goal which we Chinese musicologists had for so
long been hoping to achieve.

The Zhihuasi Temple has a history dating back to when it was erected as a
mausoleum for a senior eunuch of the Ming dynasty, and its monks have
maintained the temple's performance tradition over the ensuing centuries by
means of handing on the tradition only once in every generation. There
seems no doubt that the music performed by these monks employing scores
dating from 1693 includes pieces with a history stretching back much further
into the early Chinese musical past.

Several specialists including professor Hu Zhihou of the Department of
Ethnomusicology at the Central Music Academy in Beijing have for the past


Page 7:
six years conducted comprehensive research on the "suites" still performed at
the Zhihuasi Temple, and have themselves learned to perform the music.
They play one of these "suites" on this disc, which is likely to have enormous
importance and value for future research on early Chinese music.
(Zhao Feng)


Commentary to the music

The Zhihuasi Temple in Beijing was erected in 1446 during the Zhengtong
era of the Ming dynasty as a private mausoleum for the senior eunuch Wang
Zhen. The temple is well-known both architecturally and for its extensive
Buddhist library, but it is also renowned as one of the most important extant
cultural assets for specialists in Chinese Buddhism and music. The music of
the temple occupies the core position among Buddhist music still performed
in the Beijing area.

Twenty-five or six generations of transmitters of this tradition have passed
during the period of more than five hundred years since the temple was first
erected, and the training of those who inherit the temple's traditions con-
tinues today with great rigour. Monks and musicians attached to the temple
have to begin their training before reaching the age of twelve, and thereafter
undergo a severe course of instruction lasting seven years. On condition that
they have already undergone lengthy training, apprentices from other tem-
ples are assessed as to whether they have attained the standards enabling
them to perform together with apprentices trained inside the Zhihuasi Tem-
ple. The rules and techniques of performance are strictly prescribed, and no
changes in or arrangement of the traditional repertoire are permitted under
any circumstances. It is because of this strict adherence to tradition that the
music of the Zhihuasi Temple has been transmitted faithfully down the


Page 8:
centuries to reveal the aspect of Chinese musical culture in past ages.

The music of the Zhihuasi Temple may be divided into three elements, that
is to say recitation of the sutras, instrumental performance, and ritual imple-
ments. One of the most distinctive features is the performance by three wind
instruments. The music consists of both pieces in single movements and
suites of several pieces. Whereas the pieces in single movements consist of
a single standard melody ("qupai"), the suites consist of combinations of
several "qupai". These multiple-movement suites are classified further into
"zhongtang" and "liaoqiao" pieces, the former being performed at daytime
ceremonies and the latter during firework displays in the evening.

The oldest scores extant in the Zhihuasi Temple are manuscripts dated the
33rd year of the Kangxi era of the Qing dynasty (1694), and include forty-
eight pieces for wind instruments. The scores are in the hand of Yonggan,
twenty-fifth in the line of inheritors of the tradition. A further two fragmen-
tary sets of scores are possessed by the temple, meaning that the total
number of instrumental pieces for which notation is possessed is sixty-six.

Fifty-six instrumental pieces and thirty pieces for ritual instruments are
included in the "Yinyue foshi ji" (Anthology of Buddhist Ritual Music) of 1903,
while a further thirteen 137 instrumental pieces are included in a handwritten
manuscript possessed by the Chengshousi Temple.

The following combinations of instruments are employed in the music of
the Zhihuasi Temple, based on division into wind instruments and ritual
instruments.

Instruments used in the wind ensemble:
Guan (double-reed pipe) (2)
Sheng (bamboo mouth organ) (2)
Di (flute) (2)


Page 9:
Yunluo (set of gongs) (2)
Taigu (drum) (1)

Instruments used in the ritual ensemble:
Taigu (drum) (1)
Bo (cymbals, performed by the first guan-player) (1)
Nao (small gong, performed by the first di-player) (1)
Xianzi (pertormed by first sheng-player) (1)
Dangzi (pertormed by the first yunluo player)

Four modes - "zheng", "bei", "jie", and "yue" - are employed in the music of the
Zhihuasi Temple. Various conventions govern performance on each of the
instruments. The "guan" lead the ensemble, the sheng play ornamental figures
with finely articulated rhythms, and the yunluo gongs invariably play the main
note of the phrase on the latter half of the previous beat. Each instrument
thus has its own designated role.

The music of the Zhihuasi Temple has a history which can be traced back
to ancient times, and it today occupies the most important position in
Chinese Buddhist music. Its importance became clear after attention was
drawn to it during the 1950s by Buddhist scholars and musicologists. ln
order to uncover and preserve this valuable musical legacy, members of the
Beijing Musical Research Association and of the Percussion Research Divi-
sion within the Department of Ethnomusicology at the Beijing Central Music
Academy went for instruction in this music to the present inheritor of the
tradition, the monk-performer Xuzeng, with the full understanding of the
Buddhist Society of Beijing.

I hope that the exquisite sound of this wonderful music from the distant
past will resound throughout the world.
(Hu Zhihou)


Page 10:
Planning : Liu Hongjun
Notes : Zhao Feng, Hu Zhihou

Production : Soh Fujimoto
Mastering engineer : Naruto lmaizumi

Jacket design : lkko Tanaka
Jacket editor : Yukio Yui
English edition : Robin Thompson

Date of recording: 21 September 1992
Place of recording : Beijing, China


JVC WORLD SOUNDS
Supervision: Dr. Tsutomu Oohashi
(Professor of National lnstitute of Multimedia Education)
Cooperation: National lnstitute of Multimedia Education


CD case back cover:
BUDDHIST SUITE "CHUI SI DIAO"
1. CHUI Sl DIAO 17:14
2. ZOU JIN TANG 15:13
3. ZUI WONG Zl 3:27
4. JlN WU SHAN 12:15

Traditional Music Ensemble of The Beiiing National Music Academy
Leader: Hu Zhihou

Date of recording; 21 September 1992
Place of recording: Beijing, China

MANUFACTURED AND DISTRIBUTED BY VICTOR MUSICAL INDUSTRIES,INC.,TOKYO,JAPAN
P&C 1993 STEREO (DIGITAL RECORDING)



From page 1 (my version from Japanese):
Buddhist Suite "Chui Si Diao"
zhōng táng zǔ qǔ 中堂组曲: chuí sī yuē 垂丝约

01. chuí sī yuē 垂丝约 as "Chui Si Diao" on CD
02. zhòu jǐn táng 昼锦堂 as "Zou Jin Tang" on CD
03. zuì wēng zǐ 醉翁子 as "Zui Wong Zi" on CD
04. jīn wǔ shān 金五山 as "Jin Wu Shan" on CD

Performed by:
Zhōngyāng Yīnyuè Xuéyuàn 中央音乐学院
Central Conservatory of Music minzu ensemble, Percussion Research Divi-
sion within the Department of Ethnomusicology at the Beijing Central Music Academy
中央音乐学院 stated as "Beijing Central Music Academy" and "Beijing National Music Academy"
Lead guanzi 管子 : Hú Zhìhòu 胡志厚

A Collection of Music Played on the Erhu Vol 2

Performers: Jiāng Jiànhuá 姜建华, Chén Jiébīng 陈洁冰, Wáng Guótóng 王国潼, Xǔ Jiǎngdé 许讲德, Shěn Zhènglù 沈正陆, Jiǎng Fēngzhī 蔣风之, Wáng Shòutíng 王寿庭
Album: A Collection of Music Played on the Erhu Vol 2
(Works composed/arranged by Huà Yànjūn, Liú Tiānhuá, Jiǎng Fēngzhī)
CD Year: 1992
CD Company: China Record CCD-92/167
AAD

Track list:
English titles as on CD (except in brackets)

01. èr quán yìng yuè 二泉映月 A Moon is Mirrored in the Second Fountain - Jiāng Jiànhuá 姜建华
02. tīng sōng 听松 Hearing the Soughing of Wind in the Pine Forest - Chén Jiébīng 陈洁冰
03. hán chūn fēng qǔ 寒春风曲 Cold-Spring Wind Song - Chén Yàoxīng 陈耀星
04. èr quán yìng yuè 二泉映月 A Moon is Mirrored in the Second Fountain - Wáng Guótóng 王国潼
05. sān bǎo fó 三宝佛 Triratna Buddha - Xǔ Jiǎngdé 许讲德
06. yángguān sān dié 阳关三叠 (w. piano) Singing a Send-off Song with Three Refrains (aka 3 variations of Yangguan pass) - Shěn Zhènglù 沈正陆
07. hàn gōng qiū yuè 汉宫秋月 Autumn Moon Light is Shedding Over the Palace of Han Dynasty - Jiǎng Fēngzhī 蔣风之
08. guān shān yuè 关山月 Moon Light is Shedding on the Road of Journey (aka moon over Mount Guanshan) - Jiǎng Fēngzhī 蔣风之
09. zhāo jūn yuàn 昭君怨 The Grievance of Zhaojun - Wáng Shòutíng 王寿庭


Download link: 50MB 130 vbr mp3 in zip folder inc covers

Please note that depending on the zip program you are using, the folder might not extract properly, for example 7-Zip does not work. It appears this is because the Chinese characters in the file names are causing errors.

If you are having problems, WinRAR will work or try another utility; the Chinese characters will appear as underlines when extracted.