Zhang Zhao – Shangri-la Remote Xianggelila

Description

Anna Sutyagina plays the Chinese folk song arrangement by Zhang Zhao “Remote Xianggelila”.
The word xianggelila is another word for shangri-la which is a mystical idyllic place. Beauty and tranquility. Just like Chinese garden that is unveiling in front of the beholder. You do not see the shape of the garden immediately. As you step in, pond, bridge and the temple will be revealed to you. You contemplate the beauty, you breathe in the harmony.
In the Chinese symbolic the water represents the emotions, so in the second half of the piece you will hear the growing intensity.

If you are curious to learn more about Chinese piano music, here are 5 reasons to discover Chinese piano music.

1. Yin and Yang. This principle of the Chinese philosophy describes how obviously opposite forces may actually be complementary in the natural world, and how they may enrich each other as they interrelate to one another. You will experience this philosophy emotionally when you hear how the melancholic and atmospheric sounding piano pieces and the staccato dancing, bouncing rhythmic fast pieces give rise to each other.
2. In Chinese musical symbolism the flowing chords, arpeggios and runs imitate water, which stands in their philosophy for emotions. You will get carried away by the manifold water elements in the piano music.
3. The music has flowing structures and is often using the high register of piano. This gives the music a peaceful and calm sound. You will feel how relaxing it is.
4. The music takes you in a world full of fantasy. Already the titles of the compositions stands for the mystery of Chinese culture: „Silver clouds chasing the moon”, „Twin Butterflies“, „Blue Sunset on the red-coloured river“ or „The Flowery Moon Night of Spring River”. Most of them are expressing the natural beauty of flowers, birds and landscapes.
5. Many piano pieces are folk song arrangements and are rooted in the Chinese culture. You will discover how Chinese composers express the beauty of the land and people by using Western compositional techniques. It is a living developing music.

If you are in Munich on the 11th of February it would be a pleasure if you join me on my “World Piano Tour”. I will play for you the amazing Chinese piano music and talking about my favourite compositions

#Shangrila #Chinesepianomusic