When the Pear Blossom Blooms
When the Pear Blossom Blooms derives from Ode to Pear Blossom, which is the theme song of the new Peking opera The Royal Consort of Tang. The original work is primarily composed in the erhuang style and infused with the distinctive vocal characteristics of the Mei Lanfang School. In this rendition, the piece is performed purely with Chinese instrumental music, evoking a graceful, lyrical yet majestic and atmospheric aesthetic. The music directly echoes the central theme of love between Emperor Xuanzong of Tang and Consort Yang, expressing their feelings through the beauty of nature. It opens the concert with a tranquil, elegant yet grandiose dramatic musical atmosphere.
Sweet Girl
This story revolves around Mei Anxiang and Wei Zhaoren, who pledged themselves in marriage and exchanged swords as tokens of their love. However, driven by greed and ambition, Wei Zhaoren breaks the engagement. Before his death, he repents before Mei Anxiang and ultimately takes his own life with a sword. This performance is structured around four musical excerpts – Song of the Sword, Oath of the Sword, Return of the Sword, and To Battle – which together narrate this emotionally rich tale steeped in themes of loyalty and patriotism. Song of the Sword is grand and powerful, expressing the protagonist’s pride and sense of mission in wielding the sword, a symbol of justice and conviction, as the music exudes strength and solemnity. Oath of the Sword begins with a slow and dignified melody that gradually rises to a passionate climax, emphasising the protagonist’s resolve and loyalty, with the sword serving as a medium for their vow. Return of the Sword is compact and magnificent in structure, with smooth and rhythmic melodies. It encompasses both the tragic memories of the past and hopeful anticipation of the future, conveying the honour and sense of belonging after fulfilling a mission. To Battle is particularly significant in Sweet Girl. Its melody conveys a sense of movement, and its strong rhythm builds a soaring, heroic atmosphere, depicting scenes of epic battle. The interplay of drums and strings evokes a vivid sense of heroism, concluding the piece on an exhilarating note.
‘The Fragrant Sacrifice’ from Princess Cheung Ping
Princess Cheung Ping is one of the classic works of Cantonese opera, recounting the fall of the Ming dynasty. In an effort to secure a proper burial for the Emperor Chongzhen and to plead for the release of her brother, Princess Cheung Ping, the emperor’s eldest daughter, and her betrothed, Zhou Shixian, feign their return to the palace. Beneath the intertwined trees before the Palace of Heavenly Purity, they bow to each other and commit suicide for their country. ‘The Fragrant Sacrifice’ is one of the opera’s core arias, rich in artistic value and emotional intensity. It is based on the ancient melody Autumn Thoughts by the Dressing Table, and is performed as a duet. The alternating solos of Princess Cheung Ping and Zhou Shixian forge a dialogue pattern. The overall melody is tender and moving, with a rhythm full of lyrical expression. ‘Fragrant sacrifice’ refers to ‘a fragrant soul perishing early,’ a metaphor for their tragic yet resolute love-suicide.
Separated Swallows
This classic Cantonese ditty, originating in the early 20th century, is based on Yang Cuixi, one of the ten Cantonese music masterpieces. Using the imagery of ‘swallows parting in flight,’ it vividly expresses human sorrow and longing through a lyrical duet. Standing out among compositions of its time, the piece is renowned for its subtle emotional expression and delicate melodic structure. With gradually intensifying phrases that build towards an emotional climax, it perfectly aligns sentiment with scenery, showcasing the unique lyrical qualities of Cantonese music.
The Purple Hairpin Regrets
A model of music adapted from Cantonese opera, this piece draws inspiration from the Tang Dynasty romantic tale The Legend of the Purple Hairpin, recounting the poignant love story of Li Yi and Huo Xiaoyu. Infused with traditional Chinese musical charm, the song seamlessly weaves elements of Cantonese opera with contemporary singing. Its graceful melodic lines evoke a strong classical Chinese aesthetic. The mode leans towards Cantonese opera stylings, while the lyrics are concise yet heartfelt. Through the symbolic object of the purple hairpin, the song reflects both the tenderness and helpless sorrow of love. With its touching melodies, poetic lyrics, and vocal expressiveness, it beautifully conveys the tragic and moving essence of traditional Chinese romantic tales – a truly poetic classic.
The Family Legend – The Moon at Dawn over Lugou Bridge, adapted from the theme music of the tv drama The Grand Mansion Gate
Capturing the spirit of Beijing’s historical and cultural legacy, The Grand Mansion Gate is a tv drama deeply intertwined with Peking opera. The music prominently features the use of traditional operatic melodies and percussion patterns. Drawing from the sanban style and representative folk tunes, the composition exudes both emotional depth and heroic grandeur. Its Peking opera tones and rhythms convey nuanced sentiment with richness and finesse, offering a deeply immersive musical experience.
The Legend of the White Snake
This work reimagines the legendary love story between a female snake spirit and a man named Xu Xian through a blend of music and dramatic performance. It features five selected scenes from the Cantonese opera and concludes with a newly adapted song, Awaiting Your Return, creating a stirring and emotionally layered narrative. The opening, Lotus Picking Song, sets a joyful tone, depicting the cheerful encounter between the White Snake and Xu Xian. Devotion presents a tender duet portraying their deepening love, with melodious lines full of grace and sentiment. Shock of Love intensifies the drama with urgent melodies and tense vocal lines as the real identity of the White Snake is revealed. Flooding Jinshan Temple offers a climactic fusion of majestic music and dynamic stage performance, where the White Snake battles Fa Hai, while unleashing a deluge upon the temple. A long water sleeves dance symbolises her bravery and tragic determination, exemplifying the visual aesthetics and emotional expressiveness unique to Cantonese opera. Love Rekindled returns to a calm and heartfelt tone, expressing the White Snake’s unwavering love for Xu Xian. The finale, Awaiting Your Return, serves as the emotional culmination of the entire work. Its flowing and intricate melody, paired with the distinctive lyrical style of Cantonese opera, conveys the White Snake’s endless yearning for Xu Xian, bringing the performance to a warm and hopeful close.