New York Traditional Chinese Music Series: The Historical Performance of Jiangnan Sizhu
Linfeng Fan
Deadline
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New York Traditional Chinese Music Series: The Historical Performance of Jiangnan Sizhu
This project focuses on Jiangnan Sizhu, one of the most representative forms of traditional Chinese instrumental ensemble music. It will be presented through lecture concerts, workshops, and masterclasses, offering audiences a deep insight into its unique musical charm and cultural essence. The performances will be conducted in the elegant gathering (雅集) format, integrating live music with discussions on improvisation, structural composition, and historical conventions of Jiangnan Sizhu.
Additionally, they aim to explore the artistic significance of the bamboo flute (dizi), one of China’s oldest musical instruments, and its role in both traditional and contemporary musical expressions.
The team is scheduled to arrive in New York in early October, participating in the Cornell University conference from October 10 to 14, with further performances and lectures planned in the region.
Jiangnan Sizhu Lecture Concert / Workshop
The Historical Performance of Jiangnan Sizhu: Theory and Musical Practice
Jiangnan Sizhu is a highly representative ensemble style from the Jiangnan region of China, carrying deep cultural significance and a distinctive performance tradition. This workshop is co-led by Dr. Li Ya (Associate Professor, Shanghai Normal University) and bamboo flute artist Fan Linfeng (Instructor, Central Conservatory of Music, Jiangnan Sizhu Course Lecturer), together
withmusicians from the Shengsheng Sizhu Ensemble of the Central Conservatory of Music, presenting a combination of theoretical discussions and live performance.
The workshop will adopt the elegant gathering (雅集) format, incorporating PPT presentations and live demonstrations of classic pieces such as “Zhonghua Liuban” (中花六板),“Sanliu”(三六), and"Xingjie" (行街). The five musicians will perform in various configurations—full ensemble, duets, or trios—highlighting the flexibility and improvisational nature of Jiangnan Sizhu and its adaptation to different musical contexts.
The lecture portion will explore historical interpretations of Jiangnan Sizhu repertoire, improvisational techniques, structural composition, and melodic characteristics, offering a profound insight into its musical essence. Through live demonstrations and analysis, the audience will gain a deeper understanding of Jiangnan Sizhu’s expressive power and its theoretical framework within Asian traditional music research.
Core Performance Team: Five musicians, including bamboo flute (dizi), erhu, pipa, yangqin, and hand percussion (adjustable based on performance needs).