Music Talks

China Plus

Feast your ears on the musical classics of the east with MUSIC TALKS, the Middle Kingdom’s mashup of classical music and in-depth discussions with some of China’s most celebrated orchestral professionals. Experience the instruments, get some perspective, feel the pulse of antiquity.

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Top 10 Music Talks Episodes

Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Music Talks episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Music Talks for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Music Talks episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Songs behind the scenes

Music Talks

06/29/20 • 29 min

Previously, we enjoyed some of Wang Bei's musical works for the Chinese television series, The Legend of Mi Yue, and his compositions for the documentary, 'Aerial China'. From traditional Chinese Orchestral pieces to contemporary film & television score music, Wang Bei is one of the most active and talented composers in the Chinese music scene. Today, we select several from his works and have the pleasure of having the composer disclose his inspirations and thoughts behind these classic pieces.

Song Lists:

1. The Great Love 天之大, composed by Wang Bei, lyrics by Chen Tao, sung by Mao Amin

2. Fireworks 满城烟花, composed by Wang Bei, lyrics by Chen Tao, sung by Mao Amin & Zhang Jie

3. The Waters and Mountains of Guizhou 山水贵客, composed by Wang Bei, lyrics by Chen Tao, sung by Han Hong

4. Legacy 遗爱, composed & sung by Wang Bei, lyrics by Chen Tao

5. Flowery March 烟花三月, composed by Wang Bei

6. Buffalo 水牛儿, composed & sung by Wang Bei, lyrics by Gao Chang

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HE Xige: Flying Emblem

Music Talks

01/22/20 • 23 min

Today, we have the pleasure of having a marvel in the Mongolian community joining us in the studio Mr He Xige. Mr HE is not only an excellent horsehead fiddle instrumentalist but also a celebrated composer, who infuses modernity into Mongolian fiddle music, winning the favour of numerous music lovers home and abroad. 'Flying Emblem' is one of He's most popular pieces. There were two kinds of emblems during Genghis Khan’s time, namely the black and white ones. The black emblem was used when going out to battle. The white one represented peace. Mr He says the white emblem was used in his music video, symbolising their enduring faith in peace and righteousness. Song Lists: 1. 蒙古缘 Predestined Affection for Mongol 2. 乡愁 Nostalgia 3. 风中的苏鲁德 Flying Emblem

Rechiming China’s Legendary Bells

Music Talks

10/17/19 • 39 min

From China’s Warring States period more than 2,400 years ago, the Zenghouyi chime bells were unearthed in 1978, the year that marked the start of a new chapter in China’s history. The discovery of the bells revealed a design that had been lost to history and enhanced Chinese musicology. It has witnessed the changes in China over the past 40 years.

The Legend of the Mongolian Fiddle

Music Talks

12/16/19 • 31 min

The Mongolians are distinctive people renowned for riding on horseback. The horsehead fiddle is a symbol of the horse and the nomadic nature of this group. In the following episodes of Music Talks, we have Mr Li Bo, a celebrated musician of the instrument, in the studio with us, to share his legendary instrument and its legacy. What was the story behind the instrument? Is it true that the fiddle's music can even sooth members of the animal kingdom? Find out in this episode! Music Lists: 1. The Wind from Above, by Li Bo 2. The Legend of the Horse Head Fiddle, by Li Bo 3. The Lonely Camel Baby, by Li Bo 4. Pastoral, by Li Bo

Name THIS Tune (ii)

Music Talks

11/19/19 • 19 min

In our previous episodes, we got the chance to experience the guzheng, with the maestro, Zhang Lu with China National Traditional Orchestra. Today we bring you some selections from Zhang Lu’s album. The music you’re about to hear are the guzheng versions to a number of songs or film soundtracks you might be familiar with. Song Lists: 1. Scarborough Fair 2. Wandering Songstress (天涯歌女) 3. Moon River 4. A Bright Sunny Day in Autumn (九九艳阳天) 5. Mama, Do You Remember? (草帽歌) 6. Red Dust (滚滚红尘)

Nails of the Royal Court

Music Talks

10/24/19 • 25 min

The guzheng, also known as a Chinese zither, is a Chinese plucked string instrument with more than 2,500-year history. Today and in the following episodes, let's explore the Chinese 21string-zither with Ms. Zhang Lu, a celebrated instrumentalist from China National Traditional Orchestra. Music lists: 1. The Wandering Songstress 2. High Mountain and Flowing Water 3. Battling the Typhoon

Nomads in the distance – nomadic departure

Music Talks

12/30/19 • 29 min

Today, we’ll continue our chat with Mr Li Bo, a celebrated Inner Mongolian musician of the horse head fiddle, and address his music and the stories behind his songs. Aoter at a Far Distance was composed by Mr Li in 1981. It’s regarded as one of the most frequently performed in the genre. ‘Aoter’ in Mongolian refers to the migration process of the nomadic group. In summer, they load their ox-wagons with everyday essentials and seek fresher grass for their cattle. When finding a suitable place, they will settle their yurts there, and graze their cattle and horses for awhile.

The Moon Songs

Music Talks

09/12/19 • 30 min

In this episode, we theme on the moon, to celebrate the Moon Festival or the Mid-Autumn Festival. 1. A Half Moon Climbs Up 2. When Will the Bright Moon Appear 3. Colorful Clouds Chasing the Moon 4. Blooming Flowers and Full Moon Special Thanks to China National Traditional Orchestra.

Sounds of Nature (part 1)

Music Talks

08/29/19 • 31 min

Traditional Chinese musical instruments are capable of imitating animals. In this episode of Music Talks, we recommend four musical pieces that give off the appeal of birds chirping, flying and even arguing. Can you tell which instruments are being used? 1. Twittering of Birds and Fragrance of Flowers, by CNTO 2. Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix, by CNTO 3. Partridge Birds Fly, by CNTO 4. Wild Geese Landing on the Beach, by Zhang Weijun Special thanks to China National Traditional Orchestra and Zhang Weijun.

HE Xige talks about his albums

Music Talks

01/31/20 • 30 min

In our last episode, we had a pleasure talking with Mr HE XIGE, who is a celebrated musician from Inner Mongolia. Mr HE is NOT ONLY an outstanding horse-head fiddle instrumentalist, but also a popular composer, who infuses modernity into traditional Mongolian fiddle music, winning the favour of numerous music lovers from home and abroad. Some of you may have already heard a few of his songs in our last episode, like ‘Nostalgia’, or ‘Flying Emblem’, etc. Today, we continue to talk with Mr HE while listening to a few classic songs selected from his albums since 2005, and we also get to hear the stories behind these musical works. SONG LISTS: 1. The horses returned 归来的马 2. White pony 白驹 3. Eternal horse head fiddle 永恒的马头琴 4. Faith 信念 5. The oath of the mountains and rivers 山河誓

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FAQ

How many episodes does Music Talks have?

Music Talks currently has 281 episodes available.

What topics does Music Talks cover?

The podcast is about Music and Podcasts.

What is the most popular episode on Music Talks?

The episode title 'Songs behind the scenes' is the most popular.

What is the average episode length on Music Talks?

The average episode length on Music Talks is 30 minutes.

How often are episodes of Music Talks released?

Episodes of Music Talks are typically released every 7 days.

When was the first episode of Music Talks?

The first episode of Music Talks was released on May 20, 2019.

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Music Talks

China Plus

Top 10 Music Talks Episodes

FAQ

How many episodes does Music Talks have?

What topics does Music Talks cover?

What is the most popular episode on Music Talks?

What is the average episode length on Music Talks?

How often are episodes of Music Talks released?

When was the first episode of Music Talks?

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