The Legend of the Mongolian Fiddle

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

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The Peony Pavilion, a Tale of Love

Kunqu is said to be the mother of all Chinese operas. With a 400 year history, 'the Peony Pavilion’ is one of its celebrated tales of love, which has been remade into numerous films and plays. The uncut performances of this romantic 16th-century work consisted of more than 22 hours. Chinese composer Tan Dun, best known for his music for the film Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon, re-adapted this classic into a compact 75-minute production several years ago. With our colleague Liu Min’s help, our host Tony had the pleasure of watching Tan’s version from an online video recorded at the New York Metropolitan Museum. And we’ve invited Liu Min on Music Talks today to share with you ‘The Peony Pavilion’ while enjoying Tan’s version of the Chinese Kunqu opera. To check out the New York Metropolitan Museum edition, click: https://www.metmuseum.org/peonypavilion

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Nomads in the distance – nomadic departure

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.