China - Celestial Music for Qin (zither) and Xiao (bamboo flute)

China - Celestial Music for Qin and Xiao
Deng Hong, qin & Chen Shasha, xiao
Caprice Records CAP 21818, recorded 2008, CD released 2009

Qin (pronounced 'chin') is a quiet instrument, best suited to be played in solitude or with a good friend who follows the melody on flute. The instrument is difficult to play, and one problem for new beginners is that there is no sheet music of the kind we are used to. The seven strings are made of tightly thrown silk. To obtain the durable silk threads required for the strings, the silkworms are fed a special leaf from the zhe-tree. Qin music is normally not performed in public.

Throughout history, the instrument has been regarded with immense reverence and celebrated in countless poems. In ancient times, it was used by sorcerers and shamans to avert misfortunes and maintain harmony. From the mid 1960s and decades onwards, qin was considered too elitist in China, but today the instrument is advancing strongly and has reclaimed its role as its country's foremost national instrument. A few years ago, it was included in UNESCO's List of Intangible Cultural Heritage.

01. Qi Yan Hui (Tears for Yan Hui)
02. Liu shui (Flowing Waters)
03. Meihua san nong (Three Variations on the Melody Plumblossoms)
04. Chunxiao yin (Spring Morning)
05. Guanshan yue (Moon over the Mountain Pass)
06. Ping sha luo yan (Wild Geese decending on the Sandbank)
07. Yangguan san die (Three Variations on the parting for Yangguan)
08. Liang xiao yin (Serene Night)
09. Si da jing (Four great Sceneries)
10. Ao ai (Creeks of the Oars)