Media

HKU Concert Series : Qin Music of the Antiquity: Master Yao Gongbai

07 Apr 2011

 

Date: April 15, 2011 (Friday)
Time: 7:30pm
Venue: T.T. Tsui Building, University Museum and Art Gallery, HKU                                      

Free Admission, first-come, first-served.

Supported by HKU's Culture and Humanities Fund, the HKU Qin Project was launched in 2009 with the theme Qin Music of the Antiquity. In Spring 2010, we saw the completion of digitalizing the original qin handbook Shenqi Mipu [The Fantastic Secret Notation], as preserved in Japan. It is indeed our honour to have with us Master Yao Gongbai, who brings us his unique insight of the prestigious anthology in this recital.

What we now understand as qin repertoire of Tang and Song (618-1279) are in fact preserved in the three-volume Shenqi Mipu (1425). The first of the three volumes, entitled Taigu Shenpin [Celestial Airs of Antiquity], is a collection of 16 pieces, which show signs of coming from an earlier epoch and represent a "non-transmitted secret repertoire" of the older age.

Master Yao Bingyan (1921-1983) began his research on the Shenqi Mipu in the 1950s, and after three decades of hard work, he deciphered over 40 qin pieces. Following in his father's footsteps, Master Yao Gongbai excels in both qin research and performance, and is particularly known for his interpretation of qin music of the antiquity. He was conferred the title "Representative Inheritor of National Intangible Cultural Heritage" by the PRC Ministry of Culture in 2008.

Members of the media are cordially invited to cover the event.

Programme

Melody of Longshuo
Autumn Moon Shining on a Thatched Pavilion
Amidst Mountains Thinking of a Friend
Nomad Reed Pipe (unabridged)
In Search of a Recluse (qin song)
Sorrow of Separation: to the tune Recalling the Flute Couple at the Phoenix Terrace (qin song)
A Tune in Antique Style
The Raven's Nocturnal Call
Crane's Cry from Remote Marshlands
Melody of Guangling

For media enquiries, please contact Miss Phyllis Mak, Programme Manager, Faculty of Arts, HKU (Tel: 2859 8048 /email: kpmak@hku.hk ) or Ms Trinni Choy, Assistant Director (Media), Communications and Public Affairs Office, HKU (Tel: 2859 2606/email: pychoy@hku.hk).

For programme details, please visit http://www.hku.hk/music/concerts or 2859 7045.