Saturday, December 13, 2014

Recommended books related to Western Music in China

Some books to read:
Jonathan Stock - Musical Creativity in 20th Century China
Life of Abing, the folk musician.

Richard Kraus - Pianos and Politics in China
Written by a sociologist about the turmoil during the Cultural Revolution (1960s-1970s). Many of the pieces found in the collection "30 Famous Chinese Piano Pieces" are detailed in this book. The book is an invaluable companion to the score. The accounts of the pianists and composers are fascinating, but at times, tragic. A must read.

Sheila Melvin & JinDong Cai - Rhapsody in Red
A colorful history of how Western Classical music became Chinese. Although not a piano specific book, this gives a bigger picture of Western music in China with accounts of visits by foreign orchestras. This has information dating to the early dynasties of China including the stay of Mateo Ricci and the Jesuits. 

Liang Mingyue - Music of the Billion: An Introduction to Chinese Musical Culture
Socio-historic background, instrument descriptions, instrumental & vocal music including the Chinese opera.


Piano Transcription, Teresa Teng - The Moon Represents My Heart 月亮代表我的心 arr. Gordon Murray, p...

Another gem by Mr. Murray here. I have been looking for a good transcription of this popular song. I think this is the best version I have come across so far. Nostalgia hit home with this one and it brought tears to my eyes. Wonderful memories of my grandpa and grandma listening to this song. Hoping this arrangement will also be published someday.

Beautiful Transciption - 玫瑰玫瑰我爱你 Rose Rose I Love You arr. Gordon Murray, piano 钢琴

I stumbled upon this transcription from an email request from a blog visitor. I am sad to say I don't have this piece and Mr. Murray has not published it because of copyright issues. In the meantime, please enjoy this video. What a beautiful, whimsical arrangement of "Rose, Rose, I Love You."




Friday, January 31, 2014

Happy New Year of the Horse! 2014

 Wishing you and yours a happy and prosperous new year!
恭喜发财! 新年快乐!