Young artist explores the wonderful world of guzheng

By Wang Ran and Li Jingrong: 0 Comment(s)Print E-mail China.org.cn, June 19, 2017

Liu Le performs with the Oslo Philharmonic Orchestra. [Photo provided to China.org.cn]

A combination of tradition and innovation

Guzheng is an ancient plucked instrument with 21 or 25 strings, and the music played by it sounds natural and melodious with an indescribably free style. In addition to being a guzheng player and teacher, Liu is also a musical composer, creating many works that are widely popular.

His representative works in recent years include "Sleeves Dance," "Tonight," "You," "Romantic Breeze of Spring" and "A Fishing Boat at Dusk," all of which combine the elements of traditional Chinese music with the rhythm of modern life, constituting a unique school in the world of guzheng.

Liu believes that too many traditional elements in guzheng musical works will possibly turn off some of his young audience. "It is not that modern people do not respect traditions, but they find no sympathetic response from the musical works," he said.

Therefore, it is necessary to create some "bridging" works to first get a resonance among young audiences, who will gradually pay more and more attention to guzheng music and finally develop a passion for it.

As for the differences between young and old performing artists, Liu believes that the main difference lies in their individual performing styles. "In fact, the old generation of artists has no shortage of trend-setting ideas; at the same time, the young generation hasn't ignored traditions while focusing on innovation," he said, adding that the pursuit of what one needs and feels is the greatest concern of folk musicians.