14th September, 2008

This, the 34th meeting of the London Youlan Qin Society, was held at the home of Julian Joseph in Chippenham, Wiltshire.

Introduction

This yaji, as always, was very informal. After an excellent lunch, all players played several pieces. We were pleased to welcome Fred Wong and his wife, and Robin Thompson, who playes the Japanese sanshin, a 3-stringed lute similar to the Chinese sanxian and the Japanese shamisen.

Robin told us that the classical sanshin music had a similar position in ancient Ryukyuan culture to that of the qin in China. It was the instrument of the aristocracy, and large ensembles performed during the investiture ceremonies for new Ryukyuan kings, when Chinese envoys came from Beijing. These performances could last up to 6 months.

Music

The following music was played:
  1. Shenren Chang 神人畅 (Harmony of Gods and Men), played by Cheng Yu *
  2. Guangling San 广 陵散 (first part), played by Marnix Wells #
  3. Nakafu, Played and sung by Robin Thompson. This is a love song from the classical Ryukyan repertoire.
  4. Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme), qin: Chen Jinwei, xiao: Dennis Lee *
  5. Liang Xiao Yin 良宵引 (Prelude for a Pleasant Evening), played by Mrs Wong *
  6. Changmen Yuan 长门怨 (Lament at Changmen Palace), Played by Chen Jinwei *
  7. Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme), qin: Cheng Yu, xiao: Dennis Lee *
  8. Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme), played by Chen Jinwei *
  9. Pei Lan 佩 兰 (Admiring the Orchids). Learned from Zeng Chengwei. Played by Charlie Huang *
  10. Wu Ye Wu Qiu Feng 梧叶舞秋风 (Parasol Leaves Dancing in the Autumn Breeze), played by Fred Wong #
  11. Yi Guren 亿故人 (Memories of an Old Friend), played by Fred Wong #
  12. Yanguan San Die 阳关三叠 (Three Variations on the Yang Pass Theme), played by Cheng Yu
  13. Kai Gu Yin 慨古吟 (Reflecting on the Past), played by May Wong #
  14. Kai Gu Yin 慨古吟 (Reflecting on the Past), played by May Wong and sung by Fred Wong #
  15. Puan Zhou 普庵咒 (Incantation of Puan) played by Mrs Wong #
  16. Gu Guan Yu Shen 古馆遇神 (Meeting Ghosts in a Deserted House), played by Julian Joseph *
  17. Yu Qiao Wen Da 渔樵问答 (Dialogue of the Fisherman and the Woodcutter), played by Fred Wong #
* Played on a qin made by Zeng Chengwei fitted with steel/nylon strings.
# Played on a qin made during the Qing dynasty and fitted with silk strings.





    Mrs Wong and Dennis Lee playing Meihua San Nong

         		Robin Thompson singying Nakafu
    		 Chen Jinwei playing Changmen Yuan


    Copyright the London Youlan Qin Society, 2008. All rights reserved.