Meeting 11 November 2017

Introduction

This, the 91st meeting of the London Youlan Qin Society, was held at the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London. We were pleased to welcome many new qin friends.

Nylon composite strings

Charles Tsua gave a short talk on nylon composite guqin strings.

Nylon composite strings are similar to metal-nyon strings, but have a nylon core and metal wrapping. The sound is softer, and they are under less tension. There are three brands: Longren, the originator of this type of string in 2008, still dominates the market. Daixi (who also make metal-nylon strings) strings are slightly thicker and more stable - they only need to be restrung once or twice. A recent entrant is Ye Wangfu. These strings contain more copper, and are therefore more stable, and sound louder than the other two makes, but the tension is very high and they are dificult to mount.

Music

The following music was played:

Shuixian Cao 水仙操 (The Water Immortal), played by Jenny Zhao
Wu Ye Wu Qiu Feng 梧叶舞秋风 (Autumn Leaves Dancing in the Autumn Breeze) played by Charles Tsua
Shi Mian Maifu 十面埋伏 (Ambushed on All Sides) played by Peng Yuqin (pipa)
Shen Ren Chang 神人畅 (Harmony of Gods and Men), played by Julian Joseph
Qiu Feng Ci 秋风辞 (Ode to the Autumn Wind), played by Wong Huiting
Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme), played by Fu Yingbai
Ping Sha Luo Yan 平沙落雁 (Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank), played by Yuan Ye (Pu Xuezhai's score)
Qiu Jiang Ye Bo 江夜泊 (Mooring on an Autumn Night), played by Yuan Ye
Guan Shan Yue 关山月 (Moon over the Mountain Pass), played by Cheng Yu
Ping Sha Luo Yan 平沙落雁 (Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbank), played by Cheng Yu
Meihua San Nong 梅花三弄 (Three Variations on the Plum Blossom Theme), played by Elaine Yu