As Alex, Peter, and Samuel arrived in Xi'an, it was spring, and the entire city was enveloped in an ancient and tranquil atmosphere. As the capital of thirteen dynasties in Chinese history, Xi'an is not only one of the birthplaces of Chinese culture but also the starting point of the Silk Road, carrying with it a rich tapestry of history and musical heritage.
Their first stop in Xi'an was the Tang Paradise, a place that vividly recreates the splendor of the Tang Dynasty. This garden, steeped in history, features a museum dedicated to the musical culture of the Tang era, aptly named the "Tang Music House." Here, they found numerous replicas of ancient Tang musical instruments and a wealth of musical literature, showcasing the prosperity and diversity of Tang music.
Guided by the museum's exhibits, they learned that Tang music was deeply influenced by the regions of the Western Territories, Central Asia, and Persia, forming a unique Silk Road musical style. Various instruments, such as the pipa, konghou, huqin, and jiaogu, were the fruits of musical exchanges along the Silk Road.
"The music of the Tang Dynasty is truly rich and colorful," Peter remarked, captivated by the array of ancient instruments on display. "There must be many touching stories behind these instruments."
Alex nodded in agreement. "I believe the diversity of Tang music is closely linked to the cultural exchanges along the Silk Road. We can delve into these instruments to explore their potential in contemporary music composition."
Exploring the Melodic Huqin
They lingered in the Tang Music House for quite some time, particularly entranced by the huqin display, unable to tear their eyes away. The huqin, a stringed instrument with a long history, boasts a piercing and melodious tone, holding a significant place in the music of the Silk Road.
"The huqin's sound is remarkably unique, especially its high notes," Samuel observed, gently touching the huqin on display. "It expresses an indescribable emotion, as if recounting tales from the ancient Silk Road."
Li Wenjun informed them that the huqin was introduced to China from the Western Territories, originally a Central Asian and Persian instrument. Over centuries, it gradually integrated into Chinese musical culture, becoming a vital member of the Tang court orchestra.
"The history and tone of the huqin are quite special," Peter noted. "We could try incorporating huqin elements into our music and see what effects it brings."
Li Wenjun arranged for them to visit a huqin master named Feng Songnian. Mr. Feng was an authority on huqin performance and a skilled craftsman of the instrument, with his family having passed down this art for generations, earning a prestigious reputation in Xi'an.
Mr. Feng's home was nestled in an ancient alley at the foot of the Xi'an city wall, flanked by cherry blossom trees adorned with delicate pink flowers. His workshop exuded an antique charm, filled with huqins of various shapes and sizes, each emanating a faint aroma of wood.
"Welcome to my workshop," Mr. Feng greeted them warmly, a spirited elder whose demeanor exuded the elegance and confidence of a musician. "The huqin is a family legacy; my grandfather once crafted huqins for the Qing court. I hope to pass down our musical tradition through these instruments."
Mr. Feng demonstrated the huqin-making process. From selecting materials to carving, each step required exceptional skill and patience. The huqin's body is typically made from redwood or rosewood, while the strings are crafted from silk or steel, and the bow hair comes from horse tails.
"The huqin's tone depends on the quality of the wood and the tension of the strings," Mr. Feng explained. "A good huqin can produce a bright and resonant sound, capable of expressing intense emotions as well as delicate inner worlds."
Alex, Peter, and Samuel were all deeply intrigued by the huqin's sound. Mr. Feng played a Tang-era huqin piece titled "Night on the River," the music flowing melodiously and profoundly, transporting listeners back to the ancient city a thousand years ago, where the river flowed quietly under the moonlight, and the huqin's melody wept and wailed, expressing the poet's longing for home and reflection on history.
"This music is simply beautiful," Peter exclaimed. "The huqin's tone is incredibly moving; it can directly touch the heart, allowing one to feel the weight of history and the depth of emotion."
"I believe the huqin's sound is particularly suited to express the voice of nature," Samuel suggested. "For instance, the howling of the wind through the valleys or the gentle murmurs of flowing rivers. We could experiment with combining the huqin with other instruments to create a new musical style."
Alex concurred, "We should incorporate elements of the huqin into our future musical compositions. The instrument's tone not only helps portray natural scenes but also conveys profound emotions."
As they departed from Mr. Feng's workshop, he gifted them a huqin he had crafted himself, a symbol of friendship and goodwill. Alex, Peter, and Samuel felt immensely grateful, knowing that this huqin would become an integral part of their musical creations.
Experiencing Tang Court Music
On their final day in Xi'an, Li Wenjun took them to a special musical performance—Tang court music. This performance took place in the ruins of the Daming Palace, where the musicians donned Tang court attire and played ancient Tang instruments, including the pipa, konghou, huqin, and jiaogu.
As the performance commenced, Alex, Peter, and Samuel felt as though they had transcended time, returning to the flourishing era of the Tang Dynasty. The music was grand and solemn, with a lively and dynamic rhythm, as if narrating the prosperity and glory of the Tang era. The crisp notes of the pipa, the gentle tones of the konghou, the soaring melodies of the huqin, and the vigorous beats of the jiaogu wove together a rich musical tapestry.
"This performance is truly breathtaking," Alex remarked, deeply impressed by the complexity and diversity of Tang court music. "The combination of these instruments creates an extraordinarily rich musical experience; each instrument has its own personality, yet they blend together perfectly."
"I find the musical culture of the Tang Dynasty to be incredibly inclusive, absorbing elements from many different regions to form a unique musical style," Peter added. "This is precisely the charm of Silk Road music."
Samuel agreed, "We can draw inspiration from Tang court music, integrating these ancient musical elements into our creations to craft a sound that is both steeped in history and infused with modernity."
After the performance, Li Wenjun led them backstage to interact with the band members. The conductor explained that Tang court music was not merely a musical form but a cultural symbol, representing the inclusiveness and openness of the Tang era while showcasing the diversity and complexity of ancient Chinese music.
"Your musical exploration journey is highly meaningful," the conductor said. "I believe that by blending these ancient musical elements, you will undoubtedly create a brand new musical style."
Alex, Peter, and Samuel felt a surge of excitement, knowing that their experience in Xi'an would profoundly impact their musical creations. They decided to continue their journey to other regions of China to explore more musical cultures and instruments.
"Where should our next stop be?" Samuel inquired, filled with anticipation.
Li Wenjun smiled and replied, "You can head to Hangzhou in the south, where Kunqu opera and the erhu are both renowned treasures of traditional Chinese music."
Alex, Peter, and Samuel were very interested in this suggestion and decided to travel to Hangzhou to continue their musical exploration. They understood that this journey would not only enrich their musical compositions but also deepen their understanding of the profound heritage of Chinese culture.
End of Chapter 24
In this chapter, the team delved deeply into the musical culture of the Tang Dynasty in Xi'an, experiencing the unique tones of the huqin and drawing inspiration from Tang court music. Next, they will travel to Hangzhou to continue exploring China's rich musical heritage.