TAIPEI, Taiwan — Professor Ma Shui-long is a famous composer who has long been dedicated to music education and creation using both Chinese and western musical instruments.
After attending the opening of the Chinese Spectacular at Taipei's International Convention Centre, he said he was impressed by the erhu numbers, performed by Qi Xiaochun. "My personal background is music and I think the erhu performance is remarkable, especially the interpretation of the essence of the work," said Ma.
The erhu is a two-stringed Chinese instrument known for its wide range of notes and mellow, haunting sound.
"The techniques to perform this melody are not difficult but a great interpretation is not easy. Therefore it could be performed only through her inner substance and essence, rather than just technique. It was interpreted by her heart. Western people may feel wondrous when listening to it, but I can sense directly from her excellent interpretation." Ma also commented on the body language of the dance and the synchronization of the dancers.
"Regarding the choreography, I think the skill training of the dancers is petty good, very neat. The male dancers' performance is great too. In general, the composition and choreography are quite compact, suitable for promotion, and are exquisitely designed.
"Choreographers should have worked very closely with the composers, thus the synchronization of movement and music is excellent. I can see that every performer received great training of foundational skills so that his body language can thoroughly convey his thinking. It's very rare. In addition, the stories of the choreography can get to the point through a very compact display. I feel it's great and should be promoted to the young generation."
Professor Ma Shui-long, former President of Taipei National University of the Arts, is the current Adjunct Professor of the College of Music of the Taipei National University of the Arts. He received the Fulbright Academic Awards of the States Council of the United States in 1986 and was the first Chinese composer to publish personal music in the New York Lincoln Center.
For information about upcoming Divine Performing Arts shows, please visit: www.DivinePerformingArts.org.
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