New CD-release: Chinese Folk Songs

ARC Music EUCD 2129

Gong Linna currently is the only Chinese singer being able to present Chinese Folk music in such technical perfection and vocal variety, yet with clear affection and relation to the place of origin of these songs. Linna even captured the different dialects in such convincing manner, that she is accepted as one of them by folk singers of rarely different regions, often far from Linna's home.

Never have folk-songs from and in China been presented on CD in such authentic yet highly professional performance. The arrangements of the songs, all written by Lao Luo, are not traditional; yet they reflect on the songs, their origin and the particular circumstances, and enhance their potential. The use of a European string-quartet in a major part of the album gives the whole product a highly exclusive and classical touch.

You can order the CD directly from ARC-music at www.arcmusic.co.uk

Qin-songs

with: Lin Chen - Qin and Wang Hua - Xiao

The Qin (or Guqin) has been the most important instrument in Chinese classical music for many centuries. Songs accompanied by the Qin and the Xiao often used classical poems as lyrics and constituted the most sophisticated vocal style, performed predominantly in very small circles of literati and artists. Today this genre is almost not to be heard any more. Gong Linna, Lin Chen and Wang Hua sensitively revive the repertoire and carefully adapt it for the concert hall. Historically informed performance thereby is basic for their approach.