MIM: “Mistress of the pipa” Goa Hong and acclaimed Chinese flutist Chen Tao come together for an unforgettable performance.
I suppose the sounds and harmonies of traditional Silk and Bamboo Chinese music are familiar. Even Elayna would recognize the instrumental melodies from “Kung Fu Panda”. Nevertheless, I’ve never heard the instruments performed before and was looking forward to this show.
The performers had a pre-arranged set list and gave detailed introductions to their instruments and songs. They took us on a journey around China and played several solo and duet songs. The entire show was delicate, relaxed, soothing, and beautiful.
A highlight for me was Chen Tao’s demonstration of the Xun, one of China’s oldest instruments that dates back to the Stone Age. This was a small clay pot, blown across, with anywhere from 1 to 5 holes.
Gao Hong also described the pipa in detail – a Chinese lute. This instrument was designed to mimic sounds: drums, gongs, laughing, water, fireworks. It was extraordinary the types of noises she could create with one instrument.
There was one downside: the instruments were so soft and the mood so somber that guests were hyper-sensitive to disruptions. One of our frequent guests was asked to leave because his oxygen tank was disturbing others. I don’t like the idea that someone can’t enjoy the show, but I also was very annoyed that guests would complain about something like oxygen. This job is always a learning experience in human behavior!
