The High Moon

A pipa solo piece by origin, the composition was first published in the Hua Brothers Pipa Anthology (1819). The piece is structured into four main divisions with three sub-sections each. The introduction comprises three sections, namely Cold Moon Shining on an Island, Watching the Moon from a Pavilion by the River and Lingering by the Waterfront. The music is sentimental, touching and subtle, depicting the serenity of a moonlit night in a picturesque and poetic manner. Following that, the three sections of The Silver Toad Emitting Hue around the Moon, Autumn Dew fills the Air and The Adorned Beauty of the Moon accelerates the tempo of free rhythm with colourful traits. The next three sections, The Moonlit Sky, The Majestic Heavenly Palace and Crossing the Milky Way marks a distinct contrast to the preceding divisions. The melody is characterized by traditional dance music full of vitality. It strongly captures the audience imagination of a dancing angel. In the final sections of Towering Edifice of Jade, The Glittering Toad Light and Jade Rabbit Sinking in the West are elegant like a dance. The introduction is then repeated, immersing the audience in the beautiful atmosphere of a moonlit night.

The Legend of Shadi'er

Shadi'er was a hero of the Weiwuer tribe in Xinjiang Province during the Qing Dynasty (AD 1644-1911). Although illiterate, he was an excellent composer and singer of folk songs. He used this art as a weapon against the Qing government. His popularity in Xinjiang aroused the fears of the Qing government and he was eventually killed. The Xinjiang folks deeply cherished the memories of Shadi'er and continue to sing his songs up to now. This music piece was composed in an easy  to understand style using the traditional Xinjiang tune.

The General's Command