Peking University, Oct. 25, 2014: On October 17, “Vibration and Sensation” Concert kicked off at the Multifunctional Hall of Peking University Hall. It was hosted by Office of International Relations of PKU and performed by both PKU Chinese Music Institute and Department of Music, University of Notre Dame. As one of the serial activities during the 2014 PKU International Cultural Festival, the concert contributes to promoting and exchanging both cultures of China and the West.
Peter H. Smith, Professor of Music and Chair of Notre Dame’s Department of Music, delivered the opening speech first. Then violinist Tricia Park played with pianist John Blacklow, both from Notre Dame, the Violin Sonata No.1, Op.105 by Robert Schumann and Violin Sonata No.2 in A Major, Op.100 by Johannes Brahms. Violin Sonata No.1, Op.105 was composed in the autumn of 1851 as the first of the three violin concertos of Schumann. It expresses hopes for life. And Violin Sonata No.2 in A Major, Op.100, composed in 18781, was derived from Beethoven’s style while added new features. Park and Blacklow also played the selections of Porgy and Bess, an opera by George Gershwin. When the violin met the piano, the charming music of the West touched upon every single listener.
Two musicians from the Strings of PKU Chinese Music Institute and Notre Dame respectively, cooperated on the Chinese folk song Ballad of Four Seasons. The audience were all lost in the combination of the powerful Western music and the gentle Chinese music.
Bi Minghui, associate professor of School of Arts of PKU, delivered a concluding speech for the ear feast.
1According to Wikipedia it should be 1886. The original source makes a mistake here.
Background Information:
PKU International Cultural Festival starts from 2004 and has been held annually for ten years till now. It is aimed to display exotic customs and enhance international and multicultural communication at PKU. The theme of the 11th festival is “Novel, Enthusiastic, Wide”.
PKU Chinese Music Institute was set up in 2005. It is aimed to promote Chinese music in the spirit of PKU. It has gradually developed into a mature orchestra. The Strings of PKU Chinese Music Institute now has 25 members, including gaohu, erhu, and zhonghu players.
Written by: Tang Jie
Edited by: Yan Shengnan
Source: PKU News (Chinese)
