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Yu Hong Mei: “Nostalgic Dreams of Beijing” and “There’s a Golden Sun Over Beijing”

March 12, 2018
2 Min Read

The erhu is a stringed instrument played in China, as Wikipedia explains:

The erhu (二胡; pinyin: èrhú, [êɻxǔ]) is a two-stringed bowed musical instrument, more specifically a spike fiddle, which may also be called a “southern fiddle”, and sometimes known in the Western world as the “Chinese violin” or a “Chinese two-stringed fiddle”. It is used as a solo instrument as well as in small ensembles and large orchestras. It is the most popular of the huqin family of traditional bowed string instruments used by various ethnic groups of China. A very versatile instrument, the erhu is used in both traditional and contemporary music arrangements, such as in pop, rock, jazz, etc.[1]

Yu Hong Mei is a leading erhu player. Here is her Facebook page and a profile at Pro Musicis:

YU Hongmei was selected for the Pro Musicis International Award in 2001, the very first erhuist to achieve this distinction. Currently she is a Professor at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing and master solo performer of erhu music. She has been performing on the erhu since the age of eight and has earned international recognition for her mature artistry. She performed her New York solo debut recital in Weill Recital Hall at Carnegie Hall under the auspices of Pro Musicis.

The music is quite beautiful. The piece below, strangely, reminds me of Aaron Copland.

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Our New Things: Links to Music Sites and Info on Analog Tech and Vinyl

TDMB has focused on music and musicians. We will continue to do that, of course. We're also expanding our coverage to include vinyl and analog equipment.

More specifically, we'll look at this huge and interesting world from the perspective of music lovers who want a better experience, not committed non-audiophiles.

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-- Assessing the Value of Vinyl Records: An Overview

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--A Tribe Called Quest to The Dick Hyman Trio (In other words, A to H)

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Here are some books to check out.

Duke Ellington brought class, sophistication and style to jazz which, until that point, was proudly unpolished and raucous. His story is profound. The author, Terry Teachout, also wrote "Pops," the acclaimed bio of Louis Armstrong. Click here or on the image.

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What else is there to say? Here is the story behind every song written by The Beatles. Click here or on the image.

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The Grateful Dead don't get enough credit for the profound nature of its lyrics. Many of the band's songs are driven by a deep and literate Americana ("I'm Uncle Sam/That's who I am/Been hidin' out/In a rock and roll band" and "Majordomo Billy Bojangles/Sit down and have a drink with me/What's this about Alabama/Keeps comin' back to me?").

David Dodd's exhaustive study tells the story, song by song. Click here or on the image.

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