On Location in China

Synopsis

Lucy Duran travels to Shanghai to find out what remains of traditional Chinese music in this booming metropolis. Music recorded on location includes a session by one of Shanghai's best guqin players, who performs on an instrument dating from the 13th century, a group of pensioners who are struggling to preserve the beautiful sound of silk and bamboo, and a performance of Pingtan from the city of Suzhou.

The Goose has Landed on the Sand (Trad) (1’49”)
Performed by Dai Hong and Dai Wei
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 2nd April 2008

Two extracts of Traditional Suzhou Pingtan (Trad) (4’50” and 2’12”)
Performed by Ja Lanlan and Xu Yuinyuin
BBC Recording made in Suzhou on 22nd March 2008

The Drunken Fisherman (Trad) (4’28”)
Performed by Lin Youren
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 23rd March 2008

Traditional music from the Buddhist Temple (5’35”)
Performed by Lin Youren
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 23rd March 2008

Improvised piece on the Er-hu (1’15”)
Performed by an unidentified member of the Xian Xia Chinese Music Group
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 23rd March 2008

Xing Jie (Trad arr Mr Zhang) (3’37”)
Performed by the Xian Xia Chinese Music Group
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 23rd March 2008

Zhang Hua Liu Ban (Trad arr Mr Zhang) (2’16”)
Performed by the Xian Xia Chinese Music Group
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 23rd March 2008

The Buddha goes to sit on the Throne (Trad) (2’28”)
Performed by Dai Hong
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 2nd April 2008

Plum Tree Blossom (Trad) (3’33”)
Performed by Dai Hong and Dai Wei
BBC Recording made in Shanghai on 2nd April 2008

Photo Gallery

• World Routes in Shanghai

Broadcast

1. Sat 9 Aug 2008
   15:00
   BBC Radio 3