Middle Kingdom IV by Noel Quinlan

It was introduced to me by Huang Jincheng, a master performer on Chinese wind instruments. Here he plays the Fun, which is an egg-shaped ceramic wind instrument, not unlike the European ocarina.

5. Xian (Composer: Noel Quinlan) 4'02"

This fabulous city was the home of the ancient emperors of China over many centuries, resulting in a highly developed tradition of tomb-building. Huge funeral mounds dot the surrounding countryside, many of which remain unexplored. Home to artisans and craftsmen, their surviving creations give us pleasure and insight into their lives.

6. Afternoon in Macau (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan) 5'10"

This was recorded on a sunny afternoon in Macau after some visiting musicians from China suggested the tune. According to tradition, this is typical of music performed in the royal court, with an intriguing twist: the flute is designed so that the finger holes of both hands are on the bottom of the instrument. Evidently, it was felt that even the fingers of the musicians should be subservient to the Emperor. The group consists of this strange flute, Yeung-kum, and percussion.

7. Seasons Song (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan) 3'15"

This one has a similar English title to a tune which appeared on Middle Kingdom III, although it has a different melody. Over the centuries enduring tunes have emigrated throughout the Middle Kingdom and been adopted by various ethnic groups. It says something about the art of music; that good melodies tend to survive quite a lot.

8. Rainbow Girl (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan) 3'24"

A young man dreams of his lover, who shines like the colors of the rainbow. Her beauty brings tears to her eyes

9. 5 Chinese Folk Songs (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan)5'30"

The East is Red

Lift the Veil

The Carriage Driver

Melody of Youth

Shalee

10. Little White Boat (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan) 4'01"

This children's song is widely used as a lullaby. I came across it some years back when I used it in the score for a film directed by Angie Chan. I have never forgotten the tune, although the treatment here is very different to my last version.

11. Far Away (Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan) 5'38"

This melody comes from Ching Hai in the South West of China. It tells of a shepherdess who is so striking that travelers linger to enjoy her beauty. This is one of the most popular folk songs and is heard all throughout China.

12.Thoughts in a Bamboo Grove(Trad. arr: Noel Quinlan)5'38"

Huang Jincheng performs here on the Ba-wu. This is one of my favorite Chinese instruments with a unique mellow rounded tone. It consists of a bamboo tube with a reed mounted inside and is usually blown from the side. Even in China the wind instruments played here are not easy to find, and most players construct their own. An additional problem is that the natural materials used tend to deteriorate over time.

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