The Imperial Bells Of China: Chimes In Concert

When a collection of bronze and stone bells and chimes were unearthed at the tomb of Marquis Yi of Zeng’s tomb in Sui County, Hubei Province in China in 1978, the most celebrated discovery was the bianzhong, possibly the oldest functioning twelve-tone instrument in existence.

The ‘Chimes In Concert’ program is a study in uncommonly heard timbres including the bianzhong. The program features a range of traditional instruments, such as se, chi, drum and banjo, as well as vocalists, bamboo flute and several pieces featuring the highly prized chimes.

In ‘The Narrative Of Broken Bridge’, bamboo flute soloist Zhang Hongyang plays haunting and intense melodies. While soprano Ma Yaqin performs her numbers with bright-eyed grace, and tenor Qin Desong exudes warmth and passion. Occasionally the ensemble dynamic overwhelmed the vocal line.

‘Silk Road’ is something of a show-stopper, demonstrating the diverse skills of the forty musicians, who virtually sway and tango in their chairs. But the stars of the show are the chimes, particularly radiant in ‘God Bird’ and mesmerising in ‘Harmony Of Eight Tones’ which was highlighted with dimmed stage lighting. To my mind the stone chimes shine brightest.

While the diverse audience appreciated the two well-known and crowd pleasing closers, I’m weary of hearing ‘Waltzing Matilda’ wheeled out by international artists.

Chinese music is not everyone’s cup-of-tea, but the spectacle of so many ancient and traditional instruments on one stage is an outing worthy of consideration.

Lucy Graham