Chen Yi

Three Dances From China South

On the occasion of its 30th anniversary; the ensemble Music From China commissioned Chen Yi for a new work; which became Three Dances from China South; scored for Chinese instruments. Its three descriptive movements (Lions Playing Ball; Bamboo Dance; Lusheng Dance) are each inspired by folk dances from the southeastern provinces of China. Lions Playing Ball is drawn from a folk tune played for the dance of the same title. The movement includes several variations on a theme; a method inspired by the rhythmic patterns used in traditional ensembles playing. Bamboo Dance is an age-old folk dance performed for ritual ceremony and harvest celebration. Pairs hold long bamboo poles and clap them loudly; while dancers dance between poles in varied patters. Lusheng Dance is a folk dance of the Dong people in Guangxi province. Overlaying the rhythmic patters; the leading erhu and flute imitate a two-voice folk song of the Zhuang people.