"月滿西樓" is a poem written by 李清照 (Li QingZhao, 1084AD ─ 1155AD), regarded as one of the most prominent female poets from the Song Dynasty. The poem is about Li's longing for her husband's return from travels. Here is a song of the same name with lyrics entirely based on the poem, performed by singer 童丽 (Tong Li). … [Read more...] about Li Qingzhao: “月滿西樓”
music
Attitude, attitude, attitude
There is no particular point in this post. I recently came across a number of videos I thought entertaining. Below is a performance in the 2007 CCTV National Dance Competition; a bit of hip hop, break dance, and street dance. "Dreaming Back to the Wa Village" - "梦回佤乡." Younger Chinese are getting into it as well. Here is a 7 year old Chinese girl dancing to hip hop … [Read more...] about Attitude, attitude, attitude
Armless Pianist Liu Wei, an inspiration for the world
Wow! This video is just inspiring. It is about Liu Wei, a contestant on "China's Got Talent." He is going to play "Marriage D'amour" without hands. He lost his arms at 10 from an accident. I like this take by Lyndsey Parker over at Yahoo Music blogs: "Armless Pianist Liu Wei Defies Odds On 'China's Got Talent'." I will try to not complain about anything in my life in the … [Read more...] about Armless Pianist Liu Wei, an inspiration for the world
“夜来香” (“Evening Primrose”), a scent of modern Chinese history
(If you are inside China, your may want the same version hosted on Tudou). This is 张燕 (Zhang Yan) performing "夜来香," a modern Chinese classic. I can't quite put my finger on why I think this video is really good - perhaps the confidence projected by 张燕. In English, "夜来香" means "evening primrose," a flower that opens in the evening. The Chinese characters literally mean … [Read more...] about “夜来香” (“Evening Primrose”), a scent of modern Chinese history
在那遥远的地方 (In That Distant Place), a Pipa, Erhu, and Dizi trio
在那遥远的地方 (In That Distant Place) is a very popular folk song written in 1939. Over the years, this song has taken on many forms. Chinese, old or young, all know it. Below is a composition by 马九越 using the pipa, dizi, and erhu instruments. Occasionally I get asked what are some Chinese values. This is an example, I think. My grandparents, my parents, and people of my … [Read more...] about 在那遥远的地方 (In That Distant Place), a Pipa, Erhu, and Dizi trio