Melody

The Chinese concept of “hé” (harmony) has a long and profound cultural history, with the character appearing as early as oracle bone inscriptions. The yangqin, known for its warm and blending tone, naturally embodies this idea of harmony; it collaborates easily with a wide range of instruments and musical styles.

This concerto draws on seven folk melodies from different regions and ethnic groups across China to represent the country’s rich cultural diversity. To unify these contrasting themes, the composer introduces a guiding motif built from three scale degrees—So, Do, and Re—chosen for their inherent connection to all seven melodies. This motif recurs throughout the piece, linking the themes organically and giving the entire work a strong sense of cohesion.

Following Pan Gu, the Yangqin Concerto No. 1, this second concerto explores new performance techniques for the instrument. Combined with the orchestra’s broad expressive palette, each folk theme is transformed, developed, and elevated musically. In the finale, all themes return in an intricate interweaving, symbolizing the “seven colors” of cultural variety and the beauty of unity within diversity.