Xiaogang Ye's "The Macau Bride Ballet Suite & 4 Poems of Lingnan" is a captivating journey through the rich cultural tapestry of Macau and the poetic landscapes of Lingnan. Released in 2014 under the Naxos label, this album showcases Ye's mastery in blending traditional Chinese elements with Western classical music, creating a unique and evocative listening experience.
The album is divided into two main sections. The first part, "The Macau Bride Ballet Suite, Op. 34," is a ten-movement suite that tells the story of a 17th-century romance between a Chinese sailor and a Portuguese captain's daughter. Each movement, from "Return to Sea" to "Wedding Reception," paints a vivid picture of the ballet's narrative, showcasing Ye's ability to convey emotion and drama through music.
The second part of the album features "4 Poems of Lingnan, Op. 62," a set of four choral works based on poems by the renowned Lingnan poet Su Shi. These pieces, including "Bidding Farewell to a Friend to the South of the Five Ridges" and "Ascending the Zhenhai Tower at Chongyang Day," highlight Ye's skill in setting poetry to music, creating a harmonious blend of text and melody.
Performed by the Macao Orchestra and the Macao Youth Choir, with soloists Lü Jia, Mingyan Liu, and Yijie Shi, this album is a testament to the power of collaboration and the universal language of music. Whether you're a fan of classical music, ballet, or Chinese poetry, Xiaogang Ye's "The Macau Bride Ballet Suite & 4 Poems of Lingnan" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that is sure to captivate and inspire.
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