Eight French composers are using Chinese musical instruments for
a composing contest that recently kicked off in Shanghai. This
historic move is aimed at spur Chinese folk music on the
international stage and changing the Chinese musician's Western
orientation.
The competition is one of the most important programs of the
Shanghai Spring Music Festival. The composers will be invited to
tour the Chinese city, learn about Chinese music and select
traditional Chinese musical instruments for their compositions.
"Foreign composers may have different approaches to Chinese folk
music than we Chinese composers," said Chen Qigang, artistic
director of the competition, in an exclusive interview with
Xinhua.
Chen is also a noted Chinese composer. Last year, he was awarded
for his symphony creation by the French Society of Authors,
Composers and Editors of Music (SACEM), becoming the first Chinese
musician and non-French composer receiving the prize.
Chen said most of the Chinese musicians produce and judge local
music according to Western theory and standards. "They consider
success at an international competition the crowning glory of their
professional career, and Western audiences' applause proof of their
talent. Yet they leave the traditional Chinese music aside."
"It is undeniable that many Chinese musicians have scored top
prizes in international competitions. However most of them are
still imitating the Westernized music styles without showing the
Chinese characteristics," Chen acknowledged.
As Chen and other insiders observe, the lack of confidence in
Chinese folk music has led to little introduction of Chinese folk
music among both domestic and overseas audiences. "The less we
display folk music, the less people know about it."
In recent years, Chen noted, the rapid growth of China's
national economy has provided a platform and an opportunity for
local musicians to demonstrate the folk music.
Chinese Minister of Culture Sun Jiazheng called on Chinese
artistic and musical circles to actively conduct outward
exchanges.
"Rise of Chinese folk music not only needs government support,
but also demands Chinese musicians shrug off their inferiority
complex," and innovate the current composing and producing style,"
Chen added.
The competition was funded by the French national radio station.
More than 40 French composers applied for the competition, but only
eight were chosen to visit.
During the competition, French composers will also use Chinese
melodies familiar to Western audiences, including "The Jasmine
Flower".
Chen said local residents instead of experts will choose the
three most popular pieces, which will be performed during the
Festival Presences in France in 2008.
He also disclosed that the competition will be held annually
with the financial support from France. Some northern European
nations have also expressed a wish to finance the event.
"We hope this can help promote Chinese music across the world,
and give Chinese musicians new ways to develop the national
cultural essence." Chen said.
(Xinhua News Agency May 16, 2006)
