From December 21-30, music and literature lovers can enjoy the "Chinese and Western Poem and Essay Musical Recitation," held at Forbidden City Concert Hall in the Zhongshan Park.

The show is divided into two sections, with the Chinese part on odd-numbered days and Western music on even-numbered days.

The selected pieces are among the most popular modern and contemporary literary works in the world.

Background music runs throughout the recitation, performed by the indoor band of the Beijing Concert Hall. Stringed instruments, flute and piano will accompany the lyrical poems and essays.

For the Chinese works, the audience can enjoy the delicate departure in the poem "Farewell, My Cambridge," by Chinese romantic poet Xu Zhimo (1897-1931). The touching story of Zhu Ziqing's (1898-1948) "Father's Back View" pays tribute to the bond of father and son. Eileen Chang's (1920-95) poem "Autumn Rain" gives a sentimental touch and Shu Ting's "Ode to the Oak" sings for the mellow tune of lovers.

Other famous modern and contemporary pieces include works of Lu Xun (1881-1936), Lao She, and Liang Shiqiu (1903-87).

The audience will also enjoy many classic works of Western literature.

Percy Bysshe Shelley's "Ode to the West Wind" exudes the hope: "If winter comes, can spring be far behind?" And Emily Bronte's "Remembrance" which depicts her desperate love. Ernest Hemmingway's "The Old Man and the Sea" envisions the dauntless spirit of humanity, while the extraordinary soliloquy from William Shakespeare's "Hamlet" explores the nobility and humility of life.

The music performed was carefully selected to suit the literary pieces, tuned to the mood and style of the text.

Xu Zhimo's nostalgic "Farewell, my Cambridge" is accompanied by the English folk song "Greensleeves." John Keats' "Ode to the Nightingale" uses the flute.

Many familiar faces are found in the list of performers, including Ni Ping, Kai Li, Wu Jing'an, as well as Ding Jianhua and Qiao Zhen.

"The recitation performances have been warmly accepted by the audience in Beijing," said Shi Shan in the performance department of Forbidden City Concert Hall.

The hall started musical poem recitations two years ago, centering on ancient Chinese poems of the Tang (AD 618-907) and Song (AD 960-1279) dynasties. The combination of music and literature has been warmly received. More than 50 touring shows have been staged in major cities across the country.

In May this year, the show of Chinese and Western Poems and Essay Recitations made its debut in Beijing.

"School teachers and students were enthusiastic for it and many parents brought their children to the show," Shi said.

In the two sections, besides the poetic recitations, the concert hall has also prepared a number of shows for the audience. The tickets of many New Year performances are selling like hot cakes, Shi said. The Jingle Bell Children's Chorus sold out several months ago.

For the New Year holiday, music lovers can attend regular shows of "Open the Door of Music," held during the afternoon of holidays and weekends. The shows with tie-in lectures are a good choice for music lovers to relax, said organizers.

The lecture-shows are to include chorus, orchestra, instrumental concert and Chinese folk music.

On the nights of December 30 and January 1, lyric coloratura soprano Dilber is to perform a solo concert. The honored life-long performer at Finland Theatre will sing works including: "A Glass of Mellow Wine," "Lullaby" and "Nightingale."

Dilber was born in Northwest China's Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, known for its rich musical tradition. She has been active in European stages for 13 years.

From December 27 to January 5, more New Year performances are to be staged at the Forbidden City Concert Hall, ranging from Russian popular songs, Chinese folk music of "Spring Night on a Moonlit River," guitar, piano concerts, choruses and orchestra music.

(China Daily 12/27/2000)