Selected Symphonic Works of Huo Cunhui

Author: Huo Cunhui
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-12-01
Features: Symphonic music performed by orchestras is considered the "highbrow" in the realm of music, a fact universally acknowledged. It must be admitted that there are two distinct approaches to composing such "highbrow" symphonic music in China. One is when composers have something to express. These composers go to great lengths to find musical languages familiar to audiences yet innovative, effectively conveying their messages and thus gaining popularity. The other approach involves certain composers avidly chasing the "new, strange, and peculiar" compositional techniques used by composers "outside" and desperately searching for "subjects" suitable for employing these "techniques," hoping to give these techniques a place to shine in China. Regrettably, they rarely find an audience! Grateful to Teacher Huo, as a pioneer in instrumental composition in Northeast China, his personal dedication has led to the flourishing of unique and deeply rooted local works in the musical landscape of the region. The symphonic works "1979" and the two "Peng Peng Suites" in this orchestral works collection are such pioneering compositions. In these works, they exhibit clear musical imagery, fresh musical genres, melodies familiar to the public, harmonies with distinct functions, and well-structured forms, representing the level of orchestral composition in Northeast China at that time.