Notes From a Curious Listener

It isn't unique to respond to e-mail in the middle of other work. Who doesn't? But, watch Wu Man play the pipa in the video below and then explain to me how this virtuoso does it because I have no idea. Here's her interview: 

Is eastern music like coffee, an acquired taste? 

It depends on where you grew up. If, in your childhood, you are surrounded by one kind of music, then of course you are used to it, and you would enjoy the taste.   I would try coffee, tea or hot chocolate -- all kinds of music.

Here is a video of you playing one of your own compositions. One person commented, "god, pipa players probably laugh at guitars." Is it true?

I hope not.  Yeah, that piece needs good technique skill.

What inspired you to write Night Thoughts which you will play at SummerFest on Friday, August 20? 
         
The piece was inspired by the 12th Century  pipa mode (scale) from Dun Huang cave in the west part of China.  I especially chose this ancient mode to compose because I find that I can give the listener a very different musical experience of the pipa. It sounds more like Central Asian music rather than Chinese.   Both the pipa and percussion parts are based on per-structured improvisation, so that will give each performer a fresh idea every time.

If you could bring one composer back from the dead, who would it be?

Oh, so many.  I would bring back great musicians such as Jimmy Hendrix, Duke Ellington, R.D Burman (India film composer), Chinese pop/folk singer Deng Lijun, and of course Bach and Chopin.... too many.

Curious Listener Note: This and other questions were shamelessly copied from Warwick's blog. Let me know what questions you have for the artists.

Click here to read the rest of the interview.

What do you consider your greatest achievement?

Well, I've been working hard to introduced  the pipa to the Western world. And to give this ancient Chinese instrument a new role in today's music world, not only introducing the instrument to new audiences, but greatly enhancing and growing the core repertoire.

How has the shift in the business of music, such as downloading of free music, changed your career?  Is it good or bad for you? Is it good or bad for music?

It's not bad, this way there will be more listeners to  hear your music outside of the concert hall.

Do you have any suggestions on how to change classical music performances so that they would be more enjoyable for the audience and/or the performers?

Perhaps make a better lighting design on the stage.

Do you do anything unusual during practice or preparing for a performance?

I do multiple things at the same time while I am practicing -- answer the phone, return e-mails etc...  I know it is not good, but that happens.

What is the ringtone on your phone?

Bach's Fugue in D Minor