Talk on ancient Chinese instrument held in Indonesia

Professor Wang Jianxin and Lin Fengyun give a performance together with Indonesian artists. [Photo by Liu Fang / Chinaculture.org]

A lecture on Chinese ethnic instruments was held at Habibie & Ainun Library in Djakarta, Indonesia this Monday, attracting over 100 listeners from political circles, academic circles and the culture and art circles to the library.

Chinese musicians Wang Jianxin and Li Fengyun, the two lecturers, introduced to the audiences the characteristics of ancient Chinese instruments, including the Chinese zither, Xiao (a vertical bamboo flute) and Xun (an ancient egg-shaped, holed wind instrument).

The two also played some famous Chinese melodies to give a vivid demonstration of the instruments. Melodies played include a Xun solo Song of Chu, Chinese zither solo A Song of Guanglin and High Mountain and Flowing Water, an ensemble Southerly Wind Song of Chinese zither and Xun, ensembles Secret Fragrance and Plum Blossom Melody of Chinese zither and Xiao. The local Indonesian musicians also joined Wang and Li, performing some Indonesian songs.

Xie Feng, Chinese ambassador to Indonesia, said that he hopes the culture exchanges between the two countries could go deeper and wider. And he hopes that people from China and Indonesia could share with the world the best of the two cultures.

"The Chinese Culture Talks are a culture promotion activity organized by China's Ministry of Culture. The content varies from philosophy, religion, cultural heritage, literature and art, costume, cooking and Chinese medicine. We want to provide a channel for young people from around the world to learn about Chinese culture," Xie said.

The Monday lecture - Explore the Beauty of Chinese Classical Music, is an episode of the series Chinese Culture Talk. The lecture was also held in an international school on Dec 8, and will be held in Bandung today. In the future, the lecture will also travel to Cambodia.