China News Agency, Moscow, June 29th: Zuo Zhenguan: How to use music as a bridge between the hearts of the Chinese and Russian people?

　　China News Agency reporter Tian Bing

　　"He had an unusual life and destiny. Russia became his homeland, and he became a bridge between Russia and China. He lived comfortably in two countries, two cultures... Today he found his own unique He is a glorious representative of the Moscow composition school." The Russian Composers Association's theoretical publication "Music Academy" (formerly "Soviet Music") commented.

　　The object of this authoritative music publication is Zuo Zhenguan, a Russian meritorious artist and a Russian-Chinese composer.

　　Zuo Zhenguan not only made a lot of achievements in professional fields such as music creation and academic research, but also devoted himself to the exchange of music culture between China and foreign countries. He held many concerts introducing Chinese music in Russia, led famous Russian art groups to perform in China, and held various exchange activities. , highly appreciated by the Chinese and Russian governments and art peers.

A few days ago, Mr. Zuo Zhenguan accepted an exclusive interview with China News Agency's "East and West Questions", sharing his insights and experience on the road of music, and his understanding and thinking on the exchange and cooperation of music between China and Russia.

　　The following is a summary of the interview transcript:

　　China News Service: Not long ago, the "Moscow Spring" concert was a success.

What is your original intention to hold this concert for many years?

　Zuo Zhenguan:

This year's "Moscow Spring" is already the 11th.

It has been suspended for a while due to the epidemic.

The reasons for holding such an event in Moscow are simple: first, to give Chinese students studying music in Moscow a chance to perform in a famous concert hall.

At present, there are hundreds of Chinese students studying in the Tchaikovsky Conservatory of Music and hundreds of Chinese students in the Gnessin Conservatory of Music.

Second, you can show the Russian audience the artistic level of Chinese students.

Now their professional level is getting higher every year.

　　I have lived in Russia for more than 60 years and attended two conservatories, cello at the Novosibirsk Conservatory and composition at the Moscow Conservatory.

In the circles of Russian musicians and composers, it can be said that I have been "mixed" for many years, and I know many people. Even the dean of the Conservatory of Music is my classmate.

So I have a rule for myself: use my conditions and network resources to give the greatest help to Chinese students studying in Russia.

The "Moscow Spring" is one such event.

I also help some students with their dissertations.

Russia is the superpower of world music, hope they can learn more and achieve more in Russia.

　　China News Agency reporter: Your works contain strong Chinese elements and the essence of Russian culture, which are welcomed by the people of China and Russia.

How do you find inspiration in your creations?

　Zuo Zhenguan:

This is what I think about creation.

Although I have been in Russia for more than 60 years and received a very good professional education here, my works are all related to "China".

Such as vocal works "Book of Songs", "Li Bai", etc., chamber music "Chinese Painting", percussion "Five Elements", "Cello Solo Sonata" imitating Guqin techniques, symphony "Autumn Music in the Han Palace", ballet "Little River Flowing", etc. .

These works all have a distinct Chinese style, and their connotations originate from the profound Chinese traditional culture, and are "cross-cultural branches and leaves" that grow out of Chinese culture.

At the same time, it has realized the organic integration of "Chinese elements" and modern composition techniques in the musical language, which can be regarded as "unique" in the works of Russian composers, so it has received long-term and extensive attention.

　　I have said that in today's era, composers need to transcend national and regional boundaries.

First of all, you should reflect your own personality (including world outlook, outlook on life, education, and national cultural identity, etc.) in your personal works.

Although I live in Russia, my childhood and boyhood were spent in China, and my roots are in China.

And I think that breakthroughs in creation can only be achieved after being familiar with Chinese and Western cultures.

A scene from the ballet "Little River Flowing".

Photo courtesy of the interviewee

　　China News Agency reporter: Why did you choose this Yunnan folk song for the ballet "Little River Flowing Water" composed by you?

Its performances in China and Russia have been very popular. So far, there have been continuous reservations for performances. What is the successful experience?

Zuo Zhenguan:

After the ballet "Little River Flowing" premiered in the Great Hall of the People and the Bolshoi Theater in Beijing in 2006, the Russian National Ballet has always regarded it as a repertoire of the troupe, and has performed many times in China and major cities in Russia. Second-rate.

I myself am amazed how popular it is in both China and Russia.

　　I think there are the following reasons: "Little River Running Water" is the pearl of Chinese folk songs, one of the most beautiful melodies, and runs through the entire music of the ballet.

In addition, the work is written in the form and composition technique of Western ballet, and the script of the dance drama is written in Yunnan folklore.

　　What makes me happy is that every aspect of this dance drama is jointly created by artists from both countries.

The script was created by Chinese playwright Li Hua based on Yunnan folklore, and the plot is particularly beautiful and moving.

The choreography is designed by the masters of the Bolshoi Theater, the costumes are designed by Beijing, and the choreography is the famous Russian people actor Gordeev.

I also try to make music as traditional and easy to understand as possible.

Therefore, the ballet will resonate with audiences in both countries and gain appreciation and understanding.

It is hoped that the two countries will have more attempts in this regard in the future.

The ballet "Little River Running Water" was staged in Moscow. Zuo Zhenguan and Gordeev led all the performers to thank the audience.

Photo by China News Agency reporter Jia Jingfeng

　　China News Service reporter: How do you view the role of music in connecting countries around the world and enhancing mutual awareness and understanding between people?

Zuo Zhenguan:

China has become the second economy in the world. With the increasing frequency of various cultural exchange activities in the world, culture plays an increasingly important role in the competition of comprehensive national strength.

From economic advantage to cultural advantage, we must carry forward our culture, let the world know us and understand us.

Music is the best bridge for cultural exchange in all kinds of literature and arts.

Music has no language barrier, you need to spread your own music.

　　For example, the Chinese people have learned more about the Russian people through songs: from "March of the Motherland", they know how vast and vast Russia is; Through "Night on the outskirts of Moscow", know that there are "enchanting nights" on the outskirts of Moscow.

It is through these songs that Russians not only understand what kind of country Russia is, but also fall in love with their own country.

Music has such power.

　　Chinese artists in Russia have the responsibility to make efforts in this regard.

In 1992, I founded the Philharmonic Orchestra in Russia and recorded more than 500 CDs, most of which were in collaboration with Chinese musicians, composers and conductors.

Before the epidemic, the orchestra went to China and other countries to perform every year and was warmly welcomed.

I will also lead famous art groups such as the Russian State Symphony Orchestra, Moscow Philharmonic Orchestra, Russian National Ballet, Kremlin Ballet, Stanislavsky Ballet and other famous art groups to perform in China.

Zuo Zhenguan and the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra.

Photo courtesy of the interviewee

　　I have also invited the Chinese symphony orchestra to perform in Russia.

For example, the Xiamen Philharmonic Orchestra led by Zheng Xiaoying and the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra led by Yang Yang.

We held a work creation evening for the famous Chinese composer Zhu Jianer.

On the occasion of the 50th and 70th anniversary of the founding of the People's Republic of China, a grand symphony concert and other events will be held in Moscow.

These activities are of great significance to the cultural exchanges between the two countries.

　　In Russia, the promotion of Chinese culture is still far from enough.

Very few Chinese art groups perform in Russia, and even not many Chinese literary works are published in Russia.

This situation is far from keeping up with the current level of development of bilateral relations.

I have also published articles in the Chinese media, calling on all parties in the country, including the government, to improve the situation.

　　China News Service: As far as you know, how do Russian musicians view and understand Chinese music?

How do you view the exchanges and cooperation between China and Russia in the field of music?

Zuo Zhenguan:

In China, there is no doubt that many Chinese people know and love Russian classical music and songs.

As for Russian music, Chinese music is relatively unfamiliar, and not many people really know it.

Although Chinese music has a long tradition and rich content, it needs to be promoted and promoted, so that more people in Russia can understand and appreciate Chinese music.

To this end, I am also writing and will soon complete a book "Chinese Music Culture" (Russian version) about Chinese music, and I am also making my own efforts for this.

(Finish)

Interviewee Profile:

　　Zuo Zhenguan, a famous Russian-Chinese composer, joined the Soviet Composers Association in 1978.

Zuo Zhenguan has won many awards in all-Soviet/Russian and international composition competitions, and has created a large number of orchestral music, chamber music, musicals, ballet music, children's music, film music and Russian national instrumental music.

In 1992, he founded the Russian Philharmonic Orchestra, and in 1993 joined the "Russian Music and the 21st Century Club".

The ballet "Little River Flowing" composed in 2007 has been performed dozens of times in Russia and China.

Zuo Zhenguan has published more than 50 academic articles on Russian and Chinese music, and authored books such as "Russian Musicians in China".

In 1999, the then Russian President Yeltsin signed a presidential decree and awarded him the title of "Russian Meritorious Artist", and he was also the first Chinese musician to receive this honor.

In 2005, President Putin awarded Zuo Zhengguan the "Friendship Medal" in recognition of his outstanding achievements in the field of culture and art over the years.