Características
Guo Yazhi is considered one of the best suona players in the world. The woodwind instrument from Central Asia, which resembles the Western oboe, plays an important role in Northern Chinese folk music and is characterized by its powerful, loud sound. Todd Garfinkle of MA Recordings recruited the exceptional musician for this recording in 2007 and released "Sorrow of the River" for the first time on his California label in 2010. Guo Yazhi plays other exotic reed instruments in addition to the suona, accompanied by the Hong Kong Chinese Orchestra.
This album is a gem for anyone interested in Chinese culture. Perhaps most accessible to Western ears is the duet "Reflection of Moon Upon Er Quan" with He Tao, featuring Guo playing soprano saxophone. Audiophile listeners will delight in "The Marriage Journey," with a thunderous, low-frequency drum capable of rattling windows. The titular "Sorrow of the River" is one of the best-known pieces of Chinese traditional music. Guo plays the softer-sounding guan for this track.
1. The Marriage Journey
2. Sorrow of the River
3. Birds Pay Tribute to the Phoenix
4. Love For My Homeland
5. Three Variations on Yang Guan
6. Chit Chat
7. Reflection of Moon Upon Er Quan
8. Lovers Lingering
9. Chinese Folk Melodies
10. Vibration of the Corrupted Line
11. Liberation
12. Sailing at Night