Renowned Singer Expresses Her Passion for China
By Wei Junyu
The Epoch Times
Dec 05, 2005
In 2004, the well-known singer Yang Jiansheng, from the former Chinese Central Symphony Orchestra, performed a song entitled “Passion of China.” I found it deeply moving and inspiring. When I learned that she would be performing in the upcoming Gala, I called Ms. Yang who currently resides in Germany.
Wei Junyu : In the past two years, you participated in the NTDTV Gala. I heard it was because you were moved by the profound inner meaning of Chinese culture. Is that true?
Yang Jiansheng : Yes. In fact, we are embarking on a path to present the genuine, traditional Chinese culture. It is not the kind of "culture" that mainland Chinese authorities have been promoting which only serves political purposes. All this has to go back to the culture passed down from Gods, such as Hetu, Luoshu, and the Book of Changes. I believe that gods told humans what kind of culture they should have, what kind of life style they should have and what kind of moral principles they should follow.
Wei Junyu : Quite a few Chinese and Western ticket buyers have recently asked about the kind of culture that NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala tries to represent.
Yang Jiansheng : Take the "Passion of China" as an example- it describes the following scene: People rest when the sun sets; man ploughs the fields and woman works at home, teaching the children and helping the husband. People revere gods and heaven and respect lives. The scene reflects the essence of the traditional Chinese culture; it values the unity of heaven and humans. The reason that Chinese culture could survive for nearly 5,000 years is that the culture maintained this essence. The NTDTV Chinese New Year Gala has done a very good job of representing this essence of Chinese culture.
Wei Junyu : In terms of performing songs, what are the differences between modern songs, songs in the past, and the songs that you like to perform?
Yang Jiansheng : There are huge differences. For example, in China now, you can only sing songs expressing the greatness of the Chinese Communist Party. The songs are supposed to serve only politics. It will not be allowed if one is off this subject. From this point of view, I feel that in China it is very hard to have genuine performing arts because everything has to serve politics. I believe that one role of the performing arts is to reflect people’s deep longing for beauty and righteousness. For example, music is a tool given by gods for humans to express their reverence to gods. Why is there a saying that music has no boundaries? It is a special language. Although one may not understand the words, one will burst into tears or be wild with joy listening to the music.
Wei Junyu : We cannot hear the ancient music any more. However, we still can see music from the transcription. Can you talk about how ancient people expressed love, passion, righteousness, and other feelings?
Yang Jiansheng : For example, let’s go back to the Tang Dynasty. It is recorded that there was "Yang Guan San Die" in which people expressed their feelings of cherishing friendships. Another example is from the Song Dynasty, a love song which states, "I live at the head of the Yangtze River. You live at the tail of the Yangtze River. I miss you every day. Though I cannot meet you, we all drink the same water from the Yangtze River." It uses the water from the Yangtze River to symbolize unbreakable and loyal love. Modern people have an unclear understanding of love presented in this song. It you talk about it, people may laugh at you. However, it is really the best part of our nation’s culture. Yuefei’s Man Jiang Hong (The famous general in South Song Dynasty and his famous poem) was full of power and grandeur. He would give up everything of himself for the country.
Wei Junyu : What are you going to perform this year? Can you tell your audience?
Yang Jiansheng : I have composed a new song. It is about Chinese history and tries to express the most radiant, true, and outstanding aspect of Chinese history.
Wei Junyu : Do you have anything to say to our Chinese audience?
Yang Jiansheng : From the popularity of Da-Chang-Jin (a TV drama from Korea) in China mainland to the bravery action of attorney Gao Zhisheng, I understand that the Chinese people are the same as other nationalities. They also yearn for goodness. They have kindness in their heart. There are also some very brave people. It’s true as what is expressed in the song "The Passion of China," China is a place with crouching tigers and hidden dragons. There are many people with high virtues and moral standards. From this perspective, the NTDTV New Year Gala is a catalyst for Chinese people’s longing for kindness and beauty. Once people watch such an event, Chinese people will understand the real traditional culture and what they are yearning for.
Wei Junyu : I still remember in your song "The Passion of China," there are such phrases: Noble men value benevolence. They respect the heaven and know the history of everything. They have harmonious families and know how to take care of the country. They cultivate their mind nature and are knowledgeable of civil and military aspects. China, a memory from long time ago cares about you. China, you let so many people with high virtues dream about you." I hope your new song will leave everlasting memories for the North American audience.
Ms. Yang Jiansheng will participate in NTDTV’s 2006 Chinese New Year Gala across North America. In addition to performances in New York on January 20 and 21, she will also join the tour when it goes to Boston on January 7, Wilmington on January 24, and Washington, DC on February 17.