[Pipa] Tang Xiaofeng (汤晓峰) - Chinese Pipa - Xian Zai Shao (弦在烧 中国琵琶) (2004) [FLAC]

Tang Xiaofeng (汤晓峰) - Chinese Pipa - Xian Zai Shao (弦在烧 中国琵琶) (2004)
| FLAC (Tracks+Cue) | 278MB | Pipa, Instrumental | Label: Shanghai Listen Audio & Video Co.,Ltd. |

Tang Xiaofeng’s Xian Zai Shao (Strings on Fire) is a masterful showcase of the Chinese pipa, a four-stringed lute with a rich history dating back to the Tang Dynasty. Released in 2004, this instrumental album features a collection of twelve tracks, predominantly cover songs, that blend traditional Chinese musical sensibilities with Western pop and folk influences. Tang’s virtuosic pipa playing breathes new life into these familiar melodies, making the album a compelling listen for both enthusiasts of traditional Chinese music and those drawn to cross-cultural interpretations.

The album opens with My Heart Will Go On, a cover of Celine Dion’s iconic ballad from Titanic. Tang transforms the lush orchestral arrangement into a delicate yet emotive pipa solo, with the instrument’s plucked strings evoking the song’s sweeping romanticism. The pipa’s bright, resonant tone captures the melody’s emotional depth, while subtle bends and slides add a distinctly Chinese flavor.

Colors of the Wind from Disney’s Pocahontas follows, and here Tang’s technical prowess shines. The pipa’s rapid trills and dynamic shifts mirror the song’s message of natural harmony, creating a vivid soundscape that feels both earthy and ethereal. Similarly, Love Me Tender—originally an Elvis Presley classic—takes on a tender, introspective quality, with the pipa’s soft, lyrical phrasing highlighting the song’s simplicity and sincerity.

Tracks like Oh Carol and The Power of Love inject a livelier energy. In Oh Carol, Tang employs brisk, rhythmic plucking to capture the song’s upbeat, nostalgic charm, while The Power of Love balances powerful strums with intricate melodic runs, showcasing the pipa’s versatility in conveying both strength and finesse. Nothing’s Gonna Change My Love For You and Greatest Love Of All lean into the pipa’s expressive range, with Tang’s nuanced dynamics amplifying the emotional weight of these ballads.

I Swear and Close to You are standout tracks for their intimacy. The former, a heartfelt pledge of devotion, is rendered with delicate, almost vocal-like phrasing, while the latter’s gentle, flowing melody feels perfectly suited to the pipa’s warm timbre. Massachusetts and Bridge Over Troubled Water evoke a sense of nostalgia, with the latter’s iconic melody given a serene, reflective treatment that highlights Tang’s ability to convey depth through minimalism.

The album closes with Top of the World, a bright and optimistic cover of the Carpenters’ classic. Tang’s lively, precise fingerwork and playful ornamentation make this a joyful finale, leaving listeners uplifted.

Tang Xiaofeng’s pipa technique is impeccable, blending traditional Chinese methods—such as finger-plucking and the use of frets for expressive bends—with a modern sensibility that makes these Western songs accessible yet distinct. Historically, the pipa was played with a plectrum, as noted in records from the Dunhuang caves, but by the Tang Dynasty, finger-plucking had become prevalent, a technique Tang employs masterfully here. His ability to adapt pop and folk melodies to the pipa demonstrates the instrument’s versatility and its capacity to bridge cultural divides.

The FLAC format ensures high-fidelity sound, capturing the pipa’s crisp, resonant tones and subtle nuances. Each pluck, slide, and harmonic is rendered with clarity, making this album a treat for audiophiles and instrumental music lovers alike.

Xian Zai Shao is a captivating exploration of the Chinese pipa’s potential to reinterpret Western classics. Tang Xiaofeng’s skillful playing and thoughtful arrangements make this album a delightful listen, offering a bridge between Eastern and Western musical traditions. While it may not break new ground with original compositions, its technical brilliance and cross-cultural charm make it a standout in the realm of instrumental music. Highly recommended for fans of the pipa, world music, or those curious about the intersection of global musical influences.

Tracklist:
01 - 我心依旧 My Heart Will Go On ...05:11
02 - 风的色彩 Colors Of The Wind ...04:19
03 - 真诚的爱 Love Me Tender ...04:45
04 - 喔！凯罗 Oh! Carol ...06:16
05 - 爱的力量 The Power Of Love ...04:59
06 - 矢志不渝的爱 Nothing's Gonna Change My Love For You ...05:23
07 - 至高无上的爱 Greatest Love Of All ...04:08
08 - 我发誓 I Swear ...04:21
09 - 靠近你 Close To You ...05:23
10 - 马萨诸塞州 Massachusetts ...04:07
11 - 忧愁河上的金桥 Bridge Over Troubled Water ...03:42
12 - 世界之巅 Top Of The World ...02:42

GIFT for YOU | Demo1 2 | TUE