Composer

:

Xian Xianghai

Genre

:

Choral

Style

:

Choral

Compose Date

:

1939

Average_duration

:

34:17

Yellow River is a famous Chinese symphonic suite composed by Xian Xinghai in 1939. The piece is based on the Yellow River Cantata, a choral work composed by the same composer in 1939. The Yellow River Cantata was a patriotic work that celebrated the Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion during World War II. The symphonic suite was composed as an instrumental version of the cantata, and it quickly became one of the most popular works in Chinese classical music. The premiere of the Yellow River symphonic suite took place in 1969, performed by the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China. The suite consists of five movements, each of which represents a different aspect of Chinese culture and history. The first movement, Prelude: The Song of the Yellow River Boatmen, is a lively and energetic piece that represents the hard work and determination of the Chinese people. The movement is based on a traditional folk song that was sung by boatmen who worked on the Yellow River. The second movement, Ode to the Yellow River, is a slow and majestic piece that represents the beauty and power of the Yellow River. The movement features a solo violin that plays a haunting melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The third movement, The Wrath of the Yellow River, is a dramatic and intense piece that represents the destructive power of the river. The movement features a solo cello that plays a mournful melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The fourth movement, Defend the Yellow River, is a patriotic and heroic piece that represents the Chinese resistance against the Japanese invasion. The movement features a solo trumpet that plays a triumphant melody, accompanied by the orchestra. The fifth and final movement, The Yellow River in Anger, is a powerful and emotional piece that represents the suffering and sacrifice of the Chinese people during the war. The movement features a solo piano that plays a melancholy melody, accompanied by the orchestra. Overall, the Yellow River symphonic suite is a powerful and emotional work that celebrates the history and culture of China. The piece has become a beloved classic in Chinese classical music, and it continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world.

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