BEIJING, July 2 (Xinhuanet) -- The Pipa, a traditional 4-stringed Chinese lute, is generally speaking, gentle and refined, like an aristocratic lady.

However, a recently held Pipa concert in Hangzhou in East China gave the audience a peek at the lively and vivacious side of the instrument.

Upbeat and passionate, the piece "Ode to Mountain Changbai" vividly depicts the happy singing and dancing enjoyed by ethnic Koreans. And the combination of Pipa and Korean Long Drum is a real innovation, and clearly shows they have some chemistry.

The concert follows the line of evolution of Pipa playing, from solo to concerto combined with traditional Chinese musical instruments or boldly pair-up with piano or even bass.

Wu Yuxia, a Pipa master from China National Music Orchestra, teamed up with other artists to play both classical pieces including "Gold and Sand", "Picturesque Jiangnan", and modern ones like "Butterfly" and "Reflection" that are infused with Latin music.

Wu Yuxia, Pipa artist, said, "I find it quite important to tell the audience that Pipa has rich techniques and vocabulary. And there are many excellent Pipa pieces that should be known by more people."

As shown by this concert, artists are dedicated to interpreting traditional Chinese music instruments in a more creative way to attract a broader audience, especially one full of young people.

Editor: Xie Fang and Liu Xi

Source: cntv.cn