When: Saturday, 8 November 2025, 2:45pm
Where: Mirage, Hyatt Regency Minneapolis
Format: Performance
Guzheng (古筝), a traditional Chinese plucked zither, has a history spanning over 2,500 years, evolving from ancient court and folk traditions to a highly expressive instrument in modern Chinese music. Its distinctive timbre and rich repertoire reflect regional styles and historical transformations, making it a key medium for understanding Chinese musical heritage. In this performance, Wenshi Chen showcases the artistry of the guzheng, fostering greater appreciation for traditional instrumental practice in China and deepening the discourse on East Asian music within ethnomusicology.
The program features a total of ten pieces, with five highlighted selections that showcase the historical depth and evolving performance practice of the guzheng. The first piece, “High Mountains, Flowing Water,” is one of the most revered pieces in Chinese instrumental tradition, originating from the ancient guqin repertoire and later adapted for the guzheng. Historically associated with the tale of Bo Ya and Zhong Ziqi, this piece symbolizes the deep connection between music, nature, and friendship, offering insight into classical Chinese musical aesthetics. “Fisherman’s Song at Dusk,” composed in the early 20th century, evokes the serenity of fishermen returning home at sunset, blending traditional pentatonic melodic structures with modern techniques, reflecting the shift in Chinese instrumental music toward programmatic expression. “Yi Dance” draws inspiration from the lively and rhythmic folk dances of the Yi Chinese ethnic group, incorporating regional musical idioms and percussive techniques to showcase the adaptability of the guzheng in representing minority cultural traditions. “Cold Crows Playing in the Water” is a classic example of antique-style guzheng repertoire, featuring cascading glissandi and delicate ornamental phrases that mimic the movement of birds over water. This piece, with roots in the Qing Dynasty, exemplifies the refined elegance of historical guzheng compositions while serving as a bridge between early styles and contemporary performance approaches. The final piece, “The Elephant King’s Journey,” composed in 2019, demonstrates the ongoing evolution of the guzheng, blending traditional plucking techniques with modern harmonization and expanded expressive range, representing the instrument’s place in contemporary composition. By presenting both historical and modern works, this program highlights the guzheng’s dynamic legacy, contributing insights into Chinese instrumental traditions and their relevance in ethnomusicology discourse.
Wenshi Chen is a musicology student at Rice University and a dedicated guzheng performer. She began playing at the age of four, earning awards in national competitions and a professional certification in guzheng. She enjoys sharing her music through community performances and volunteer work. Since 2020, she has showcased her music on YouTube, reaching over 20,000 views and expanding her audience worldwide. Driven by a deep love for cross-cultural exchange, she seeks to bring the rich traditions of guzheng music to the AMS platform, fostering a greater appreciation for Chinese musical heritage and its place in global music studies.