Chinese music producer Ye Yunchuan has embarked on a significant mission over the past decade to preserve and revitalize Chinese folk music. Initially set on creating an archive of local music pieces from across the country, Ye soon realized a more dynamic approach to keeping folk music alive – fusing it with various global music genres and instruments.
Influenced deeply by literature, Ye and his team have crafted a unique musical style that weaves folk songs with imaginative and creative elements. This blend of literature and music has become a hallmark of their work, showcased in Ye’s studio at a music creativity industry park in the eastern suburb of Beijing. The studio, a treasure trove of vinyl, CD records, traditional, and exotic instruments, is a testament to Ye’s dedication to musical exploration and innovation.
Embracing Global Musical Languages
Ye firmly believes in the uniqueness of Chinese music and its potential to resonate globally. His efforts are not just about archiving traditional music but transforming it into a shared global language. This journey involves collaborating with international musicians and experimenting with Chinese traditional instruments alongside those from other cultures.
One such fusion project, conducted in a 500-year-old Japanese temple, featured musicians from China, Japan, South Korea, and Mongolia. The performance, blending instruments like the erhu, guzheng, shakuhachi, kayagum, and morin khuur, was a celebration of unity through music.
Fusing Cultures and Styles
In a bold move, Ye successfully merged traditional Chinese folk songs with German jazz, resulting in an album that encapsulates this unique cultural and musical synthesis. Recorded in Germany with over 40 musicians, this album introduced Chinese folk songs to the German jazz scene. To bridge cultural gaps, Ye engaged German musicians in learning traditional ethnic dances, enhancing their understanding of the music’s emotional depth.
Jazz Fusion and Digital Exploration
Back in China, Ye led a groundbreaking performance that fused jazz with traditional Chinese instruments. Inspired by the spirit of Dunhuang, this performance showcased improvisation and collaboration, capturing the essence of ancient murals through contemporary musical expressions.
Preserving Quality in the Digital Age
Acknowledging the importance of adapting to the digital era and platforms like TikTok, Ye remains committed to producing high-quality music. He likens his team’s work to “Hermès of the music industry,” aiming for understated elegance while being popular among discerning audiences.
As part of his vision, Ye initiated a project to distribute a collection of records to prestigious universities worldwide, starting with Harvard University. This initiative reflects his commitment to sharing high-quality music on a global scale.
Legacy and Future Prospects
Ye’s collaborations with over 3,000 musicians from diverse backgrounds have enriched his studio’s musical offerings. As he plants the seeds of his artistic legacy, Ye envisions a future where his work will flourish and continue to inspire. His approach to music – blending tradition with innovation, and local with global – paves the way for a new era in Chinese folk music, preserving its essence while ensuring its relevance in the contemporary world.
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