LATIN MUSIC, WITH A TWIST
In 2012, classical guitarist Yang Xuefei and violinist Huang Mengla did their first collaboration at a concert in the National Center for the Performing Arts in Beijing, paying tribute to Italian composer Niccolo Paganini.
The partnership worked out so well that, six years later, Huang decided to approach Yang once more to jointly create an album on Latin music.
“The guitar plays a key role in interpreting Latin music and Yang was the first classical guitarist I could think of then,” says Huang.
In August this year, the duo spent two days in London’s Angel Studios recording the album, which comprises pieces that are influenced by Spanish and South American music. On Nov 23, the pair arrived in Shanghai to share their latest work, titled Milonga del Angel, which was released under the Deutsche Grammophon label.
“The violin is usually paired with the piano or an orchestra. It’s interesting to combine the violin with classical guitar,” says Huang, 38, who was enrolled in the Shanghai Conservatory when he was just 8 years old.
“Unlike the traditional repertories I have played before, such as Austrian and German music works, Latin music is free, emotional and colorful. It feels like tasting different food when I’m playing it.”
In 2002, Huang took the top prize at the prestigious Paganini International Violin Competition in Italy, where he also won the Renato De Barbieri Memorial award for the best interpretation of Paganini’s caprices, and the Mario Ruminelli Memorial award.
Yang chose a mix of original guitar compositions and arrangements, including Spanish composer Manuel de Falla’s Danza Espanola No. 1 and Suite populaire espagnole, Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla’s Histoire du Tango, Paganini’s Sonata Concertata and even some of her own creations.
“The pieces we’ve recorded for the album display the versatility of both musical instruments and they are beautiful companions to each other,” says Yang. “The composers of these pieces are connected musically. For example, the three Spanish-born composers: Isaac Albeniz, Manuel de Falla, and Enrique Granados. Both of Albeniz and Granados were notable influences on the younger Falla. Paganini being from Italy and Piazzolla from Argentina both shared an understanding and love for the Spanish sound.”
She adds that Paganini, a world-renowned virtuoso violinist, was also an accomplished guitarist and composer for the guitar.
Both Yang and Huang recall that they had a fun time in the recording studio as the process of recording the new album was relaxed, spontaneous and entertaining, just like the nature of the music in their new album.
“When I recorded my last solo album, Colors of Brazil, there were about three people in the recording room. But this time, we had many people, including our friends and families, which was so much fun. It was an enjoyable experience, and that influenced the music we played,” Yang says.
“One of my favorite composers is Piazzolla, whose music captures my ears with rich harmony, sensitivity and emotion,” says Huang. “During the recording, our feelings were synchronized with the sound of the music.”
Yang adds that she likes collaborating with different artists, like vocalists and musical instrument players. For instance, she has recently been touring Chinese cities, including Shenzhen and Shanghai, with a Spanish dancer.
“The guitar is such an accessible and beautiful instrument. It works well with other musical instruments and art forms,” she says. “Through collaborations, the audience will get to know the musical instrument.”
Yang, who was born in Beijing, is the first Chinese to study classical guitar at a Chinese music school — the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing — and also won a scholarship to the Royal Academy of Music in London. As a soloist, she tours the world and has been living in London for 18 years.
Huang also studied at the Royal Academy of Music in London from 2007 to 2010 before he returned to Shanghai to teach at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music.
In support of the new album, the two musicians will play in a concert held at the Royal Academy of Music in London in January before they hold more shows in Chinese cities next summer and winter.