Annotation Of Double Suona Concerto(Hakka Tong-Pictures)

The Double Suona Sonata,"Hakka Musical Tableaux,"is unique among the classical repertoire for the suona(Chinese sorna,or double-reeded horn).Written by the famous composer Liu Songhui,the sonata unites the melodies of Hakka hill songs with the structural harmonies of modern Western music.Hakka hill songs boast a long history and constitute a rich artistic heritage.Having grown out of the tradition of Tang dynasty(618-907)poetry,which is distinguished by its quatrains in heptasyllabic meter,the lyrics to Hakka hill songs are structured in verses of four lines.Research has shown that when singers of this genre perform,they often improvise lyrics to suit the mood of the composition.To match the articulation,rhythm and tone of the lyrics,singers may also alter and improvise around the melody.This spontaneity lends the genre its unique vivacity and unbridled musical possibilities.Hakka hill songs have a broad repertoire:laoshange,pingban,and shangezi count among the most important and representative of the traditional tunes.The key musical themes of the "Hakka Musical Tableaux"Sonata for Double Suona are based on these three melodies.It is worth mentioning that in order to fully simulate and vividly express the linguistic effects and emotional mood of the counterpoint between male and female singers,Liu Songhui has ingenuously chosen to write for the D minor and D major suonas,which are eight whole-tones apart.A number of concerts have demonstrated this unique arrangement to great success,garnering high praise.The present article unites my own study and experience performing the "Hakka Musical Tableaux" for Double Suona,to offer a tentative and exploratory analysis and interpretation of this particular piece,while also bringing the cultural background of Hakka hill songs,with which the sonata is so intimately associated,into relief.In doing so,I hope to hope to make a small contribution to the promotion of the sonata among performers and audiences alike.