Imagine discovering the cello, Bach, and Pablo Casals at the same time. Hearing LI Xiangting play the qin is just that kind of experience: extremely refined compositions, both rich and contrasting, in a climate of total dedication to the service of this repertoire, over a thousand years old. What is so amazing with qin music, is the way it can be immediately and universally appreciated even beyond it's very rich and specifically Chinese context. The sensuality of it's sound is heightened by complex variations in which virtuosity is at all times for expressive effect. In spite of the many upheavals that China has undergone, the art of the qin remains timeless, faithfully handed down from master to disciple from generation to generation, mainly in writing. Each link in the chain is indispensable and in this respect LI Xiangting occupies a privileged place, being the direct descendant of the greatest masters: Zha Fuxi (1895-1976) and Wu Jinglue (1907-1987). So he has become a professional in the broadest sense, incorporation historical tradition and bringing together the best schools of the young generation. Born in Manchuria in 1940, he is the most prestigious teacher at the Peking Central Music Conservatoire. He is also a fabulous performer of the xiao, the vertical flute, the only instrument along with the human voice ever to be admitted into close contact with the qin.
