Cardiff, 28 January 2025
In a captivating celebration of linguistic diversity and cross-cultural artistry, renowned Welsh baritone Jeremy Huw Williams and acclaimed pianist Wendy Hiscocks premiered two of Yue Zhuo's vocal works, Diap-luan-hoe and Henffych well. These pieces form the first part of a song cycle that explores the artistic possibilities and cultural significance of using lesser-spoken languages, including the Minnan dialect and Welsh, alongside ancient poetry to bridge cultures and histories.
The premiere, held at Cardiff University Concert Hall, showcased the unique fusion of languages and musical traditions, drawing from the rich literary heritage of China and Wales. The project, spearheaded by Dr. Jeremy Huw Williams and supported by the Welsh Music Guild, seeks to highlight the beauty and depth of languages often underrepresented in art music.
Together, Diap-luan-hoe and Henffych well represent the first instalment of a larger song cycle that aims to explore the artistic potential of lesser-spoken languages and ancient poetry. By integrating Minnan dialect, Welsh, and other linguistic traditions, the cycle seeks to celebrate the diversity of human expression while fostering a deeper understanding of shared cultural themes.
The premiere was met with enthusiastic applause from the audience, who praised the performers for their technical mastery and emotional depth.
Diap-luan-hoe: A Love Poem from the Song Dynasty
The first work, Diap-luan-hoe, is a musical setting of a love poem by Liu Yong, a celebrated poet from China's Song Dynasty. The lyrics, sung in the Minnan dialect, a language spoken in southern Fujian and Taiwan, evoke a sense of historical and regional authenticity. The Minnan dialect, with its distinctive tonal qualities and phonetic nuances, adds a layer of emotional depth and cultural resonance to the piece.
The composition's haunting melody and intricate piano accompaniment, performed with sensitivity by Wendy Hiscock, transport the audience to the poetic landscapes of ancient China, where love and longing are expressed through the delicate interplay of words and music.
Henffych well: A Welsh Farewell with Chinese Echoes
The second work, Henffych well, is a poignant setting of an anonymous 18th-century Welsh poem that reflects on themes of farewell and friendship. The piece draws inspiration from the classic Chinese guqin composition Yangguan Tune, a melody often associated with parting and remembrance. By weaving elements of the Yangguan Tune into the structure and melody of Henffych well, the composer creates a fascinating dialogue between Welsh and Chinese musical traditions. According to Zhuo, "This work is a testament to the universal emotions that transcend time and geography—whether it's a farewell in 18th-century Wales or a parting in ancient China, the sentiment remains the same."
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