Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School hosted its first-ever harmonica recital, "Symphonic poem in the Pocket," on March 21st, 2025 by Alan.The program showcased a diverse range of musical styles, from classical pieces like the Hungarian "Czardas" to contemporary hits and anime theme songs, demonstrating the versatility of the harmonica. Alan’s skillful playing and evident passion for music captivated the audience, earning enthusiastic applause throughout the performance. 

         

Program Notes

Czardas

       Monti's "Czardas" is a quintessential example of Hungarian folk dance music, its name "Csardas" deriving from the Hungarian word for "tavern dance." Characterized by striking contrasts between fast and slow sections and powerful rhythmic changes, it showcases the passionate and emotionally charged nature of Hungarian folk music. The piece unfolds like a dramatic dance, skillfully blending passion and tenderness.

Lake Baikal

        Li Jian's "Lake Baikal" draws inspiration from his 2011 journey to the lake. Composed and written by Li Jian, with arrangement by Tan Yizhe, the song evokes the majestic beauty and tranquil atmosphere of Lake Baikal through its ethereal melody and evocative lyrics, expressing a yearning for a better life and appreciation for culture. It has since become a widely covered song by numerous artists both domestically and internationally.

 

 

Evening Song on the Fishing Boat

        Lou Shuhua's "Evening Song on the Fishing Boat," inspired by the famous line "Fishing boats singing at dusk, their sounds echoing across the shores of Pengli" from Wang Bo's "Preface to the Pavilion of Prince Teng," uses beautiful melodies and striking rhythmic contrasts to paint a poetic picture of a tranquil Jiangnan water town. The piece's alternating fast and slow sections flow naturally like clouds and water, capturing the essence of Chinese landscape painting.

 

The Flower We Saw That Day

       Yoshihiko Machida's "Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day," the theme song for the Japanese anime Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day, uses a clear, slightly melancholic melody to express the nostalgia and gentle sadness of youth. Predominantly piano-driven, with a violin interlude, the piece weaves together a subtle blend of melancholy and longing.

     

Toledo Spanish Fantasy

       James Moody's "Toledo Spanish Fantasy" is a technically demanding harmonica piece featuring beautiful melodies and brisk rhythms, incorporating a variety of chromatic harmonica techniques. This piece fully showcases the passionate exuberance of Spanish music and the expressive capabilities of the harmonica.

     

Symphonic

Poem in the Pocket

Little Bliss

        "Little Bliss," with lyrics by Li Cong and music by Peng Fei, and originally performed by Zhou Shen, serves as the theme song for the film Hot and Spicy. Its upbeat melody and positive lyrics encourage listeners to enjoy the present moment and embrace an optimistic outlook on life. This highly infectious song brings warmth and hope to its audience.

       

Chrysanthemum Terrace

      "Chrysanthemum Terrace," with lyrics by Fang Wen Shan, arrangement by Zhong Xingmin, and composed and performed by Jay Chou, draws inspiration from the film Curse of the Golden Flower. The song's unique classical Chinese style, combined with its heartfelt melody and slightly melancholic lyrics, offers profound reflections on life and emotion.      

  

        The "Pocket Symphony" harmonica recital concluded this afternoon to thunderous applause, with  Alan's captivating performance earning the admiration of the audience, including many new "little fans". Alan's skillful playing and heartfelt musicality deeply moved every listener. The evening was further enhanced by the presentation of miniature harmonicas, prepared by Alan's mother, and a spontaneous harmonica lesson, creating a joyful and memorable atmosphere. This recital not only enriched the cultural life of Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School but also offered students and faculty a valuable opportunity for artistic enrichment, setting a new milestone for music education at the school.

A circle of friends is a circle of strength.....

 

 

 

文字：刘星宇、许馨元

图：星校电视台

编辑：许馨元

审核：杨蝉