On November 29, 2025, the 127th Art Salon of Shanghai Starriver Bilingual School, "Soundscape in String"  , warmly commenced. This cello recital featured a solo performance by student Li Guolin (Alex), under the mentorship of teacher Hou Ruqing, with piano accompaniment by Teacher Guo Junjun and under the overall guidance of Teacher Du Jiangzhou (Ms. Judy).

Alex's performance traversed the history of music, from Bach's Baroque "Suite for Cello No.1 in G Major, BWV 1007" to D. Popper's late Romantic "Polonaise de Concert, Op.14". Through ten distinctive and representative works, he presented the audience with a captivating musical journey.      

       

“ Good afternoon, everybody, thank you for coming to the concert. I’m Alex from grade 5 class 8. I’ve been playing cello from six years old. I loved music when I was little, but I always thought playing cello was boring. I often wondered that why should anyone even learn to play an instrument?

As I grew up, my cello playing skills gradually improved, and the pieces I played get more complex and melodious, I started to realize that I had truly fallen in love with cello. Every time I play the cello, I always visualize the scenes hidden within the composer’s notes. As the music flows, I feel like I’m talking with the composer across time. The melody of the pieces always changes dramatically: sometimes joyful, sometimes sorrowful, sometimes frustrating, and sometimes depressing.

The cello deeply influences me, drawing me into the vast ocean of music. Although practicing the cello is not easy, my love for it  constantly reminding me that this is my passion, and I should persevere. Now, cello has already become an indispensable part of my life. It brings me calmness and fills me with joy.

Today, I will present several classic cello music pieces for everyone. Please enjoy! ” 

The First Half

1.Suite for Cello No.1 in G Major, BWV 1007

    J.S. Bach

Prélude  

Sarabande  

Menuet Ⅰ/Ⅱ  

Gigue  

2.  Cello Concerto in c minor Mov. 1 , J.S. Bach

3.  Allegro Appassionato, Op.43 , Saint-Saëns

In the first half, we’ll begin with Bach’s Cello Suite No. 1 from the Baroque period.  As the "Father of Western Music," Bach's works embody a profound and rational sense of logical beauty. His six cello suites are regarded as the "Bible of the Cello," comprising dances from various parts of Europe, such as the French Courante, the German Sarabande, the French Minuet, and the English Gigue. The charm of Bach's cello suites lies in their meticulous structures and deep meanings, concealed within seemingly simple and similar melodies, Moreover, each performer can offer a unique interpretation based on their own understanding.

 

Nocturne, features a beautiful and slightly melancholic melody, reflecting Tchaikovsky's early Romantic style with profound emotion. The warm tone of the cello, paired with piano accompaniment, creates a serene nighttime atmosphere.

Finally, amid the applause from the audience, Alex and his partner Chen Weichu (Andy) presented an encore piece: Shostakovich’s Waltz No. 2.

       

The performance concluded with Alex and Andy's rendition of Shostakovich's Waltz No. 2, bringing the 127th Art Salon at Shanghai Galaxy Bilingual School to a successful close.

At the end, Alex's teacher Ms. Hou and his mother joined him on stage to thank the guests. They shared warm wishes for Alex to remain true to his passion and continue advancing on his musical path.