A "traditional" string quartet with violin, viola and cello will play Chinese melodies arranged in Western style, as well as classical music. The innovative US-based Shanghai Quartet has three Chinese members, one American and a remarkable repertoire.

Enthusiasm for traditional Chinese music is growing these days, especially after Shanghai Daily launched its biweekly column (www.shanghaidaily.com/folkmusic/pipa.html). Now the US-based Shanghai (string) Quartet will play Chinese melodies with Western violin, viola and cello, arranged in a Western way.

The quartet will play Chinese folk songs including "Yao Dance," "Shepherd's Song" and "Harvest Celebration," arranged for string quartet by one of its members, violinist Jiang Yiwen.

"Although I've learned Western classical music since childhood, I've been steeped in traditional Chinese music," says Jiang. "After trying to make some chord arrangements on the computer, we find much Chinese music can be played in the form of quartet. That has encouraged me to revise many familiar Chinese repertoires for the quartet."

Local music critic Li Yanhuan says these Chinese arrangements have proved to be very successful.

"Jiang has used the composing skills of Western chamber music but fully maintains the flavor of Chinese music," says Li. "The effect was so good that it sounds like four voice parts harmoniously singing together. As a result these Chinese arrangements worked like erasers. They were so popular and impressive that their concerts would often erase the memories of the quartet's Beethoven or Brahms from the mind of audience."

Originally formed in Shanghai, this versatile ensemble is known for its virtuoso techniques and multicultural innovations. Three members are Chinese, one is American. Apart from Jiang, the ensemble features brothers Li Honggang, the leader, and viola player Li Weigang, both from the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. They find that being siblings who work together is an advantage.

Since the quartet last visited in 1998, they welcomed a new cellist, Nicholas Tzavaras, a US citizen. The quartet is ensemble-in-residence at Montclair State University in New Jersey.

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