Wong On-Yuen
The Magic of Two Strings - The World of Wong On-Yuen’s Hu-Quin Music
Linfair (Taiwan) 1984
LFC 008/9 (2LP) Gatefold sleeve.
sleeve : EX-(color-faded on one side.)
media : EX/EX,EX/EX(some slightly noise.)
An exceptionally hard to find record has just come in. This 2LP set was released in 1984 by huqin player Wong On-Yuen, who was born in Chongqing—then formerly part of Sichuan—began studying the erhu and violin at the age of eight, and later trained at both the Central Conservatory of Music and the China Conservatory of Music in Beijing before performing with the Beijing Opera Troupe and the Central Orchestra. The album presents classical pieces originating from a wide range of regions and traditions, from Hebei, Sichuan, and Xinjiang to Mongolian and Tai ethnic music, resulting in a richly varied program that moves from deeply rooted local forms to hybrid works shaped by Western influence, and even pieces with oriental melodies that suggest an Arab transmission. Above all, the recording and cutting quality are absolutely superb, capturing the erhu’s intense bow friction and supple, sharply contoured phrasing with remarkable presence and realism. It is genuinely surprising to come across a Taiwanese pressing of this caliber. A wonderful record through and through, and one we highly recommend hearing for yourself.