Xiaoyun Miao - The Art of the Chinese Lute (2017)

Ms. Miao Xiaoyun, virtuoso of Chinese lutes Ms. Miao Xiaoyun is a musician of outstanding virtuosity and versatility. She plays several types of Chinese lutes, including tenor ruan, bass ruan (2 round-bodied lutes) and pipa (a pear-shaped lute). Born in Beijing, Ms. Miao started to learn various plucked instruments at an early age with renowned teachers in China, among them Wang Fandi (pipa), Wang Zhongbing (ruan) and Pan Yuzhang (ruan). In 1978 she won a competition for the entrance examination to the ‘Central Conservatoire of Music’ in Beijing. Upon graduation with a BA degree in 1982, she became the first teacher in the China Conservatoire of Music to establish the ruan as a major instrument (both conservatoires are the most prestigious in China). She has toured widely, both in China and abroad, giving many concerts. In 1987 she won first prize in the first folk music competition “Silk and Bamboo Music” held in Shanghai. She was a lecturer at the China Conservatoire of Music in Beijing and a well-respected pioneer of the ruan with a wide influence in China. During her stay in the UK, 1995-99, she performed extensively in the UK and continental Europe. Her virtuosity and versatility won her high acclaim from both her audiences and the media.

Tracklist:
6:36 | 01. Xiaoyun Miao - Ancient Melody from the Zhongnan Mountain
5:33 | 02. Xiaoyun Miao - Sound from Afar
7:39 | 03. Xiaoyun Miao - Memory of Yun-nan: I. —
7:27 | 04. Xiaoyun Miao - Moon over the Jade Mansion
9:23 | 05. Xiaoyun Miao - The Tyrant Took Off His Armour
5:54 | 06. Xiaoyun Miao - Overlooking the Qin Riiver
2:45 | 07. Xiaoyun Miao - Yingzhou Ancient Tunes
8:20 | 08. Xiaoyun Miao - Memory of Yun-nan: II. —