Hubei Song & Dance Ensemble of The People’s Republic of China – Imperial Bells Of China (Fortuna Records, 1991)
The Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble recorded this album that highlights rare musical instruments from China. In 1978, archaeologists found a 2,400 year old tomb in China’s central Hubei Province. The Marquis Yi tomb contained thousands of relics, including a large amount of musical instruments. A complete undamaged set of 64 bianzhong-chime bells was the most important of the musical treasures. The early bells were skillfully inlaid in gold with finely crafted dragons and inscriptions detailing a remarkably complex music theory for ancient orchestras over 2,000 years ago.
These findings eventually inspired the live performances and recording of The Imperial Bells of China, an exceptional program of music and song using the bianzhong-chime bells.
Hubei Song & Dance Ensemble toured the United States in 1989 and recorded this concert at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in New York City. The fascinating music featured on Imperial Bells of China includes poetic love songs, traditional folk music from the Hubei Province and Chinese classical music.
The Hubei Song and Dance Ensemble was formed in 1959, and specializes in the folk music and dances of the Hubei Province.
Author: Angel Romero
Angel Romero y Ruiz has dedicated his life to musical exploration. His efforts included the creation of two online portals, worldmusiccentral.org and musicasdelmundo.com. In addition, Angel is the co-founder of the Transglobal World Music Chart, a panel of world music DJs and writers that celebrates global sounds. Furthermore, he delved into the record business, producing world music studio albums and compilations. His works have appeared on Alula Records, Ellipsis Arts, Indígena Records and Music of the World.