Gao Hong and Zhao Xiaoxia – Prelude to the Divine Realm 神遊引 (Naxos World, 2025)
Prelude to the Divine Realm is an exceptional collaboration between two of China’s most celebrated musicians: pipa master Gao Hong and guqin virtuoso Zhao Xiaoxia. This precious and elegant album revisits some of China’s most iconic traditional compositions, such as Three Variations on the Plum Blossom and Yangguan Sandie, infused with the duo’s distinctive improvisational artistry. The result is an evocative amalgam of ancient tradition and contemporary interpretation that bridges the past and present.
Recorded in a single snowy afternoon at Beijing’s historic Miao Temple Studio, the album reflects the seamless synergy between these masterful performers. Their spontaneous interplay transforms each track into a vivid musical dialog, where the pipa’s crisp resonance and the guqin’s profound tones intertwine beautifully.
Gao Hong’s illustrious career spans continents and genres, from traditional Chinese music to jazz and bluegrass. As the author of the first English-language pipa method book, she has made significant contributions to the global understanding of her instrument. Meanwhile, Zhao Xiaoxia, a guqin virtuoso and educator, has performed on some of the world’s most prestigious stages, including UNESCO headquarters in Paris and international music festivals. Her achievements include solo performances with renowned orchestras and numerous accolades in folk music competitions.
The CD booklet includes extensive liner notes with biographical details, information about the musical instruments and photos.
Track listing:
- Drunken Immortals 飲中仙 – 4:35
- Snow Like Jade 雪如玉 – 5:56
- Plum Blossoms Swinging in the Breeze 清梅蕩幽枝 – 5:42
- Dancing with Strings 抱琴起舞 – 3:36
- Portal to the Clouds 步虛九霄 – 5:46
- Prelude to the Divine Realm 神遊引 – 5:59
- Jade Beads Tumbling into the Green Lake 瓊珠落碧湖 – 5:10
- Farewell at Yang Guan 離人嘆陽關 – 5:40
- The Remaining Fragrance of the Lotus Flowers 空庭蓮香 – 5:43
Buy Prelude to the Divine Realm.
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.