The photograph: Autumn 1995. Master Mei Yueqiang stands at the edge of the Yangtze River, holding his qin, gazing into the distance across a vast reed sandbar. The great river flows eastward. Wild geese descend upon the sand.
A Piece That Quiets the Mind
Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbar paints a scene through sound: wild geese on an autumn sandbar — playing, foraging, taking flight. Its melodies are long and unhurried, its rhythms gentle and steady. For those with busy schedules, it makes an ideal companion for evening reading, quiet work, or sleep. It has a way of dissolving restlessness and returning the mind to clarity.
Master Mei's Interpretation
Master Mei Yueqiang's performance is a masterclass in the Guangling school's signature finger techniques — particularly its yin and nao vibrato ornaments. Nothing is hurried. Nothing is forced. It is the playing of a man who has spent a lifetime learning to be still.
About This Recording
Taken from Guangling Qin Yun VI · Mei Yueqiang (广陵琴韵六·梅曰强), released 1996 by Hugo Productions, Hong Kong (HRP 7144-2). Master Mei performed on his own Song-dynasty qin.
To read the full essay, see Tasting Mei · XVI : Wild Geese Descending on the Sandbar.
0 comments