Teasing Golden Snake《弄金蛇》– Jin Zhang (2020)
－ for Vancouver Erhu Quartet: 2 erhu, viola, cello
This 3-movement piece was inspired by a well-known Chinese traditional folk tune “Crazy Dance of Golden Snakes”. The composer utilizes a variety of conventional and extended techniques of the string instruments, focusing on the ones that best represent the characteristics of the erhu, to express the nature of the snakes: fluidity, suspense, and swift movements. The piece vividly depicts a dynamic scene of imaginary snake dance and the magics from an entertaining snake charmer.
Recording of a different version for 3 erhu and 1 cello, movement 1, 2, 3: