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One painting whispers a soulful melody of nostalgia,
The other thunders with a monumental anthem of striving
—— These two stylistically divergent masterpieces by Xu Beihong have been transmuted by composer Huang Anlun into a single, soul-stirring symphonic poem. Commissioned for the 2022 New York Festival of Contemporary Chinese Music, “Xu Beihong’s Artistic Realm Reverie《徐悲鸿画境随想》” resounded through Shenzhen Concert Hall on the evening of November 14, presenting the city with an immersive artistic feast where music and painting converged.
A Dialogue Across Time: From Canvas to Musical Score
The creative inspiration for this work stems directly from two masterpieces by Xu Beihong: the oil painting “The Sound of the Xiao《箫声》” and the ink wash painting “Galloping Horse《奔马》”. Among the six paintings provided by Ms. Xu Fangfang, daughter of Xu Beihong, composer Huang Anlun found himself uniquely captivated by the profound depth and striking contrast embodied in these two particular works.
Painted by Xu Beihong in 1926 during his studies in Europe, “The Sound of the Xiao《箫声》” portrays a Chinese woman holding a vertical flute, her melancholic gaze and the solitary melody intertwining to express the profound nostalgia of a sojourner yearning for their homeland. This subtle yet poignant sense of longing establishes the emotional foundation for the opening of the symphonic poem.
The performance at Shenzhen Concert Hall not only marks a precious presentation of this outstanding work on a domestic stage, but also represents a profound reinterpretation and musical continuation of Xu Beihong’s artistic spirit. The audience will have the opportunity to close their eyes and, within the grand symphony, “see” the lonely melody of the xiao and the victory-galloping steed, experiencing firsthand the boundless charm born from the convergence of Chinese painting and Western orchestral music.
Listening to the “Gallop of Ten Thousand Steeds”
Structurally, the symphonic poem masterfully mirrors the artistic conception of the paintings. The first half unfolds with a lyrical melody and contemplative atmosphere, evoking the whispered soliloquy of the figure in “The Sound of the Xiao《箫声》.” Gradually, the musical mood transforms—like distant hoofbeats drawing nearer—culminating in an unstoppable torrent of sound.
In the latter part, the composer employs masterful orchestration to depict the majestic spectacle of “ten thousand steeds galloping.” The orchestra’s full ensemble emulates the thunderous hoofbeats of countless horses, building layer upon layer to a powerful and glorious finale. This brilliantly recreates the inspiring, nation-emboldening force that defines Xu Beihong’s iconic works.
Composer Mr. Huang Anlun (left), author of “Xu Beihong’s Artistic Realm Reverie《徐悲鸿画境随想》”, and Mr. Zhang Wenchang (right), Director of the Shenzhen Xu Beihong Culture and Art Center, one of the organizing partners of the event
