FACS - Wei Jia "Enchanted Violin Through Time and Space"

The School of Music presents the Faculty Artist Concert Series featuring Wei Jia (violin) and Zhao Wang (piano) performing a program entitled "Enchanted Violin Through Time and Space" in the UCO Jazz Lab, November 3rd, 2024 Enchanted Violin Wei Jia, violin Zhao Wang, piano 5 pm, November 4, 2025 UCO Jazz Lab UCO Faculty Artist Concert Series Program notes Fisherman’s Song at Dusk Li Guoquan is a renowned Chinese composer and violinist known for his work in adapting traditional Chinese music for Western instruments, especially the violin. One of his most famous adaptations is the violin version of “Fisherman’s Song at Dusk” (Yu Zhou Chang Wan), a classical Chinese piece originally composed for the guqin, a traditional Chinese zither. In his adaptation, Li Guoquan beautifully captures the serene and tranquil atmosphere of the original composition, depicting a picturesque scene of fishermen returning home at sunset. His arrangement for violin retains the traditional essence of the piece, while adding a new layer of emotional depth through the expressive qualities of the violin. The gentle, flowing melodies reflect the calm waters and the peaceful twilight, evoking a deep connection with nature. Li Guoquan’s version has become a popular and iconic piece in both Chinese and international violin repertoire, showcasing his skill in blending Eastern and Western musical traditions. This adaptation is admired for its ability to bring out the subtleties and lyrical beauty of the original, making it a favorite for violinists and audiences alike. Why Are the Flowers So Red is a famous Chinese song originally composed by Lei Zhenbang for the 1956 film The Visitor on the Icy Mountain. The song gained widespread popularity due to its beautiful melody and emotional lyrics, celebrating love and beauty. The violin version of this piece was arranged by renowned Chinese composer Han tiehua is known for blending traditional Chinese music with Western classical techniques. His arrangement of “Why Are the Flowers So Red” transformed the original song into a beloved violin solo, combining the emotional depth of the original with expressive violin phrasing. This adaptation is often performed as part of classical concerts, showcasing the beauty of both Chinese music and the violin as an instrument. Vitali’s Chaconne in G Minor is a prominent piece of solo violin and piano composed by the Italian Baroque composer Tomaso Antonio Vitali. This work is particularly well-known in the violin repertoire and is celebrated for its lyrical melodies and technical demands. The Chaconne is a musical form typically consisting of a series of variations based on a repeated harmonic progression. Vitali’s Chaconne follows this structure, showcasing rich melodies and harmonies that highlight the expressive capabilities of the violin. The piece blends the elegance of the Baroque period with deep emotional resonance. Its flowing melodies exhibit a lyrical quality, showcasing the warm tones and technical prowess of the violin. Vitali’s Chaconne places significant demands on the performer’s technique, involving various bowing and finger techniques, particularly in the handling of ornamentation and rapid scales. This allows performers to demonstrate their technical skills and musical expressiveness. Histoire du Tango is a renowned work composed by Argentine composer Astor Piazzolla. This piece aims to illustrate the evolution of tango music and is divided into four movements, each representing different eras and styles. Typically performed as a duo for violin (or other instruments) and piano, “Histoire du Tango” is characterized by its strong rhythmic elements and rich emotional expression. The four movements are as follows: “Bordel 1900”: This movement depicts the rise of tango in Buenos Aires at the end of the 19th century, filled with passion and nostalgia. The vibrant rhythms reflect the social atmosphere of that time. “Cafe 1930”: This section has a more lyrical and contemplative quality, showcasing the subtlety and romance of tango music, creating an elegant ambiance reminiscent of a café setting. “Nightclub 1960”: This movement shifts to a more modern style, highlighting the energy and allure of tango in nightclubs. The lively rhythms showcase the spirit of a new generation of tango. “Finale”: The final movement combines various elements, reflecting the evolution and modernity of tango, with more complex emotional expressions that encompass both passion and introspection. “Histoire du Tango” not only demonstrates Piazzolla’s profound understanding of traditional tango but also his innovative approach to reimagining it. This work is frequently performed in concerts and is beloved for its rich musical language and emotional depth, making it an excellent choice for showcasing a performer’s skill and expressiveness. Fantaisie Brillante sur Faust. This piece is based on melodies from Charles Gounod’s opera Faust and is a violin solo that showcases Wieniawski’s virtuosic skills and artistic expression. The composition incorporates some of the most famous themes from Faust, reinterpreting them through intricate violin techniques.