The cheerful melody and vibrant rhythm of the fifth movement captured the joy of fishermen returning home and the vitality of life along the riverbank. The sixth movement centered on an erhu solo, its gentle melody like a thread of longing that spanned the river of time, replete with memories and nostalgia, while also expressing hopes and expectations for the future.
The final movement was filled with immense power and passion, much like the relentless, ever-flowing waters of the river. The children's choir at the end added a touching, ethereal quality, elevating the suite to a stirring conclusion.
"When conceiving the Songhua River Suite, I hoped to use music as a medium to weave together the historical context and diverse ethnic cultures of the river," says Zang. "The seven movements are like seven vibrant paintings, interwoven with different musical forms and ethnic elements, ultimately creating a musical epic that combines both ethnic characteristics and symphonic tension."
The piece has been included in the 2024-2025 Symphony of the Times Support Program by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism.
The concert at the NCPA was part of the China Orchestra Festival, which was founded by the NCPA in 2008. Held once every two years, the festival brings together 21 professional symphony orchestras from across China with 26 concerts being performed this year.
