ZHAO Jiping: Cello Concerto “Chuang Chou Dreaming a Butterfly”

Violoncello: Lorac Chu
Piano: Ms. Zhang Chen
Piano Reduction by CHEN Jiawang
Zhao Jiping, a master of the contemporary Chinese classical music scene, has crafted a unique and profound work with his Cello Concerto "Chuang Chou Dreaming a Butterfly." This concerto is a musical representation of the timeless philosophical inquiry of the ancient Chinese philosopher Zhuangzi, who once dreamt of being a butterfly, blurring the lines between reality and illusion. The concerto takes its name from the famous tale of Zhuangzi's dream, a narrative that challenges our perception of reality and the nature of consciousness. It is a meditation on the self and the world, a theme that is deeply explored through the concerto's evocative musical language. The concerto unfolds as a single, flowing movement, allowing the listener to experience the dreamlike narrative without interruption. The music ebbs and flows, mirroring the transitions between the waking world and the dream state. The concerto begins with a serene and mysterious introduction, setting the stage for the dream's inception. The cello emerges with a melody that is both haunting and inviting, drawing the audience into the dream. Throughout the concerto, Zhao Jiping employs melodies that are reminiscent of traditional Chinese music, yet they are reimagined in a contemporary context. These melodies are woven through the fabric of the piece, creating a sense of familiarity within the dream. The climax of the concerto is marked by an ethereal and transcendent passage, where the cello soars above the orchestra, embodying the butterfly's flight in the dream. The concerto concludes with a contemplative and enigmatic close, leaving the audience with a sense of wonder and the lingering question of whether we are all dreaming.
"Chuang Chou Dreaming a Butterfly" transcends the boundaries of a traditional concerto, offering a profound meditation on the nature of existence. It is a testament to Zhao Jiping's ability to translate ancient philosophical ideas into a modern musical language, inviting listeners to question their own perceptions of reality. As we prepare to experience "Chuang Chou Dreaming a Butterfly," let us be open to the possibility that our waking life may be but a dream, and that in the music, we may find a deeper understanding of our existence.