Butterfly Lovers & Paganini

The Butterfly Lovers Concerto was one of my grand uncle’s favorite concertos. Years ago, I heard an excerpt played by one of his grandchildren at a family gathering, which left a deep impression on me. While learning the piece, I discovered how the Butterfly Lovers’ story has endured through many retellings across the ages in many different mediums, from ink to screen to music. Not only was I deeply moved by the steadfast love of the couple, and Zhu Yingtai’s courageous resistance against the customs of feudal society, I was also touched by the heart-wrenching story that unfolds through the violin concerto by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao. Sunshine Over Tashkurgan fascinates me with its exotic harmonies, variety of melodic characters, catchy irregular rhythms with dance beats and the interesting pizzicato passage resembling the strumming of the Dombra instrument. The passionate music transports me to the beautiful town of Xinjiang, with its picturesque grasslands and majestic peaks basking in the warmth, generosity and hospitality of its people. Paganini’s Violin Concerto No. 1 is famous for its technical challenges and beautiful melodies written in Italian bel canto style, which I have enjoyed immensely. The many hours of practice I’ve invested to get a good, clean sound has been very rewarding. I truly appreciate the opportunity to record these masterpieces with the Singapore Symphony Orchestra and maestros Rodolfo Barráez and Mario Venzago.

---

Chloe Chua, Violin Singapore Symphony Orchestra Rodolfo Barraez, Conductor (Tracks 1-8)  Mario Venzago, Conductor (Tracks 9-11)