Monday, November 02, 2009

(2) Zhou Xuan: 30/40s My Chinese Music Influence

In the 50s, I listened to some Mando pop (Mandarin popular) songs by actress/singer Zhou Xuan. I remember the songs but not the singer and with my limited understanding of Mandarin, I am still able to appreciate the music. Again I must thank my mother for introducing me to these beautiful melodies from the past. Without her patience and effort I would have been devoid of this music genre.

In those days, the songs were played on old gramophones grinding 78 rpm records but some songs were also played regularly on radio. And like the singer (image), the songs are classic beauties!

*Perhaps the best-known of the early Shanghai recording artistes, Zhou Xuan recorded some of the most evocative songs of this era. An exceptionally beautiful one is her recording of the song Zang Hua (A Flower Burial), with lyrics from the classic novel of the Qing dynasty, Dream of Red Chamber.

These songs are now available on CD and some of the more popular ones (loosely translated) are,
Shanghai Nights, Street Angel, Song Of Four Seasons, A Warning, Spring Morning, Please Tell Me, The Winds Of May and a personal favourite, When June Comes Again.

This particular double CD album boasts 40 titles by Zhou Xuan. And the digitalised technology is so advanced the recordings are devoid of surface noise.


You Tube Video by zzenzero: Yellow Leaves Dancing in the Autumn Wind.

12 comments:

noelbynature said...

Hi Andy, no worries, it's my pleasure. and don't worry, I'm not fussed over the spelling of 'archaeology', and as a matter of preference I like the 'ae' version. Yes, archaeology is quite exciting, but perhaps not as exciting as the movies make it out to be. =D

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you sir. Glad to know this blog is appreciated and accepted by yesterday.sg

Teoh said...

Very glad to know that you listen to Zhou Xuan as well. I also like to listen to Chinese divas of 1960s and earlier.

During the 30s, there were 7 greatest singers in Shanghai. Zhou Xuan was the greatest of the greatest 7. She was crowned with a nickname Golden Voice(金嗓子).

I have 4 LPs of the greatest 7 so far (1 Zhou Xuan, 2 Yao Li and 1 Gong Qiuxia). I always played these records when my mother came to KL.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you BC. You are inspirational. I can only listen and appreciate the music, singer and the fact that these are very old recordings.

I would be glad if you could write a posting for me about the 7 greatest singers in Shanghai.
Cheers.

Teoh said...

Will search for more information through the Chinese search engine, Baidu.com and provide you with an article.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Thank you so much, BC. That's my weakness. Totally no knowledge of Chinese but usually assisted by a wonderful wife and some good friends when I post about Chinese pops.
Cheers.

Roger said...

After hearing her on Youtube I was went...aha, so this is Zhou Xuan.You see, I didn't pay much attention to the names.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Yes, Roger. And she's not only beautiful but a talented artiste. A classic beauty. That sophisticated look with a cool, calculated charm that only certain Asian girls have.

And she sings well too with such an angelic voice.

Lin said...

Hello, I'll like to get Zhou Xuan's album for my grandfather. Is this album available in S.g?

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi Lin,
I have contacted the person who can help you with your concern. He will reply soon on this posting, so check it out.

Anonymous said...

Hi Lin,
You can write to this email address:
ptimage2008@yahoo.com.sg

All the best.

ANDY: Pop Music Not Pills. © said...

Hi Lin,
Yoo can write to:

ptimage2008@yahoo.com.sg

Good luck.