Chinese New Zealand composer Gao Ping has written a new piece inspired by the courageous tale of Dr Li Wenliang, 李文亮, the whistle blower who first raised a red flag over the seriousness of COVID-19 late last year and tragically died from the virus.
Gao Ping 高平 Photo: Fang Xiang
Currently based in Chengdu, China, Gao Ping wanted to express through sounds how he felt during the long winter night of 6th February as news came through about Dr Wenliang's deteriorating health and then his death.
Gao Ping says the doctor’s death made him feel sad, angry but also inspired. The next day he decided to document the feeling of that night in sound and began composing Bitter Cold Night.
“On that same day there was a photo online which everyone was talking about; a very beautiful image of someone writing in huge Chinese characters on a snow covered riverbank the message 'Farewell to Dr Li Wenliang.' And I thought that is exactly what I am doing in music for him.”
He made these notes in his journal: “…moving but with pauses and hesitation, as if searching for an answer, the music travels with difficulty…long melody…restraint, solitary, chilly, and calm.”
SOUNZ, the Centre for New Zealand Music has released a film of Bitter Cold Night performed by violinist Amalia Hall and pianist Stephen de Pledge and recorded at home on their phones. RNZ Concert assisted with the sound, and SOUNZ post-produced the video.
We are proud to share this moving and poignant work with Aotearoa from the epicentre of the pandemic.
Chengdu train passenger wearing safety protection Photo: Gao Ping
“I am well aware that, during this difficult period, a thousand pieces of music may not be worth even a single face mask."
Gao Ping says life in Chengdu has been very quiet for three months but in the last few weeks people have started going outside again, but taking personal protection very seriously.
“I live near a plaza where a great number of people used to dance in groups every evening. For a long time in the past months, it was deserted, a depressing sight. I felt very sorry, although, the music from the loudspeakers used to annoy me too."
Dancers return to a public square in Chengdu Photo: Gao Ping
"Just the other day, I passed by there again, and was nearly moved to tears by the return of the dancers, rejoicing in their rhythmic movements, all wearing masks!”
He says it’s good to get out of the house after so many months under virtual house arrest.
“We made a day trip to the countryside, a beautiful day, and indeed the sun shined on us.”
Street seller with roasted sweet potatoes Photo: Gao Ping
