The language of violin

Among the violin concertos, Butterfly Lovers violin concerto occupies a spot in my heart. I fell in love with its melody.

This concerto tells about the love story about a young lady who disguised herself as man to receive education who later falls in love with a lad. The story takes a sharp turn after completed schooling, they departed. The lad was later grief-stricken to have found the young lady's father had made an arranged marriage, to marry a powerful family as to strengthen his position in the official. He perished in sorrow. On the escort to the bridegroom on her wedding day, she passed by her lover tomb. Broke down in tear, she was mournful. She asked for the tomb to open up as she could jump in to join with him. A ferocious thunderstorm ripped the tomb open, her wish to reunite with him was fulfilled. The story ended with both spirits morphed into butterflies, they were together happily thereafter.

Butterfly Lovers violin concerto was composed by two students, Mr Chen Gang and Mr He Zhan Hao from Shanghai Conservatory of Music in 1959. The violinist, Yi was also very much involved in the composition of the concerto. At the age of 18, Yi Li Na was picked among three candidates to play the leading violinist that brought her to fame. Butterfly Lovers violin concerto did not receive instant fame then. Shortly, struck by Cultural Revolution led by Mao Ze Dong who later become the Chairman of Communist Party of China, Butterfly Lovers Violin concerto was banned from playing. Only propagating nationalism pieces were allowed to be played.

It was only ten years after the Cultural Revolution, Butterfly Lovers violin concerto was able to see the day light. Butterfly Lovers violin concerto received an overwhelming response. In 1990, Yi became the first artist allowed to play in Taiwan, which was a diplomatic breakthrough since China and Taiwan ties was rather shaky and the concerto was well received.



In the above video, Yi explained how she uses her violin to deliver the story. The screeching birds, the innocence of young lady and lad, coquettish and love scene via various violin techniques. I found it is very good stuff for violin lovers. Young violinist ciku often found to show off their techniques while skimping on emotion department.

Unfortunately, I could not find her 90s recording which is considered in her prime. Many Asian violinists include this piece in their performing repertoire. Takako Nishizaki and Li Si Qing are the better interpreter among the modern players. Even Gil Shaham took a year to study the piece before performing. I have my favourite.

We all need to pay tribute to Yi not only for Butterfly Lover concerto, but her aspiration. At 73, she continues to teach violin lessons. She has also formed a violin foundation to help her students to learn from the masters, unfortunately her foundation is often found red for the noble intent. As of to date,she has nurtured three world class young violinists in her belt that have won many prestigious violin competitions. Unreservedly, she humbly admits that her students have exceeded her in technical mastery. A great person can change life, she has won my highest respect!