“Ode to Virtue” receives widespread attention in music circles

The choral symphony Ode to Virtue by China’s famous composer Wang Ning attempts to interpret Confucian philosophy through classical music and it has attracted widespread attention in music circles. Wang Ning, who is also a professor at the Chinese Conservatory of Music, cooperated with the Shenzhen Municipal Propaganda Department on this work, which took about six years to complete. The lyrics are by Yi Heng and Han Wangxi and the symphony was commissioned by the Shenzhen Municipal Government.

Wang Ning said that he aimed to convey the essence of Chinese traditional culture for the whole world to enjoy.

Xu Peidong, a member of the Chinese Music Association, spoke highly of this work during a seminar, saying that it manages to convey the development of Chinese culture – and it also encourages people to think about this culture.

The famous conductor Chen Chengxiong, from Taiwan, came to Shenzhen to attend a performance of Ode to Virtue, and he said that it perfectly combines philosophical thoughts and humanism. He also referred to it as a masterpiece, and said that the only way to ensure that a work of art stands the test of time is whether it resonates with the public.

Ye Cong, director of the Singapore Chinese Orchestra, said that it took much courage to complete such a great work.

Ode to Virtue uses symphonic expressions to convey the thoughts of Confucius. The first Movement “Benevolence” uses harmony to express continuous changes, the second movement “Righteousness” features cellos to express the idea of a righteous person who fights evil, the third movement “Propriety” is said to be the most refined, the forth movement “Wisdom” features a traditional singing style -Yin Song - and instruments to create a magical atmosphere and the last movement, “Faithfulness,” features brass and percussion, which leads to the final part, “Wen Ming Yao”.