Yang Ning Zhao Yuanmeng
Yan Xingchi (middle) and his bandmates. Picture provided by the interviewee
The beauty of music may be as elegant and solemn as a Western symphony, or as graceful and melodious as Chinese folk music. Yan Xingchi, a drummer who has studied music for more than 20 years and lived in France for more than ten years, is a mature musician. From jazz to folk music, from drum set to bass drum, wooden fish and chimes, he transforms every note into love and energy, healing. yourself and your audience.
Love and persistence
"Interest is the best teacher." Yan Xingchi has been passionate about music since he was a child. He learned drums from the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra at the age of 7, and tried the violin when he was a freshman in high school. "Among so many musical instruments, I like the drum set the most." Yan Xingchi did not expect that he, who has been active and playful since childhood, would show his talent in learning the drum set. "My coordination and imitation abilities are very good, and I have a good understanding of rhythm and rhythm. Also more sensitive. Drum set is my best choice.”
After graduating from high school, Yan Xingchi came to France to study jazz. He recalled: "There were basically no Chinese faces in the school at that time, and I needed to learn a new language. Everything was very difficult." In a country that is thousands of miles away from China and is very different, Yan Xingchi slowly adapted to it. He also "gradually mastered French and obtained the French B1 certificate."
Yan Xingchi said frankly: "If I don't understand something in class, I will secretly record it and ask the teacher and classmates after class." There are many such "little cleverness" for academic progress. Gradually, Yan Xingchi overcame many obstacles, and music also became a A common language for everyone.
We are all young people chasing music dreams. In order to improve their music skills, Yan Xingchi and his classmates always practice for a long time. "I stay in the piano room for six hours every day. There are many things that need to be trained, but when the time is up, I feel empty and I feel that there is no progress."
Yan Xingchi added: "Computer technology was not very developed at that time. In order to practice well We would listen to a piece of music over and over again, and then record the music over and over again. Sometimes we would feel like our muscles were no longer working after practice. "
In this way, Yan Xingchi persisted with his love for music: "Time has passed. The power is powerful. After practicing the same piece of music countless times, you will suddenly find yourself playing better.”
After completing his undergraduate studies in Paris, Yan Xingchi applied for graduate school. Now, five years after he graduated from graduate school, his musical level has improved in all aspects and he has become a mature drummer. "However, you can never give up practicing music." Even now, Yan Xingchi will continue to consolidate his basic skills. He will also listen to some excellent music and learn some new elements. He said: "Learning is a lifelong thing. We have to live and learn until we are old."
Challenge and Innovation
Challenge and innovation are important sources that stimulate Yan Xingchi to break through himself. In his overseas music career, Yan Xingchi is constantly learning and making progress.
In addition to Western instruments and drums, Yan Xingchi also tried to use Chinese percussion instruments to perform Chinese folk music: "I used big drums, wooden fish and chimes to collaborate with Chinese folk orchestras on many moving pieces such as "Yao Dance" and "Spring Comes to Lhasa"."
Chinese percussion captured the ears and eyes of the French. After each performance, many French people would be curious to talk to Yan Xingchi. "When they see our Chinese drum, they will touch it and ask me what material it is made of," Yan Xingchi said.
In 2013, Yan Xingchi formed the "Silk and Drum" folk music trio with guzheng player An Ran and fortepiano player Zhang Xiaomo. They mainly adapted folk music with Chinese characteristics and performed at the French Summer Solstice Music Festival, which was well received by the audience. Some French teenagers were deeply moved: "This performance allowed us to see Chinese music. A map of China was suddenly printed in our minds, as if we had just traveled to China."
composed the music for "Girl Under the Sea" During Wang Liping's Paris tour, Yan Xingchi also tried the cooperation of folk music and symphony: "This is a challenge and an innovation. We combined Eastern and Western musical instruments, and the result turned out to be quite harmonious and refreshing."
"National is the world’s.”The results of playing Chinese folk music overseas are very good, and the audiences like it very much. During every Chinese festival, there are many such performances. "When I play folk music, I also think of my distant hometown." Yan Xingchi said, "Such opportunities are rare and I will continue to try in the future."
In addition to playing, Yan Xingchi also formed a four-piece band with his French university classmates. . "Everyone is very passionate about music." However, it is not easy for the band to persist: "It is difficult for the four of us to coordinate our time, and sometimes it is difficult to find a place to rehearse. We need a place with drums and a better environment, so everyone pays out of their own pockets every time .”
Later, Yan Xingchi had his own studio. "Drums, speakers and everything are now available. Band rehearsals have also become more convenient." At the same time, other bands in Paris used the venue to rehearse. "In this way, I also met many musicians and accumulated connections." Yan Xingchi said.
Beliefs and Ideals
In Yan Xingchi’s heart, making music is about sharing one’s own stories, and this process is “healing.” "Each note on the drum set has its own energy. When playing the drums, this energy will be transformed into emotions and love and transmitted to others. Several times when I played on stage, I was touched by the melody and secretly wiped my flashes. With tearful eyes. "
Every performance on stage is a very important moment for Yan Xingchi and needs to be cherished. "Without the audience, there would be no performance of mine." Yan Xingchi said, "The audience is constantly changing. You never know who is coming to listen to the performance, and they also have different expectations for music. Therefore, I He will treat every performance religiously as if it is his first time and treat the stage as a sacred place.”
In addition to daily performances, Yan Xingchi will also pass on his music knowledge to others. His students are of all races and ages. When he meets overseas Chinese, he will teach them in both Chinese and French.
Thinking of his own musical path, Yan Xingchi also hopes to plant the seeds of music for his students: "Before learning music, you must first listen to music, listen to all types of music, and then find the one you like." "Persevere for ten minutes every day" is also what Yan Xingchi summed up from his own experience, inspiring students to keep making progress.
The ideal of music continues to be passed on from Yan Xingchi. Later, some students performed on stage when they grew up. After hearing the news, Yan Xingchi sighed, "It's really a sense of accomplishment."
Music dreams are becoming more and more concrete, and Yan Xingchi’s band is becoming more and more mature. In 2019, the "Silk and Drum" group was invited to participate in the recording of French Chinese TV programs to show the charm of Chinese folk music. In the same year, former French President Hollande held a book signing ceremony and needed a band that included both French and Chinese members. "That's why we went there and received praise from Hollande and recognition from the audience. If there is a chance in the future, we would like to bring the band to China to perform." Yan Xingchi said.
Talking about the future, Yan Xingchi said: "I can't live without music. It's important to listen to the music you like and enjoy the healing process. I hope music can continue to nourish myself and help others."
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