James Poulter had the pleasure of not only hearing Guo Yue play but tasting his food and later, talking with the celebrated Chinese musician, chef and author. Guo Yue, delighted festival goers at Musicport 2010 with two stunning expositions of the Chinese flute, an intimate Chinese cookery class at a local Bridlington cafe plus a special workshop for children. Photo Credits Peter Hodge.
Guo Yue grew up in the alleyways of Beijing, in the musicians quarter. From a young age he heard his father playing the Ehru, a traditional Chinese instrument similar to a two-string violin. He learned to play music from the heart, and this has stayed with him throughout his life. Yue told us: "my music is about freedom, about universal spirituality". This spirit could be clearly heard during his performance in the theatre at Musicport festival. Many members of the audience had returned for this evening concert, having been so moved by his earlier set. A woman behind us wept freely during the show.
Selecting from a wide range of bamboo flutes, Yue's delicate and evocative sounds reminded one of simpler and kinder times. Particularly charming was a tale from ancient China, with Yue recounting how in those days young men and women were not allowed to casually mix, and instead had to court one another from a far. Suitors would get to know each other from the flute playing that drifted across the valleys and Yue's improvised rendition, full of character and life, revealed his joyous and fun-loving nature.
Photo Credit Peter Hodge
There was also a more serious side to Yue's concert, not least the ode to his mother, who was tragically lost during the Cultural Revolution. Yue told us that because of her position as an English teacher, she was accused of being a spy for England and never recovered from the torture she received. Unimaginably, the torture was carried out by her own school pupils.
Photo Credit Peter Hodge
Yue's music draws inspiration from both the Chinese classical tradition, and also from the Chinese folk tradition. Keen to explore the similarities between Chinese and Irish folk music, Yue played several numbers with accomplished Irish viola player David Moss, much to the appreciation of the audience.
Highlight of the performance though, had to be the last piece before the encore – when Yue unveiled his pure white jade flute. As much a piece of art as an instrument, the crystal clear sound was captivating.
Guo Yue's memoirs are available, complete with traditional Chinese recipes, entitled "Music Food and Love
White Jade
