↓Skip to main content
Friends of Guqin

John Thompson at Casa Asia

·323 words·2 mins
Table of Contents

John Thompson at Casa Asia
#

Many months ago, John Thompson visited Barcelona and gave a lecture demonstration on Guqin at Casa Asia. We published an interview with John Thompson some months ago, but something was missing. We finally have written a few lines of such a wonderful event, including some pictures. We hope you enjoy it.
– Cesc & Joan

8 February 2005, Casa Asia

John Thompson played Xian Weng Cao, the melody of the Old Immortal, as an introduction, including the lyrics that honor the Old Immortal. This piece is used as a meditation exercise to enter the right mood for playing the qin. Although the melody is very simple, the aim is to convey its essence.

Before playing more music, John Thompson described the physical instrument and its characteristics, the fingering techniques including stopped sounds, harmonics and sliding sounds.

John Thompson showing the bottom part of the instrument. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia
John Thompson showing the bottom part of the instrument. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia

After that, John Thompson introduced the qin tablature and its history since the first manuscripts dating back from 650 CE. Also, he played the first section of You Lan, Secluded Orchid, following the notation of that manuscript.

Regarding the melodies he played, the first set included: Celestial Air Defining the Yu Mode, Spring Dawn Melody and Pheasants Fly in the Morning.

John Thompson playing harmonics of Spring Dawn Melody. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia
John Thompson playing harmonics of Spring Dawn Melody. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia

The next set of melodies contained the pieces: White Snow and Sunny Spring.

John Thompson playing White Snow. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia
John Thompson playing White Snow. Picture courtesy of Casa Asia

The final set of melodies was formed by Intonation of Increasing Abundance (played according to the 1425 tablature called Jade Pendants in a Heavenly Breeze) and Invocation of Wind and Thunder.

Finally, there were some questions and words of gratitude. Thanks, John, for an unforgettable evening! We also want to express our gratitude to Lola Balaguer at Casa Asia. All pictures are taken from a video recording by Casa Asia.