Traditional Chinese Music II

Traditional Chinese music is so beautiful, I wanted to share this with you. A couple of months ago I shared a piece featuring the erhu, which is played in a similar way to the cello. It looks like the erhu has two strings, and makes a wonderful, and very distinctive sound. This piece features four different instruments, including the erhu. The other instruments are a harp type of instrument called the guzheng, a flute called the dizi, and a guitar looking instrument (which is not played like the guitar at all) called the pipa. The setting on this video is also stunning.

Enjoy and have a great middle of the week!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

Traditional Chinese Music

The erhu is a stringed instrument from China, that makes a beautiful sound, which often sounds sad to me. It is played in a similar manner as the cello. I’m still trying to figure out how the small round piece at the bottom can make such a beautiful sound. The song is a beautiful instrumental, highlighting the erhu.

Have a great rest of the weekend!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

“If you love nature, you will love people.”

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

The Stolen Horse

This is a wonderful piece of film! It has been a long time since I’ve featured anything from the movie “Dances With Wolves”. Last year I wrote two articles on the film. One was about what I like about the film, and the other one was why I don’t like it! For one thing it is very violent. But there is alot about the culture of First Nations people here and in the rest of the movie.

In this piece, the main character, Lt. Dunbar, has his horse stolen. If you haven’t seen the film then I won’t give the rest away. When it begins, watch Lt. Dunbar’s connection with the wolf. The horses thundering is so cool! Then the First Nations character, Wind in His Hair, challenges Lt. Dunbar to prove he is not afraid of him. I love hearing the Lakota language!

Wind in His Hair, is basically yelling, “I am Wind in His Hair, and I am not afraid of you! Do you see? I am not afraid of you!” Later in the film they become good friends.

By the way, ever wonder why First Nations men of the past went to war, without their shirts on? It wasn’t so much of wanting to be cool or macho (some places may have been hot though). They knew that if they were hit by any projectile, such as an arrow, knife, bullet, or javelin, with having a shirt on – it would force the fabric into the wound, and cause an infection. So they avoided shirts to avoid infection.

Have a great weekend!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

Asian Strings

These guys really know how to play the stringed instrument, called the shamisen. It reminds me somewhat of the banjo in the US, but it is smaller. It appears to have only two strings, so the sounds it makes are amazing. This is also an ancient instrument but the style they  play here seems to be a blend of traditional and modern. They play better than many rock stars I have seen! Go Yoshida Brothers!

Have a great weekend!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

Manao

So what happens when you blend Chinese drums, with martial arts, smoke, people flying, an orchestra, and a huge amount of intensity? You get this video! These women are serious about playing the drums!

Have a great rest of the week!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

Japanese Drums

I like drums from anywhere but this group is amazing. Their strength and energy playing these drums is spectacular. Notice their precision, and their joy. I love Japanese drums! There are men and women drummers here. When they get to the big drums watch your ears! Be careful with the volume. I love this video.

Time to wake up everyone!

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

Commentary © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube

Images of Africa

I love this video for a number of reasons. First there are the images of the people, that are happy and smiling. Joy and smiling in any culture are wonderful! They seemed to be filled with such a love of life. There is also beautiful nature photography. I also love the music of Samite, a musician from Uganda. I am mainly familiar with his flute playing, but there is a wonderful blend of instruments, and vocals here. All of this and the cultural element of the video, truly make it wonderful. I hope you enjoy it! Maybe I should have been an anthropologist.

I also want to share a quote with you: “I write to discover what I know.” Flannery O’Connor

Blessings to everyone and PEACE!

Writing © Copyright 2015, nicodemasplusthree

video from youtube