Imagine yourself standing on a vast grassland, where nature is not just a breathtaking landscape but a lifeline, the pulse of people bound to this land. Mongolia—a place where tradition and nature are deeply intertwined, creating a unique, harmonious connection. On the wide, open plains of the northern steppe, khoomei singers, driven by a quest for inspiration, immerse themselves in nature, seeking the perfect setting to perform throat singing—an ancient sound that echoes as if rising from the earth itself, infused with the spirit of the land.
Mongolians are also known for their enthusiasm and hospitality, making every guest feel as though they are part of the family. From them, we learn optimism, courage, and resilience beneath a humble exterior, especially their wholehearted approach and generous spirit in facing any challenges along their journey.
These values and spirit deeply inspire “Lofty Spirits on the Grasslands,” a composition by artistic director D.F. and arranged by Jing Xian. The piece distills these elements and brings them closer to audiences worldwide, transcending all language and geographical boundaries to convey a majestic and inspiring spirit.
Capturing the Mongolian Essence through the Harmony of Strings and Trombone
The piece opens with the soft, soothing vibrations of the strings, immediately drawing listeners into the gentle embrace of the vast Mongolian prairie. The subtle tremor of the strings evokes the image of green grass swaying under a broad, open sky. Suddenly, the trombone breaks through, deep and powerful, echoing like a call from the earth, stirring life within the stillness. Its sound reverberates like a horn, embodying the soul, strength, and steadfast spirit of the Mongolian people.
As the trombone’s notes linger in the air, the peaceful vibration of the strings continues to set the stage, creating a steady backdrop that depicts a majestic natural panorama where humans are not mere observers but an integral part of the scene. The quiet strength of the prairie is a perfect metaphor for the Mongolian way of life—rooted in the land, yet ever ready to embrace new challenges, much like how the trombone’s resonant call shatters the calmness created by the strings.
Then, the slow, melodious sound of the erhus emerges, introducing a new layer of depth to the piece. This melody is reminiscent of the traditional Mongolian “long song”—a style characterized by extended, lyrical phrases and a slow, contemplative tempo. These songs typically narrate the life and landscape of the steppe, painting vivid pictures of prairies, herds of animals, and the expansive sky. Here, the erhu’s voice seems to echo a personal narrative of the profound connection between the Mongolian people and their cultural heritage.
The cello then emerges, emulating the ancient Mongolian art of khoomei (throat singing). This distinctive vocal technique, designed to mimic the complex sounds of nature, plays a vital role in Mongolian cultural traditions. Dating back to the 13th century, khoomei has been used to celebrate nature, ancestors, and heroes, frequently appearing in significant ceremonies. The Shen Yun orchestra’s use of the cello to replicate these unique sounds is an outstanding artistic choice. The khoomei, a quintessential element of Mongolian artistry, is characterized by its sparse lyrics and drawn-out tones, making it ideally suited for instrumental interpretation, particularly with the cello. It resonates with a deep, haunting voice, like a heartfelt narrative of a native striving to bring the vast steppe’s beauty and spirit to a global audience. This combination transcends cultural and linguistic boundaries, allowing listeners to feel the essence of Mongolian life through each note.
Additionally, another striking feature of the piece is its simplicity and sincerity. Though its structure is straightforward, the composition is rich in emotion, reflecting the traditional qualities of the Mongolian people: their simplicity, lifestyle, and heartfelt hospitality. These qualities are not abstract concepts but real experiences felt deeply when visiting Mongolia, where the warmth and generosity of its people are evident in every interaction.
The Spirit of Hospitality Through Dance with Chopsticks
As the piece progresses, the enthusiastic and hospitable spirit of the Mongolian people becomes unmistakably clear when the main theme emerges at ((0:47)). The violins introduce a cheerful, quick, and lively rhythm that immediately conjures images of people filled with vitality, dancing with joy and exuberance.
This energy is amplified by the bright and fresh timbre of the cymbals, trumpets, French horns, flutes, and oboes. Each instrument adds its own unique color to the musical tapestry, creating a soundscape that is not just colorful but also flexible as the movements of the native dancers. The vigorous melodies portray the hosts’ boundless enthusiasm as they perform welcoming dances, brimming with hospitality. Imagine them, with clusters of chopsticks in each hand, rapping them rhythmically against their limbs, creating crisp, staccato beats that punctuate the air with joyful energy.
Then, in a brief moment, the tempo slows—not to pause, but to gather energy, preparing for another burst of momentum. The music retains its agility and excitement but begins to open up to a more expansive feeling—a sense of freedom reminiscent of heroes galloping across the vast steppes, free to roam the wide-open land and sky. The melody expands, embracing the vastness of nature, inviting the listener to open their hearts and embrace the opportunities and experiences life offers.
This music is a celebration of freedom—freedom as spacious and beautiful as life itself, where nothing restricts or confines, and where the openness of the steppes always reveals new horizons. For the Mongolian people, with their optimistic outlook, every direction is an open path, and every moment as a chance to ride boldly forward. As the melody rises, it carries the openness and generosity of the Mongolian spirit, urging us to live each moment fully, with all our passion and an open heart. This vibrant lifestyle has forged a unique sense of freedom in the Mongolian people—those who live with enthusiasm, explore with vigor, and approach every situation with wholehearted commitment.
Slowing Down with the Traditional Long Song
((1:56)) After the melody rises and reaches a peak, there is a brief silence—a pause that allows the listener to absorb the emotions stirred up by the music. This silence is followed by the familiar low and resonant sound. At this moment, the French horn steps in to replace the erhu in the opening segment, taking on the role of recreating the Mongolian long song style.
The strings, now in harmony with the percussion, continue to guide the rhythm, illustrating the image of dancers performing a traditional welcoming dance. However, at this stage, the rhythm has slowed, and the movements have become gentle and leisurely. The once sharp sounds of sticks striking the body have softened, creating a warm and intimate atmosphere. The initial excitement gradually gives way to an honest conversation between the hosts and their guests.
((2:35)) The melody proceeds with the reappearance of the erhu, pipa, and violin, depicting moments of joy shared between the visiting guests and the locals. The notes resonate with sincerity and simplicity, yet they carry a special sentiment. This melody is not grandiose or overly complex, but it is rich in warmth and emotion, making the listener feel as if they are returning home, no matter how far away they are.
The authenticity of the Mongolian people shines through every note, making it feel as though you are present, sharing in their joy and openness. It’s easy to imagine that if you were to meet people with such genuine warmth and kindness in real life, you would be drawn to them, just as the music draws you in. There’s a sense of peace and relief that comes from being in the presence of such people—feelings that are increasingly rare and precious in today’s fast-paced, often cold world.
Mongolians are not only blessed with the expansive beauty of the steppes but also with big hearts. The melody at this point in the piece continues to build towards the next climax, with the music lines remaining simple yet steadfast and strong. Its structure doesn’t need to be flashy or overly complicated to convey its message; instead, it relies on the purity of its notes and the sincerity of its expression to connect with the listener on a profound level.
Farewells and New Beginnings
Then, at ((3:25)), the music gently pulls back, slowing down with the soulful strains of the erhus. This shift in tempo and tone evokes a sense of farewell, as if the time has come for guests to take their leave. In the soft, lingering notes of the erhus, you can sense a subtle sadness, a reluctance to part ways. The Mongolian people, known for their boundless hospitality and genuine warmth, pour their hearts into welcoming and caring for their guests. So, when it comes time to part, it’s only natural that they find it difficult to say goodbye, a reflection of how deeply they value these connections, the feeling—a mix of gratitude for the time spent together and sorrow for its end.
Yet, as with all things in life, farewells are not necessarily endings but signals of new beginnings yet to come. Life on the steppe, like the flow of music, must continue and always move forward. At ((3:36)), the mood shifts again with the ricocheted bowing from the strings, reminiscent of galloping horses. This fast-paced rhythm embodies a determined spirit in life’s journey. The Mongolians, with their generous and free-spirited nature, do not dwell on the sadness of parting for long. Instead, they return to their nomadic ways, where life moves naturally, and they must keep pace with the endless horizon before them. The orchestra builds toward another climax, bringing back the main melody with renewed vigor, and the piece finally ends with a vibrant and jubilant melody.
As I reflect on this, I realize that the relationships we build in life, even those that are fleeting, are predestined. They should be valued as precious opportunities, much like how the Mongolian people cherish every encounter with guests on their journey. They greet these opportunities with enthusiasm, treating visitors with the utmost sincerity. Yet, they also understand that meeting and parting are natural rhythms of life, accepting them with calm, swiftly recovering, and moving forward with a spirit of courage and freedom that defines them.
This lifestyle serves as a valuable lesson, encouraging us to let our souls follow the rhythm of nature, to be open-minded and enthusiastic in everything we do. We should cherish every opportunity that comes our way, treat others with authenticity, and embrace the comings and goings in life with a peaceful mind. In doing so, we find the strength to continue on our path, unburdened and free, just like the indomitable spirit of the Mongolian people traversing the vast steppes.
For those eager to immerse themselves in the world of Shen Yun, their compositions, including this gem, can be streamed online via Shen Yun Creations (Shen Yun Zuo Pin).
