Sijia Li, Guzheng
Sijia plays Guzheng (vaulted zither), an instrument from classical Chinese music. In this interview you will learn more about Sijia, her music and her thoughts about the ONE WORLD. A number of short audio examples of how Sijia Li plays her instrument are available at the right. You can also download these and use them as samples for composing a song for the song contest. If you have used a sample from the website for your song then you must state this when submitting your entry.
Important: You may only use the samples exclusively for songs with which you participate in the Song Contest "Dein Song für EINE WELT!" (Your song for ONE WORLD). If your song meets the entry criteria, it will be published on our website, on Soundcloud and also on YouTube if you submit a video. If you wish to continue using your song containing these samples, it is important that you always cite the name of the artist who provided the sample used. If for example you use the sample “Guzheng 70bpm A” by Sijia Li, please write “Using the sample “Guzheng 70bpm A” by Sijia Li”.
Can you tell us something about your musical career?
I come from Chengdu, China. I started learning the Guzheng (a traditional Chinese instrument) at the age of six. I studied Instrument Performance (Guzheng) between 2001 and 2007 at the affiliated Sichuan Conservatory of Music and in 2011 completed the bachelor course at the Sichuan Conservatory of Music at the Institute for Folk Music. I completed the master program at the Xinghai Conservatory of Music in music artistry in 2014. I came to Germany in 2015 and currently study at the Center for World Music. I teach at the Chinese Cultural Centre in Hanover and in Berlin.
What do you think about/how are you involved with the topics of “sustainable development” and “one world”?
Music is not just the language of the spirit, but also social consciousness. As an artistic element, music is part of traditions and customs and expresses identity, experience and expectations for the future.
Do you feel that music can change the world? If yes, how?
Yes, “Music is a moral law. It gives a soul to the universe, wings to the mind, flight to the imagination and life to everything.” – Plato Music is powerful. Music is a universal language that we can all understand. Music has the power to transform one’s own difficult circumstances into very simple, understandable things like love, friendship, fear or loss. Music enriches our horizons and helps us see the world through different eyes.
Download all samples by Sijia in .zip format here.
Use these files for iOs.
You can find many more audio examples of this instrument on YouTube.
Here you can find a classical interpretation.
And this is how the instrument sounds in a modern pop song.