The Wind Whisper Band isn't particularly famous in the music scene, hovering between first and second tier, but they are quite well-known in the traditional Chinese style music circle.
Of course, Lu Jiuyuan was the one who facilitated the invitation of the Wind Whisper Band.
Besides that, it was the charm of these three songs that attracted them.
A soft gong sound announced the start of the song.
The sounds of multiple instruments intertwined gradually approached from afar, though I couldn't make out the details; I just felt a sense of novelty.
At the 13-second mark, a melodious and clear piano sound enters, bringing a melancholic tune. Combined with the string ensemble, it sets a somber tone for the entire piece.
"I can't change who I love, and I've never thought it was wrong."
"I thought that by clinging to the pain, I could hide in the memories."
"Stubbornly believing in the cursed crystal ball."
"..."
Lu Jiuning's singing followed, without the husky, metallic voice of "Dear John" or the soaring tone of "The World Won't Collapse Easily".
It's just gentle and clean, focusing more on the emotions involved and not on showcasing too many techniques.
It sounds nice on its own, and no one thinks it's bad, but it always feels like something is missing.
Perhaps the answer will be revealed later!
"But you came closer, forcing our eyes to meet."
"Stay where you are, or move forward."
"..."
Hearing this, the audience finally realized what was missing.
The first one is the song "Too Peaceful"!
It's bland and unfocused, unlike Mr. Mask's previous compositional style.
The second one is the lyrics!
Although it's described as a song in the ancient style, the lyrics are full of love and romance, and the true charm of the ancient style isn't fully captured.
This left the audience, who had come with high expectations, somewhat disappointed.
"No, the quality of this song is completely inconsistent with Mr. Mask's composing ability!"
"I think so too. It's too bland and uninteresting. It's so bland that I almost fell asleep."
"Could it be that Mr. Mask has already given away all the good songs, and now he only has mediocre works left?"
"Hang in there a little longer, maybe the chorus will bring a surprise..."
That's true for this song. The verses are rather flat, and it's not very memorable for first-time listeners.
What truly makes a lasting impression is always the chorus.
Lu Jiuning took a deep breath, because what followed was a highly challenging performance:
"I ride a white horse—through three passes—"
"I'll change into plain clothes and return to the Central Plains."
"Leaving Xiliang behind, no one cares."
"All I want is Wang Baochuan~~~"
audience:! ! !
Netizens: !!!
Yan Ping: !!!
When the chorus came on, everyone almost went crazy; a giant exclamation mark instantly appeared in their minds.
What is this? What are all these things?!
Is it Peking Opera singing?
Not only that, it seems there's also Hokkien!
Opera singing combined with Minnan dialect? You can do it like this?
Immediately afterwards, I was captivated by Lu Jiuning's singing skills.
This passage makes extensive use of trills and vibrato. The application of these techniques not only enhances the expressiveness of the music but also makes the song more auditory and moving.
Secondly, the handling of the operatic singing style is simply perfect.
The system bestowed upon Lu Jiuning a diva-level singing ability, which inherently incorporated opera-style techniques. This allowed Lu Jiuning to sing this passage with a long and powerful breath, clear pronunciation, and a firm and steady delivery.
The "Wang Baochuan~~~" part at the end of the chorus.
By using dragging beats, vibrato, and fading vocals, Lu Jiuning created a sense of fading away, enhancing the song's shaping ability and emotional expression.
This arrangement was actually made to prepare for the suona sound during the interlude.
This section of suona music can be described as extremely restrained.
It didn't start off with a high-pitched, passionate, earth-shattering, cloud-piercing tone.
There was no immediate sense of extreme joy or sorrow upon its release.
On the contrary, its retro and melodious tone seems to come from an ancient village, evoking memories of bygone days.
This adds depth and a classical Chinese flavor to the piece.
With Lu Jiuning's singing and the perfectly timed suona accompaniment, the essence of the chorus was immediately brought out.
It makes the DNA in the listener's body tremble and move immediately.
It felt as if an electric current was passing through my body; I couldn't control the excitement and trembling that it brought.
[Holy crap, this is so beautiful! Melodious and graceful, it has a unique charm!]
[This section features Hokkien singing, and as a Hokkien native myself, it feels so familiar and comforting.]
I'm completely blown away! The combination of Hokkien and opera singing has once again refreshed my impression of traditional Chinese style.
[...]
That's right, this is "Riding a White Horse"!
The melody of the verses is bland, like a mayfly falling into water, seemingly unlikely to cause much of a ripple.
When the chorus begins, it descends like a sudden downpour, its captivating power instantly stealing the listener's soul.
All worries and distracting thoughts are completely cleared away at this moment.
It was as if time stood still at that moment, as if the passing years were awakened by Lu Jiuning.
The arrival of the second verse finally allowed those who had been holding their breath to catch their breath.
Only now do people understand why the verses are somewhat understated.
This creates a clear contrast between the verse and the chorus, further highlighting the charm of the chorus.
3 minutes and 22 seconds!
The fast and powerful drumbeats, along with the addition of strings, bring the song to its climax.
"Covered in wounds, there was no time to feel the pain."
"That's the clear feeling that guides me towards you."
"..."
"As long as we share the burden"
"As long as you don't let go"
Lu Jiuning's singing voice returned to the strong, powerful, and resolute quality of "The World Will Not Collapse Easily".
She possesses a stubborn streak, as well as a passionate and uncompromising view of love.
That was Xue Rengui's unwavering determination and resolute commitment to abandon his throne and everything else after receiving a blood-written letter from Wang Baochuan, who was living in a cold cave.
No matter how far apart we are, as long as you still have me in your heart, as long as you are still willing to share the burden with me, as long as you don't let go...
Then I will stay with you forever!
With Lu Jiuning's singing, this belief seemed to allow people to witness that sincere love once again.
The listener's body and soul were pierced once again.
When the song reached the phrase "never let go," all the instruments suddenly disappeared, signaling the song's slow approaching end.
The song ended after 5 minutes and 13 seconds, leaving the listeners in awe.
I always thought Hokkien songs were all dance music, but this song has changed my impression of Hokkien songs.
I declare that Miss Rabbit is the best hidden gem female singer of the year! I'm a fan now!
[I underestimated Mr. Mask once again. It turns out that Mr. Mask's limit is that there is no limit!]
[...]
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