MELODIES OF CHINA, by the virtue of its distinctive ethnic characteristics, no sooner has it been published than it wins widespread recognition at home and abroad. Dr. Robert Cutietta, Dean, USC, Thornton School of Music commented: His musicality and brilliance cross the border of Eastern and Western cultures with easy, and his expertise results in exciting and vibrant performances.

As the former concertmaster and violin soloist of the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China, Suli Xue went to America for a further study in 1986 and was admitted by the Los Angeles Philharmonic Orchestra where he managed to become a tenured violinist. Besides, he is also the first Asian-born professor of violin and tutor of postgraduate candidates at the University of Southern California. Currently, as one of the most outstanding Chinese-American violinists and educationalists, Suli Xue enjoys an active career on today¡¯s international music stage. He has earned high acclaim and recognition for his unique artistry.

In the musical performances of MELODIES OF CHINA, we can see Suli Xue blends his brilliant musicality with Chinese music seamlessly by presenting us with wonderful performances of 15 Chinese songs. In this CD, the first song entitled Zhong Yuan Caprice was originally composed by Suli Xue¡¯s father Chengqian Xue who is a violin educationist and composer. This song begins with bright swing brought about by vigorous pluck. In this song, the loud and clear, bold and unconstrained tonality typical of Henan opera is fully represented by the high-spirited play of violin. In the song named Sunshine over Tashikuergan composed by Chen Gang, Suli Xue displays the local characteristics of Xinjiang music incisively and vividly by the virtue of gorgeous and vigorous timbre. New Year¡¯s Eve, originally called Tune of the Eve, adapted by violin educationist Chen Youxin from Chinese folk song master Liu Tianhua, proves to be a flat as well as delicate song. Suli Xue pays a lot attention to the vigoroso timbre in his performance. The theme of the song can find its expression in the smooth-flowing melody and variance. Reflection of the Moon in the Erquan Spring is adapted by violinist and professor Ding Zhinuo and composer He Zhanhao from a famous Erhu song by Hua Yanjun. In this song, Suli Xue changes the melancholy mood into the melodious and romantic rhythm. Thunder in Drought, a Guangdong tune arranged by violinist Situ Huacheng, retains the melody typical of Guangdong music as Suli Xue applies the skill of glissando skips adeptly. Early Morning in Miao¡¯s Mountain is a brisk music composed by Chen Gang. This brisk song begins with the imitation of chirm as the violinist Suli Xue adopts the skill of high spiccato bowing to sketch a sunny village with chirpy birds and fragrant flowers. The music ends in a pianissimo still lingers in the listeners¡¯heads. Singing on the Fishing Boat at Dusk, adapted by violinist Li Guoquan from an ancient tune, is frequently played by people. While Suli Xue¡¯s performance intensifies the sense of elegancy inherent in this piece of ancient tune. The theme of freedom represents the original charm of this song.

Apart from the above-mentioned songs, the CD also includes many other popular songs like An Autumn Harvest, Alamuhan, Longing for Home, the Sorrows of the Shepherdess, etc. All of these melodious and distinctive songs are arranged by Chinese famous composers by adapting from local folk songs, and contribute largely to this collection of this disc MELODIES OF CHINA. The last song entitled A Soldier Returns to His Love composed by Suli Xue¡¯s father who adapted it from banhu fiddler Zhang Changcheng has strong touches of Shanxi opera. At the beginning of this song, Suli Xue adopts a swift bowing to reveal a spectacular scene with galloping horses. When coming to the theme or the highest part, the sonorous and melancholy violin melody seems to bring people back to the impressive and heart-stirring period on the loess land.

Suli Xue, who has been working with overseas orchestras for 18 years, benefits a lot from his experiences of working with world-renowned musicians and music directors. He deepens his knowledge about the artistry of violin through communications with his counterparts. Earlier, he had the experiences to tour throughout the whole country with the Central Philharmonic Orchestra of China and experienced different music in different places in China. These experiences enable him to blend the western musical skills with the original charm of Chinese folk songs in this CD entitled MELODIES OF CHINA. In addition, the new way Suli Xue interprets those old songs makes the whole CD totally different and distinctive. The glamorous and individualized performances given by violinist Suli Xue render this carefully selected CD even more enjoyable. Just as Professor Alice Schoenfeld, world-renowned violinist and pedagogue, comments: Here, Xue explores folkloric and classical musical strains, searching out and interweaving Eastern and Western themes; delicate, rare miniatures offering the listener beautiful and meaningful insights into mutual cultural understanding and enjoyment.