Pentacy: Traditional Guzheng Music III is the third installment in Annie Zhou’s ongoing exploration and preservation of traditional Chinese music repertoire. Building upon the foundational acoustic traditions established in Pentacy and Pentacy II, this album presents solo performances that capture the nuanced glissandos, pitch-bends, and expressive dynamics unique to the 21-string Guzheng while inviting listeners on a deep journey into the regional souls of Chinese classical music. While previous volumes laid the foundation of her dialogue with the ancient instrument, this installment shifts its focus entirely to the distinct voices, folk idioms, and regional schools (流派) that have shaped the Guzheng’s rich living history. From the vibrant, narrative energy of northern plains to the delicate, poetic ornamentations of southern folk melodies, Pentacy III brings together an exquisite tapestry of traditional regional schools.
Track List
- Going Upstairs (《上楼》) – Henan School (3:45)
- Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix (《百鸟朝凤》) – Henan School (4:12)
- Autumn Moon Over the Bamboo Grove (《竹林秋月》) – Shandong School (4:05)
- Thirty-Three Bars (《三十三板》) – Zhejiang School (3:30)
- A Touch of Gold (《一点金》) – Chaozhou School (3:18)
- Winter Crows Upon the Water (《寒鸦戏水》) – Chaozhou School (5:22)
- Hehuan Tune (《合欢令》) – Xiansuo Shisantao (4:50)
The Henan School: Experiencing the robust and highly expressive northern spirit through the rapid, intricate plucking and bending of "Going Upstairs" (《上楼》) and the brilliant, joyful imitation of nature in "Hundred Birds Paying Homage to the Phoenix" (《百鸟朝凤》).
The Shandong School: Highlighted by the serene, lyrical beauty of "Autumn Moon Over the Bamboo Grove" (《竹林秋月》), capturing the poetic quietude of traditional Shandong style.
The Zhejiang School: Grounded in the steady, rhythmic progression and structural elegance of "Thirty-Three Bars" (《三十三板》).
The Chaozhou School: Showcasing the southern, soulful modal colors and subtle left-hand bending techniques in the elegant "A Touch of Gold" (《一点金》) and the contemplative, melancholic depths of the masterpiece "Winter Crows Upon the Water" (《寒鸦戏水》).
Xiansuo Shisantao: Featuring the rare, courtly grace of "Hehuan Tune" (《合欢令》), drawn from the historic northern string ensemble repertoire (Xiansuo Shisantao, 弦索十三套), preserving a timeless chamber music tradition.
All music performed, recorded, and produced by Annie Zhou.
More information about this album: https://www.anniezhouguzheng.com/post/traditionalguzhengmusicalbumiii
This item is a physical CD in a paper jacket.
Expected to ship by the end of September 2026.
