Min Huifen
Min Huifen | |
---|---|
Background information | |
Born | 1945 Yixing, Wuxi, Jiangsu, China |
Died | May 12, 2014 Shanghai, China | (aged 68–69)
Instrument(s) | Erhu |
Min Huifen (Chinese: 闵惠芬; 1945 – 12 May 2014) was a performer of the erhu, a traditional Chinese bowed string instrument, and a composer. She was considered the undisputed master of the instrument, nicknamed the "Queen of Erhu".[1][2] She composed some of her own hits, including "Yangguan Melody – Three Variations" and "Wishes of the People of Honghu Lake." Her most famous piece was the Great Wall Capriccio, composed by Liu Wenjin with her assistance.
Life and career
Min was born in Yixing, Jiangsu Province in 1945.[3] Her father began teaching her to play the erhu when she was eight.[1] She studied at the Affiliated High School of the Shanghai Conservatory of Music, and then at the Department of Traditional Chinese Music of the Conservatory. After graduation, she went to Beijing to train under Liu Mingyuan and Lan Yusong, two northern masters of erhu. Her experience made her well versed in both the southern and northern traditions of the erhu.[3]
In 1963, she won the national prize at the Shanghai Spring Arts Festival, and was subsequently recognized as the undisputed master of erhu for more than 50 years until her death. After attending her performance in 1973, American music critic
Min was a member of the China National Art Troupe, and later became the solo erhu performer of the Shanghai Art Troupe. After 1978, she performed with the Shanghai Chinese Orchestra.[1]
In 1989, Min famously performed in support of the
Works
Min Huifen released 15 albums during her career. Her music is a unique blend of multiple genres of traditional Chinese music, including the
Awards
- First Prize, National Erhu Playing Competition (1963)[1]
- Shanghai Literature and Art Award (1988)[1]
- First National Gold Record Award (1989)[1]
Health issues and death
In 1981, Min was diagnosed with cancer, and underwent six major operations and fifteen courses of
However, Min still suffered from many health problems, including
Family
Min Huifen was born to a musical family. Her father Min Jiqian (闵季骞), who outlived her, was a student of the erhu master
References
- ^ a b c d e f g h "Min Huifen: the Queen of Erhu Performance". Chinese Ministry of Culture. Archived from the original on 20 May 2015. Retrieved 29 January 2016.
- ^ a b c d Oliver Chou (13 May 2014). "Erhu master Min Huifen leaves musical legacy spanning half a century". South China Morning Post.
- ^ a b c d "二胡演奏家闵惠芬去世 生前两次罹患癌症". People's Daily (in Chinese). 13 May 2014.
- ^ a b c d "二胡演奏大师闵惠芬因脑溢血去世". Sohu (in Chinese). 13 May 2014.