美国华人陈洁冰：让二胡“即兴”起来

Core Viewpoint - The article highlights the journey of Chinese-American erhu musician Chen Jiebing, emphasizing her efforts to popularize the erhu in the United States through collaboration and improvisation, while also sharing her personal experiences and challenges in adapting to a different musical culture [1][2][3][4][5]. Group 1: Background and Early Career - Chen Jiebing was born in Shanghai in the 1960s and began learning the erhu at the age of five, later studying at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music [1]. - She became the first performer of the erhu concerto "Butterfly Lovers" and gained recognition for her ability to express complex melodies using the erhu [1][2]. Group 2: Transition to the United States - In 1989, Chen moved to the United States to study music theory, facing cultural and market challenges in promoting the erhu [2]. - She found success by collaborating with the Buffalo Symphony Orchestra and explaining the erhu's significance in relatable terms to American audiences [2]. Group 3: Musical Exploration and Improvisation - Over ten years, Chen explored various musical styles and collaborated with different musicians, leading to the formation of the "Cross-Cultural Journey" band [3]. - She faced challenges with improvisation, a key element in jazz, and adapted her performance style to engage more with the audience [3][4]. Group 4: Recognition and Teaching - In 1996, Chen's album with American and Indian musicians was nominated for a Grammy Award, showcasing her unique improvisational style [4]. - The erhu is increasingly recognized in the U.S., with Chen frequently invited to perform with symphony orchestras and teach interested audiences about the instrument [4][5].