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Writer's picture山水闲人Jane

Harmony in Strings: An Ode to the Tranquil Journey of Guqin Virtuoso Qin Streller-Shen

Updated: Jun 24

弦心韵韶:琴道之旅的颂歌——古琴大师沈沁的静谧之旅



In the serene landscape of Switzerland, where East meets West, resides a remarkable Guqin virtuoso, Qin Streller-Shen (沈沁). Since 1999, she has been a bridge between two cultures, sharing the profound beauty and wisdom of the Guqin, the most important traditional Chinese string instrument. In an insightful interview, Qin Streller-Shen shared her thoughts on the Guqin, her philosophy, and her journey.

在东西方交汇的瑞士宁静的风景中,居住着一位杰出的古琴演奏家:沈沁女士。自 1999 年以来,她一直是两种文化之间的桥梁,分享中国最重要的传统弦乐器古琴的深邃之美和智慧。在一次深入的采访中,沈沁分享了她对古琴、她的人生哲学以及她的音乐之旅的见解。


Embracing the Essence of the Guqin拥抱古琴的本质

Qin Streller-Shen's words reflect a deep reverence for the Guqin and its cultural significance:

"The Guqin is not an arena for competition, and I will not change my values to compete with anyone. The Guqin is an instrument for self-cultivation and nurturing one's character, not a tool for seeking fame and profit. 

Because I do not rely on the Guqin for financial gain or fame, in Switzerland where Chinese traditional culture is not widely known, I hope not only to convey the essence of the Guqin but also to present traditional Chinese literati art centered around the Guqin and its closely related philosophical ideas. Building on the profound historical and cultural foundation of the Guqin, we aim to engage in intercultural and cross-cultural exchanges that are enjoyed by both Chinese and Swiss audiences.

Additionally, I greatly cherish my friends who study the Guqin; each of them has their own strengths, from whom I can learn a great deal. Only by fully utilizing everyone's strengths can we make the path of inheritance more colorful and smooth. I am too insignificant as an individual, and I am content if I can play a bridging role.”

沈沁的话语中,流露出对古琴及其文化意义的深深敬意:

“古琴不是竞技场,我不会为了与谁竞争而改变自己的价值观。古琴是修身养性之器,不是求名利之器

因为我不靠古琴赚钱求名,所以在瑞士这样一个中国传统文化并不普及的地方,我希望不仅传递古琴最本质的东西,更能把以古琴为主的传统中国文人艺术和与其密切相关的哲学思想呈现出来,在古琴深厚的历史文化基础上,以中国人和瑞士人都喜闻乐见的方式进行母文化和跨文化交流。

此外,我非常珍惜学习古琴的朋友们,他们每个人都各有所长,从他们身上可以学到很多东西。把每个人的长处都尽量发挥出来才能让传承之路更加多彩而顺畅。我一个人太渺小了,能起到一个桥梁作用我就心满意足了。”


A Musical Journey Across Continents跨越大洲的音乐之旅

Qin Streller-Shen was born into a musical family and began her musical education at the age of six under the guidance of Professor Ye Fei. Her passion for music led her to the China Conservatory of Music (中国音乐学院) in Beijing, where she studied both Western and Chinese music from 1991 to 1999. She had the privilege of learning the Guqin and guzheng from renowned masters Professor Wu Wenguang (吴文光) and Professor Qiu Dacheng (邱大成), regularly performing at the traditional “Qin Meetings.”

沈沁出生于一个音乐世家,六岁便在叶飞教授的指导下开始接受音乐教育。她对音乐的热爱使她进入了北京的中国音乐学院,1991 年至 1999 年期间,她在那里学习了西方音乐和中国音乐。她有幸师从著名大师吴文光教授和邱大成教授学习古琴和古筝,并定期在传统的“琴会”上表演。


A Scholar and Advocate of Music音乐学者和倡导者

In addition to her performance skills, Qin Streller-Shen holds a Bachelor’s degree in Musicology and Solfeggio, studying under Professor Shen Qia and Professor Sun Hong. She furthered her academic pursuit with a Master’s degree in Ethnomusicology, also under Professor Shen Qia. This extensive education allowed her to explore the diverse world of music, bridging the gap between Eastern and Western traditions.

除了表演技巧外,沈沁还拥有音乐学和视唱练耳学士学位,师从沈洽教授和孙红教授。她还获得了民族音乐学硕士学位,同样师从沈洽教授。这种广泛的教育使她能够探索音乐的多元世界,弥合东西方传统之间的差距。


Founding the Swiss Guqin Association创立瑞士琴社

In 2020, Qin Streller-Shen founded the Swiss Guqin Association. Through this organization, she has been instrumental in organizing and contributing to numerous musical and cultural events, promoting the appreciation of the Guqin in Switzerland and beyond. Her efforts have created a vibrant community of Guqin enthusiasts and have fostered a deeper understanding of this ancient art form.

2020 年,沈沁创立了瑞士琴社。通过该组织,她在组织和参与众多音乐和文化活动方面发挥了重要作用,促进了瑞士及其他地区对古琴的欣赏。她的努力创造了一个充满活力的古琴爱好者社区,并加深了人们对这种古老艺术形式的了解。


Legacy of a Grandmaster大师的传承

The founding of the Swiss Guqin Association is marked by a touching story. At its inception, Qin was fortunate to receive strong support from the renowned Guqin master, Professor Wu Wenguang. Professor Wu not only bestowed the Association with its name but also personally inscribed it, endowing the Swiss Guqin Association with profound cultural heritage and spiritual strength from its very beginning. Professor Wu explained: "瑞" symbolizes auspiciousness, and "士" signifies scholars. This encapsulates the profound meaning behind the Association's name. The Swiss Guqin Association not only symbolizes auspiciousness and beauty but also embodies the spiritual pursuit of literati and scholars.

瑞士琴社的创立有着一个动人的故事。在创社之初,沈沁有幸得到了著名古琴大师吴文光教授的大力支持。吴教授不仅为琴社赐名,还亲自题字,使瑞士琴社自诞生之日起便拥有了深厚的文化底蕴和精神支柱。吴教授说:瑞:吉祥也;士:文人也。这便是琴社名称的深意。瑞士琴社不仅象征着吉祥与美好,更代表着文人雅士的精神追求。

Qin Streller-Shen's journey and philosophy are deeply influenced by her mentor, Grandmaster Professor Wu Wenguang. His teachings have not only honed her technical skills but also instilled in her the spiritual and cultural essence of the Guqin. 

沈沁的人生历程和人生哲学深受其导师吴文光大师的影响。吴文光大师的教导不仅磨练了她的琴艺和技巧,还让她领悟了古琴的精神和文化精髓。


The Classics Belong to the World经典的才是世界的

Qin Streller-Shen's humble approach and dedication to preserving the true spirit of the Guqin resonate deeply with those who encounter her music. Her work is a testament to the power of cultural exchange and the enduring beauty of traditional arts. Through her efforts, the serene melodies of the Guqin continue to inspire and connect people across the globe, embodying a timeless message of peace and introspection. 

沈沁谦逊的态度和对保留古琴真正精神的奉献深深地引起了那些接触过她的音乐的人的共鸣。她的工作是文化交流力量和传统艺术永恒美丽的见证。通过她的努力,古琴的宁静旋律继续激励和联系着世界各地的人们,体现了和平与内省的永恒信息。

As a student of Qin Streller-Shen, I have been privileged to witness her dedication and passion firsthand. Her teachings extend beyond the technical aspects of the Guqin, encompassing the philosophy and cultural heritage that this ancient instrument represents. Her influence has profoundly shaped my understanding and appreciation of the Guqin, and for that, I am deeply grateful. 

作为沈沁的学生,我有幸亲眼目睹了她的奉献精神和热情。她的教学不仅限于古琴的技巧方面,还涵盖了这种古老乐器所代表的哲学和文化遗产。她的影响深深地塑造了我对古琴的理解和欣赏,对此我深表感激。

For more information, please visit her website:

 

 

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