Fabian Torres from Columbia gave a lecture, “Guqin for the Future: Tradition to Modern, Composition and New Techniques,” at TNUA’s Department of Traditional Music on March 17.
During the lecture, he shared his experience traveling around the world learning different kinds of music. He said he is focused on composing and electronic music.
Torres first came to Taiwan in 2009, and has since learned to play the guqin. Three years ago, he started combining the guqin with modern music. He has produced a modern version of the ancient guqin piece, “Flowing Water,” with a touch of electronic music.
He said such an approach to guqin music is not acceptable for many people, but despite the criticism, he will keep experimenting.
It is a challenge to rekindle interest among young people in the ancient instrument of guqin, he said. Questions have to be asked whether the guqin should be popularized or stay as an instrument for personal enjoyment only, and whether the guqin music should stick to its tradition or embrace contemporary music.