Bei Ming

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Description +
- Bei Ming – The North Sea is a work for eight percussionists.
  
  In ancient Chinese thought, the Bei Ming—the North Sea—occupied a unique place in the cultural imagination. Described in classical literature as a vast and mysterious ocean at the farthest reaches of the northern world, it became a symbol of boundless beauty, wonder, and transformation. Poets, scholars, and philosophers drew inspiration from its legendary expanse, creating vivid images that celebrated both its grandeur and its enigmatic depths.
  
  Drawing upon this rich tradition, Bei Ming – The North Sea seeks to evoke the sea’s immense scale and mythical character through sound, texture, and rhythm. The music explores contrasts between power and stillness, turbulence and serenity, inviting the listener into an ever-changing sonic landscape shaped by imagination and ancient symbolism.
  
  This work is dedicated with sincere gratitude to Shaolun Chen and the International (Qingdao) Percussion Performance Art Center Marimba Symphony Orchestra, whose support, artistry, and inspiration were invaluable in bringing this composition to life.
Instrumentation +
- Player 1
  Glockenspiel
  2 Metals or Yun Luos
  
  Player 2
  Xylophone
  2 Drums (high-pitched)
  
  Player 3
  Vibraphone (w/ mallets and bow)
  2 Drums (high-pitched)
  
  Player 4
  Marimba 1
  2 Drums (low-pitched)
  
  Player 5
  Marimba 2
  2 Drums (low-pitched)
  
  Player 6 (percussion I)
  Waterphone (w/ bow)
  Djembe
  2 Bongos (high-pitched)
  
  Player 7 (percussion II)
  Ocean Drum
  2 Susp. Cymbals (ride & splash)
  Hi-Hat
  Shaker
  2 Congas
  
  Player 8 (percussion III)
  Bass Drum
  2 Tom-Toms (low and high-pitched)
  Trash2 Susp. Cymbals (crash & china w/ bow and superball)
About the composer +
- Heng LIU is the principal percussion of the China National Centre for the Performing Arts Orchestra, executive director of China Percussion Association, artist of MEINL Percussion, MEINL Cymbals, Innovative Percussion, Marimba One, and Remo.
  
  Liu studied percussion from childhood with his father Yaguang LIU, professor of percussion at Xi 'an Conservatory of Music. In 2005, Liu was admitted to the Central Conservatory of Music. He studied with professor Gang LIU and professor Biao LI successively and obtained bachelor's and master's degrees. By the time he was 18, Liu had won the first prize in the National Youth Percussion Competition. Liu was a percussion jury of the Italian International Percussion Competition, where he also held master classes and special concerts. He also judges the annual International Network Percussion Competition and National Youth Percussion Competition.
  
  Between 2017 to 2019, Liu embarked on his improvisation and interactive percussion concert "Give me one hour" tour. The tour hit many major Chinese cities including Tianqiao Art Center in Beijing, Shanghai Oriental Art Center, Xi 'An concert hall, Shijiazhuang Center for the Performing Arts, etc. Liu performed entirely improvised sets based on interaction with the audience, bringing concertgoers a brand new musical experience. 
  
  So far, Liu has published two albums: Percussion Visionary --Heng LIU Percussion Concert and DRUMS, an original album released by "Hei Chao" Duo with renowned drummer Yanchao LI. He also writes a personal column Heng LIU Said in music weekly.
  
   As a percussionist, Liu has traveled to various music festivals around the world. These include: Italian International Percussion Competition and Festival, Greek International Percussion Competition and Festival, NCPA International Percussion Festival, Beijing International Electronic Music Festival, Beijing Modern Music Festival, Jazz Shanghai Music Festival, Strawberry Music Festival, MIDI Festival and so on.
  
  In the meanwhile, Liu has created more than 30 works, including percussion ensemble piece "The General", "Memory", "Face2Face", percussion and electronic music "Delay", "Percumotion", percussion solo "Rain the Blind Monk", "Wild LEO ", "Poem" and many more. In 2016, his Chinese Traditional Percussion solo piece "Gazing on Mountain TAI" won the 1st prize of China Traditional Music Festival - CCOM ethnic Percussion works collection competition.
  
  In 2019, Heng LIU won "Best Work Awards" and "Best All-round Percussionist" of 2019 Drummmer's Ceremony.
Credits +
- Front Cover graphics and layout: Heng Liu
  Photo: NCPA Orchestra
  Printed in Copenhagen, Denmark
  Copyright © Edition SVITZER
  www.editionsvitzer.com

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