Ge Gan-Ru: Shanghai Reminiscences & Butterfly Overture

Gan-Ru Ge's "Shanghai Reminiscences & Butterfly Overture" is a captivating journey through time and memory, released on January 6, 2015, under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a profound exploration of Ge's personal history and the cultural upheavals of his homeland, China, particularly during the Cultural Revolution. The album is divided into two main parts, each offering a distinct narrative. The first part, "My Childhood," is a nostalgic collection of musical vignettes that evoke the sounds and scenes of Ge's early years in Shanghai. From the serene tones of "Jing'an Temple" to the playful "Flies Chase a Bald Head," these pieces paint a vivid picture of a bygone era. The second part, "Cultural Revolution, Awakening," delves into the tumultuous period of the Cultural Revolution, with tracks like "Chaos" and "Revolutionary March" capturing the intensity and turmoil of the time. The album concludes with the enchanting "Butterfly Overture," a piece that symbolizes transformation and renewal. With a total runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes, "Shanghai Reminiscences & Butterfly Overture" is a testament to Gan-Ru Ge's artistic prowess and his ability to weave personal history into a rich tapestry of sound.