In this piece, the composer has employed the Zhong-hu (Alto Erhu) – the ancient instrument imported to China from Western Regions (the areas west of Yumenguan, including what is now Xinjiang and parts of Central Asia) – and Western symphony orchestra, incorporating elements of ethnic music of the Northwestern regions of China as well. This piece evokes the beautiful memories and fantasies associated with the cultural exchanges between the peoples of Central China and the Western region during the ancient times by describing the changing nuances of light, shadow and color at twilight on the Silk Road.

(YANG Li-Qing)