Silence is Music.

• Author: Moore, Lawri Lala
• Position: Brief Article

"Silence is music; it's when you think." The words of legendary jazz pianist Barry Harris tapped me as I listened to the China National Traditional Orchestra. But it wasn't the pause between notes that captivated me, it was the reverence of the audience. That night I discovered the pith of Barry's observation.

Reporters, armed with smiles and microphones, patrolled the General Assembly Hall entrances. A young woman waved. "Miss, may we ask you some questions?"

"Sure." The cameraman's lamp bathed me in white.

"Have you heard the Orchestra before?"

"No, this is my first time."

"What do you expect?"

"I'm into jazz. I expect to hear great music."

"This isn't jazz, but I'm sure you'll enjoy it. Thank you."

I smiled and hurried past her. Seats on the main floor were going fast. I zigzagged down the centre aisle and slid into a chair. The guests, mostly Chinese nationals, scoured the main floor and upper tiers for seats. Their urgency magnified the anticipation. I studied the fleet of black chairs arranged in a large semi-circle on the stage -- I guessed 100.

The Secretary-General arrived. The lights faded and a video screen descended. I didn't expect to be spoonfed with a crash course in Chinese music instrumentation. Yet there it was, and I ate with relish.

A Close Look at China dished out the name, function and personality of the gaohu, erhu, sheng. dizi and pipa. It compared them to European string and wind instruments. In some instances, we were given a tasty appetizer as the soloist played a few notes. The video ended and a sumptuous feast for the eyes, ears and emotions began.

I first noticed the allure of silence when the musicians came on stage. Their footsteps, which echoed through the Hall, were overtaken by applause. Then stillness reigned. The conductor, Chen Xieyang, dressed in black, approached centre stage; a red handkerchief tucked in his breast pocket hinted at passion on the verge of leaping. More clapping, then a hush.

The first offering, Good News, intimated the extravaganza of an epic Hollywood movie--a delicious welcome. Applause shook the Hall as the conductor and musicians took a bow. Quiet! No announcements were made. Next, Jasmine Flower gently awakened and matched the flow of row-boats on the sea. She surged into a whirlwind.

The conductor's arms twirled, swooped and dived; his hand-dance inspired the musicians. Until the final note, heads and bodies dipped and swayed in unison as a flock of delicate birds. Another bow...