Common Talk Weeklyshuang yu zhou kan
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Tianxing Shen:A fan of classical music
November 19, 2003
By Beverely
Photo by Yao Fan

Tianxing Shen, an English teacher at the Fujian Arts & Crafts College, is a classical music fan and collects a considerable number of classical music CDs. Recently, journalists from Common Talk met Mr. Shen in his residence, a simple flat distinguished by rows of neatly-arranged CDs wrapped in paper and plastic bags. The talk was surrounded by the gentle music of Haydn. Mr. Shen had endless things to say about his passion for classical music.

Q: How long have you been collecting CDs of classical music?

A: Over ten years. I bought my first CD in 1992.

Q: Why do you like classical music so much?

A: Most English learners like to listen to some classical music. Actually, it was a fashion to listen to classical CDs during the 1990s. My occupation as a teacher, especially as an English teacher, allows me to spend lots of time listening to original western music. The more I listen, the more I like it. Moreover, listening to western music keeps refreshing my English, which is important for an English teacher.

Q: As we know, original CDs are dear. It must be an expensive hobby?

A: Well, it depends. Different people have different views about money. Some like to spend money on drinking, some on traveling. For me, I like classical music. I think it is a spiritual enjoyment. I am willing to pay for it as long as I can afford it. In fact, CD prices have a low season too. It is pop music CDs that are really dear. The price for CDs of classical music always remains stable, around RMB 100.

Q: Have you ever calculated how much you spend on this hobby?

A: My friends did that for me. I have over 1000 disks with none pirated. The total value is over RMB 100,000, not including the equipment.

Q: That is quite an investment! What do you get from the collection then?

A: Enjoyment. Spiritual enjoyment. I will listen to the disks as long as I am free. The packaging of the CDs is delicate as well. When the weather is not so damp, like during fall, I like to spread my CDs on the bed for appreciation. Besides, I have made a lot of friends who are also fond of classical music. This is my life.

Q: What is your favourite kind of classical music? Instrumental music or songs?

A: I listened to instrumental music at first, but gradually I have been charmed by singers' voices. Musical instruments are somehow material. A human beings' voice is the most beautiful sound in the world. Moreover, the voice varies from singer to singer. The greatest combination of voices is that of Cecilia Bartoli, the mezzo-soprano, and Bryn Terfel, the boss-baritone. Very beautiful.

Q: How do you get to know about the CDs?

A: Sometimes I listen to the radio. Yet the major source of information is from "Gramophone", a classical music magazine. I choose the disks I am interested in and go to the dealer to place an order.

Q: You currently write a weekly column introducing classical music CDs in the Xiamen Evening News.

A: Yes. I have been doing this since the end of last year. I mainly introduce those that are new or unique. I am glad that this column is warmly welcomed.

At the end of the conversation, Mr. Shen showed us some of his collection, including Cecilia & Bryn issued by Decca, Holiday in Italy by Polydor, Gil Shaham: Vivaldi the 4th Seasons by Audio and Renee Fleming by Decca. If you are interested in classical music, you can keep a close eye on the weekly column by Mr. Shen. He will teach you how to enjoy and learn from his passion - classical music CDs.