The Straits Times in Singapore quoted
Harmonica's synonymous
 Harmonica's synonymous---
The Straits Times in Singapore quoted. One of the very first harmonicist to adopt a completely
classical repertoire, once credited his ancestors from the mountainous regions of Hakka in China,
whom he described as having been "obstinate and hard workers," with passing on to him a certain
genetic steeliness that held him in good stead as the player of a nontraditional classical instrument.
Yew Hong-Jen's father was a harmonica-playing Singapore Second-hand goods and Chinese antiques
dealer who encouraged his son's early interest in music. Hanna Chiang was a childhood playmate of
Hong-Jen's, and she showed Jen enough on the piano to set him on his way. Jen worked at the
instrument at every opportunity. In 1956, Jen left Singapore to Shanghai his luck in China;
he was all of seventeen. He could play the harmonica and the painting on rice paper,
He perform in many occasion in Beijing and broadcasting with Central Peaple's Radio
Station through all over China. Few years later he would be one of the most popular
classical harmonisist in the country. Hong-Jen returned to Singapore and made a debut
in 1961 with Larry Logan .He learned from Larry Adler in 1962 and at the same year he
gave a recital with pianist Miss. Cheong Mum-Chit, programme included:
Veraccini's Sonata Prime and Chagrin's Roumanian Fantasy etc.
Hong-Jen's recording career began auspiciously in 1961 with the release of his
version of "Buttterfly Lovers" Harmonica Concerto on LP. The piano part was
arranged by his good friend composer Mr.Leong Yoong- Pin and was accompanided
on piano by Ms.Lim Pee-Yin . That next year Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia released
two records of him performing Schumann's "Traumerei" and pieces by Bach and
Boccherini; Both arranged by Cham-Ber Huang. He gave lessons in harmonica
through Redifusion and Radio Malaysia both weekly programme for years. Countless
performance and recording and broadcasting . He was not to make another classical
recording until 1965. In the meantime there were dozens of recordings of popular
favorites, Chinese melodies, included "Fisherman's Evening Songs" and "Summer Night" a
s well as Romansa Andaluza by Sarasate and Ritual Fire Dance by Manuel de Falla.
"it is difficult to see how anyone could possibly resist the stunning virtuosity and
remarkable musicianship of Yew Hong-Jen." Most of the reviews for him were in Chinese versions.
By - Rose Mary
Read More ... About Yew Hong Jen
Read More ... Butterfly Lover's Harmonica Concerto
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