Best Biliş Podcasts (2024)

1
The Flying Dutchman: Igniting China-Germany cultural fusion through Wagner 33:20

2d ago33:20

33:20

In April of 2024, the National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA) in Beijing, China, presented German composer Richard Wagner’s enduring and epic opera "The Flying Dutchman". The production received enormous acclaim from Chinese audiences for its spectacular stage design and masterful performances. In this special episode of Music Talks, we will…

1
Jiangnan Rhythms: The Mystique of Silk Threads and Bamboo Melodies 27:47

7d ago27:47

27:47

Jiangnan Silk and Bamboo music is a cherished folk instrumental tradition in southern China. From its ancient origins to its modern-day significance, this episode highlights the evolution of this musical heritage, and its role in contemporary society. There are insights from experts and performers, as well as captivating musical performances, shedd…

1
Flowers Blooming in Qingming: Traditional Chinese Music Reflecting the Essence of Spring 30:17

16d ago30:17

30:17

The traditional Chinese festival Qingming Festival is commemorated to honor and pay respects to ancestors. Flowers such as plum blossoms, peach blossoms, and peonies, which bloom during the Qingming Festival, carry profound cultural connotations. They serve as emotional symbols to express respect and nostalgia for deceased loved ones, while also sy…

1
Sanxian: A Revered Icon of the Chinese Musical Tradition 28:36

21d ago28:36

28:36

The Sanxian is a traditional Chinese string instrument with a history spanning over 2,000 years. It belongs to the plucked lute family and is widely played in various genres of Chinese music, including traditional folk music, opera, and contemporary compositions. It holds a revered place in Chinese musical culture, embodying centuries of tradition.…

1
Jizhong Sheng-guan Music: Field Music concert 27:01

28d ago27:01

27:01

The Jizhong Sheng-guan Music, a traditional genre prevalent in the Jizhong Plain region of China has been playing an important role in the people's lives for centuries. Its instrumentation, performance styles, and historical background established its distinctive status in folk activities and ceremonies.…

1
Di and Xiao: Chronicles of Chinese Flutes 28:41

1M ago28:41

28:41

The sound of Di, echoing through imperial courts and bustling marketplaces alike, has weaved melodies that transcended time and still resonate with collective memories of generations. The mellifluous tones of the Xiao, melting into the serene landscapes and through ancient pavilions, evoke a beauty that mirrors the soulful tranquility of traditiona…

1
An Erhu's serenade: A lifetime's poetic melody 27:01

1M ago27:01

27:01

The Erhu, with only two strings, has the power to express a thousand emotions and a myriad of styles. From its origins as an accompaniment, the Erhu has evolved into a solo instrument, transitioning from folk traditions to the grand stages of classical music. Its versatile repertoire showcases remarkable singing qualities and narrative depth, playi…

1
Mystical Winds: Tales of the Enigmatic Bili 27:44

2M ago27:44

27:44

The Bili is a Chinese double-reed wind instrument with a history dating back to ancient dynasties. Discover its distinctive mellow yet piercing timbre, exploring its unique cylindrical bore that sets it apart in the realm of traditional Chinese music. Join us on a musical odyssey as we unravel the cultural significance of the Bili, its role in vari…

1
Celestial Hammer: Journey into the World of Yangqin 26:56

2M ago26:56

26:56

The trapezoidal Yangqin is a Chinese hammered dulcimer, most likely derived from the Iranian santur or the European dulcimer. After evolving for hundreds of years, now with its unmistakable timbre of bamboo and steel, it brings the impressive sound of a traditional Chinese instrument to modern musical works.…

1
Spring Festival: The overture of a new year 26:33

2M ago26:33

26:33

The Spring Festival is commonly believed to be the most important among Chinese people. Out of all kinds of celebrations, music is the most indispensable. In this special edition of Music Talks, we appreciate several ensembles of traditional Chinese instrumental music that are popular and usually played during the Spring Festival, and learn about t…

1
Powerful Suona: The loudest voice 26:36

2M ago26:36

26:36

The Suona is a traditional Chinese instrument that is played by blowing into a double-reed, through a mouth piece and then through the wooden body. Known for its extremely penetrating sound and distinctively northern flavor, the Chinese Suona is an instrument that has the ability to instinctively take the lead of all other instruments when played. …

1
Ruan: Integrating tradition and innovation 26:37

3M ago26:37

26:37

The Ruan is a lute with four strings, a fretted neck, and is similar to the Pipa. The Ruan existed about 2000 years ago in the Western Jin Dynasty. This episode walks us through the history of the Ruan, telling stories about its origin, and explores how it combines tradition with new ideas.

1
Thousand-year old Nanyin mellows with time 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

Nanyin music is an ancient art form with a lineage of more than a thousand years surviving political, social and cultural change. It has been able to incorporate new influences, stay relevant to changing audiences yet maintain its ancient legacy. In 2009, China successfully championed for UNESCO designation of Nanyin as intangible cultural assets.…

1
Empathy and Sympathy in Conservation with Dr Kathayoon Khalil | S3E51 1:08:36

3M ago1:08:36

1:08:36

Greetings, troop! Welcome back to Talking Apes Season 3. We're kicking off 2024 with a thought-provoking episode featuring Kathayoon Khalil, conservation psychologist and education professional with a rich background spanning zoos, aquariums, museums, and nature centers. This week, our chat explores: The Power of Empathy – How it shapes our attitud…

1
Konghou: An old musical instrument rejuvenates 27:01

3M ago27:01

27:01

The Konghou is an ancient Chinese harp. It was once one of the most popular musical instruments in China but became extinct sometime in the Ming Dynasty. Now in the 20th Century, it has been revived in the shape of a double bridge harp. This modern version of the instrument barely resembles its ancient form, but has a shape similar to Western frame…

1
Guqin: The tone of high mountains and flowing water 26:35

3M ago26:35

26:35

Qin music tends to linger on certain notes, with an emphasis on silence and timbre, giving it a meditative quality. "Qin qi shu hua" refers to the Four Arts of the Chinese Scholar, wherein "qin" refers specifically to Guqin. In this episode, we learn more about the development of this musical instrument, to understand its connotation in trying to c…

1
Pipa: Variable Tunes on Emotionally Charged Strings 26:36

4M ago26:36

26:36

“Pi” for plucking the strings forward, and “pa” for plucking the strings backward. The Pipa, sometimes called the "Chinese lute", is a plucked instrument with a varying number of frets ranging from 12 to 31. In this episode, we explore the historical stories of this traditional musical instrument, and see how modern Pipa artists have been working t…

1
Bianqing: Tuned stone chimes ring through palace hall 20:00

4M ago20:00

20:00

The Bianqing is a traditional Chinese percussion instrument consisting of a set of L-shaped flat stone chimes known as Qing, played melodically. In this episode, we dive into the stories associated with this musical instrument, while understanding more about China's ancient ritual and court music.

1
Xun: from ancient winds to modern tunes 18:29

4M ago18:29

18:29

Explore the Xun, an ancient Chinese wind instrument with over 7,000 years of history. This rare earthen instrument reflects a journey through China's musical history and connects deeply with traditional Chinese philosophy. In this episode, we delve into the Xun's legacy and its significance in Chinese culture.…

1
Musical note resonates with nature 26:35

4M ago26:35

26:35

COP28 calls for global collective action and commitment to protect the environment and restore the vitality of nature in response to the climate change crisis. We explore the melodies depicting the natural scenery of China and the prosperity of local people through traditional Chinese ethnic instruments such as the Erhu, Yangqin, and Suona, as well…

1
Ancient Us: The Evolutionary Journey of Apes with Dr Sergio Almécija | S3E50 1:10:00

4M ago1:10:00

1:10:00

Evolution - Who are we, where did we begin? The evolution of us and apes like us - gorillas, chimps, bonobos, and orangutans - likely began long before any of us resembled the apes of today. For Dr. Sergio Almécija that journey begins in the Miocene some 5-23 million years ago. Dr. Sergio Almécija studies the evolution of humans alongside that of o…

1
Zheng: A rich vein of sentimentality 27:25

5M ago27:25

27:25

The traditional Chinese Zheng has an illustrious history that dates back thousands of years. Along its evolving journey, it has also inspired the creation of many other musical instruments. Join us to appreciate the wonderful music composed by this "Chinese harp".

1
Echoes of the phoenix: The Sheng's melodic journey through Chinese history 16:22

5M ago16:22

16:22

This episode explores the Sheng, a traditional Chinese wind instrument known for its ability to produce harmonies independently. Revered as the forebear of reed instruments, the Sheng has influenced various Western instruments like the organ and accordion. We delve into its phoenix-inspired design and its profound role in shaping musical aesthetics…

1
The Philadelphia Orchestra in China: Composing a half-century of friendship through music 31:15

5M ago31:15

31:15

In September 1973, the Philadelphia Orchestra visited China for the first time, marking a historic moment as the first American orchestra to tour to the country. In November 2023, they return to Beijing, commemorating 50 years of enduring cultural ties and musical collaboration between the two nations. In this special edition of “Music Talks”, we w…

1
The eternal beat: China's drums and their cultural odyssey 16:43

5M ago16:43

16:43

In China, drums are an instrument that transcend its musical identity. In times long past, they acted as a celestial bridge for communication, an integral part of labor, military, ceremonial, and spiritual life. Today, they continue to symbolize the Chinese people's aspirations for prosperity and happiness, playing a vital role in the performing ar…

1
'Sincerely, a Black Primatologist' with Thomas Wilson | S3E49 1:48:42

5M ago1:48:42

1:48:42

Beyond Biology: Primate Pelage, Racism, and Academic Triumphs Colour and pattern of hair and skin play a powerful role in how primates interpret and interact with others and the world. Primates are the most colourful and pelage-diverse of all mammals. In this episode, we dive into the vibrant world of non-human primate hair and skin colour with pas…

1
The Mystery of the Leopard-Eating Bili-Apes with Cleve Hicks & Toni Romani | S3E48 1:20:55

6M ago1:20:55

1:20:55

On this week's episode of Talking Apes Podcast, we're joined by two extraordinary scientists, Dr Cleve Hicks and Toni Romani, as they lead us into the enigmatic world of the Bili-Ape and beyond. Few people have ventured as far and deep into the Congo's dark and secretive forests as Dr Cleve Hicks. Primatologist and associate professor at the Univer…

1
What Does It Mean To Be A Human Ape? With Dr Briana Pobiner | S3E47 1:09:11

7M ago1:09:11

1:09:11

Unraveling the Meaty Mysteries of Human Evolution with Dr. Briana Pobiner This week on Talking Apes we journey back in time to explore our ancestral roots with Dr. Briana Pobiner. As a distinguished paleoanthropologist, Dr. Pobiner delves deep into the evolution of the human diet and the pivotal role meat played in our development as a species. Bri…

1
Mid-Autumn Festival Special: Hangzhou Rendezvous 48:52

7M ago48:52

48:52

Embark on a journey to explore the poetic beauty of Hangzhou, the host city of the 19th Asian Games. Let your soul be enchanted by harmonious melodies and timeless poems in this special episode of Music Talks, celebrating the Mid-Autumn Festival.

1
Trailer: Hangzhou Rendezvous, a journey of a lifetime! 0:59

7M ago0:59

0:59

Words from Chinese ancient poems... Captivating notes in Chinese traditional music... A symphony of culture and history that will touch your heart and stir your soul... Will Hangzhou, the heart of China's poetic heritage, now a city of sportsmanship and unity, leave you inspired and enchanted？ Join the Hangzhou Rendezvous with Music Talks on Mid-Au…

1
China’s Ancient Bianzhong Bells: resonance of the ages 18:19

7M ago18:19

18:19

In this episode, we journey through the majestic realms of China’s ancient Bianzhong Bells, which are grand percussion instruments dating back to the 11th century BC. Join us to uncover the bells’ extraordinary design, dual-tone capabilities, and their role in unveiling the rich tapestry of China’s musical and ceremonial culture.…

1
Saving the Congo's Last Giants with GRACE's Dr Katie Fawcett | S3E46 1:17:22

7M ago1:17:22

1:17:22

A World Gorilla Day Special Exploring the Fate of the Colossal Grauer's Gorillas Situated on the eastern edge of the expansive Congo Basin in the Democratic Republic of Congo, GRACE holds the unique distinction of being the world's sole sanctuary for Grauer's gorillas. The largest primates on our planet, yet the least known of the gorilla species, …

1
Jiahu Bone Flutes: the early sounds of human civilization 14:00

8M ago14:00

14:00

In this episode, we unravel the enchanting story of the Jiahu Bone Flutes, or Gudi, an ancient instrument that emerged over 8,000 years ago. Rediscovered in the 1980s, these flutes illuminate a rich musical heritage that has long been forgotten...

1
The Sound of the Field 28:46

9M ago28:46

28:46

In this episode, we dive into the distinctive music of the Yi people, the sixth largest ethnic minority in China. In 2019, two Gen-Z musicians, Ji'er Chisha and Liu Junlin, embarked on a journey to the Yi ethnic areas in Sichuan and Yunnan provinces to collect folk songs. In March, 2023, they released an album featuring a collection of songs with s…

1
Harmonizing traditions 23:52

9M ago23:52

23:52

Our guest today is Liao Nini, a guqin enthusiast, a teacher and also an online influencer who has been actively promoting the ancient Chinese zither over the past decade. With a history of over 3,000 years, the guqin is one of the oldest plucked instruments in China. Apart from her proficiency in the guqin, she is also skilled in playing the guzhen…

1
CHIMP EMPIRE: The Making of, with Diana Kanweri Behind the Scenes | S2E45 1:04:17

9M ago1:04:17

1:04:17

Diana Kanweri closes not only our special Making of Chimp Empire series, but Season 2 of Talking Apes. The talented Ugandan chimpanzee field guide and camera operator was the first ever Ugandan woman to work on the Ngogo Chimp Project and made an invaluable contribution to the Netflix docuseries. Diana's expertise in navigating the Ugandan wilderne…

1
CHIMP EMPIRE: The Making of, with Primatologist John Mitani Behind the Scenes | S2E44 1:06:46

10M ago1:06:46

1:06:46

‘When I arrived at Ngogo, it didn’t take me long to figure out this place was unusual.’ For the second installment of our Making of Chimp Empire Series, we were privileged to have the esteemed Professor John Mitani as a guest on Talking Apes. John shared intimate stories about his extraordinary lifetime of work studying the Ngogo chimpanzees and hi…

1
CHIMP EMPIRE: The Making of, with Director of Photography Ben Sadd Behind The Scenes | S2E43 1:08:24

10M ago1:08:24

1:08:24

‘Chimpanzees are just incredibly special animals and I think what makes them so unique is their individuality. It’s such a privilege to be able to spend so much time with them.’ The third installation going behind-the-scenes of Chimp Empire in our four-part series celebrating World Chimp Day 2023, featuring immensely talented Director of Photograph…

1
CHIMP EMPIRE: The Making of, with Director James Reed Behind the Scenes 1:49:33

10M ago1:49:33

1:49:33

‘We didn’t decide what we wanted the story to be. We wanted the chimps to tell their story, and document that with the highest level of authenticity.’ Director James Reed is a visionary filmmaker whose work has captivated audiences around the world. His 2023 Netflix docuseries, Chimp Empire, showcases his remarkable storytelling abilities and his d…

1
Beats of the Duanwu Festival 21:49

10M ago21:49

21:49

Duanwu Festival, better known as the Dragon Boat Festival, falls on June 22 this year. With a history of over 2,000 years, it's celebrated annually on the fifth day of the fifth month on the Chinese lunar calendar. To mark this special occasion, we invite several young musicians from across the country to share with us how the festival is reflected…

1
Primates, Parasites, and Podcasting with PrimateCast Host Andrew MacIntosh | S2E41 1:21:46

10M ago1:21:46

1:21:46

In recent years, podcasts have emerged as an innovative and accessible medium for science education. With their ability to engage, inform, and entertain listeners, podcasts have become an invaluable tool for disseminating knowledge about various scientific disciplines...including the best one of all, primatology ;) It probably won't come as a surpr…

1
New Flavor to EDM 20:39

10M ago20:39

20:39

In this episode, we are joined by a music producer and DJ from Shanghai who goes by the name M3SSIAH. Considered one of the early pioneers of China's electronic music scene, the musician trailblazed a style known as China Epic EDM by blending traditional Chinese elements and symphony into electronic music. Today, the artist brings us several pieces…

1
Sound from the past 23:32

10M ago23:32

23:32

In this episode, we introduce a lesser-known musical treasure from ancient China called the xun. Also known as the Chinese ocarina, it's a vessel flute that is often made of clay and is shaped like a pear with multiple holes dotted on the surface. Over the past decades, a number of artists have endeavored to bring the ancient gem back to life, with…

1
The bass world 26:27

11M ago26:27

26:27

In this episode, we dive into the world of the double bass. For those who're not familiar with the instrument, it looks a lot like the cello but is larger in size and comes with a lower pitch. Our guest today is double bassist Li Shaonan from Beijing who aspires to bring healing music to a wider audience.…

1
The sound of solitude 28:29

11M ago28:29

28:29

The shakuhachi is one of the most iconic wind instruments in Japan. It's an ancient bamboo flute with five finger holes and is held vertically. In terms of its origin, it's widely believed that the bamboo flute made its way to Japan from China around the 8th century. Our guest today is Chinese shakuhachi player Fang Guanghui. In this episode, Fang …

1
Tibetan music and more 28:02

11M ago28:02

28:02

Dera Tserang is an ethnic Tibetan musician based in Chengdu, southwest China's Sichuan Province. Originally a member of the Tibetan band Nyima, Dera has been dedicated to creating world music with Tibetan characteristics. In this episode, Dera joins us and shares some of his handpicked songs.

1
Apes and Monkeys Are Being Tortured on Social Media - Let’s End This, with SMACC's Nicola O'Brien | S2E40 1:10:15

11M ago1:10:15

1:10:15

Held captive as pets, dressed in human clothes, forced to perform tricks, and in some cases, even brutally tortured and killed. These are just some of the despicable ways that primates and other wildlife are being exploited online for likes, shares, and cash. The rise of social media has unfortunately made it easier for people to share photos and v…

1
Linking China and the world 25:15

11M ago25:15

25:15

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Belt and Road Initiative. At Nanchang Hangkong University in Jiangxi Province, a group of foreign students have formed a band named after the initiative. In this episode, the band's vocalist Daniel from Tanzania, drummer Nyasha and backup singer Ollie from Zimbabwe join us and share some of their songs.…

1
How Human Apes Learned to Talk with Dr Gillian Forrester | S2E39 1:06:59

12M ago1:06:59

1:06:59

Did tool-use lead to talking? Dr. Gilly Forrester’s groundbreaking research has contributed significantly to our understanding of the evolution of language in humans. Her work, focused on the cognitive abilities of great apes, has highlighted fascinating discoveries about their use of tools and problem solving abilities. "We share an incredible evo…

1
Paying it forward with the power of music 24:59

12M ago24:59

24:59

Paying it forward is a way to pass acts of kindness on to others. Wang Qian is a zither instrumentalist and an educator with the Central Conservatory of Music. In recent years, she has been dedicated to giving back to society with the power of music, as she believes the role of modern musicians is not solely about making music, but also about inspi…

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