Composed in 1959 by He Zhanhao and Chen Gang, the Butterfly Violin Concerto is one of the most well-known works in Chinese orchestral music. It is based on the Chinese legend of the Butterfly Lovers, a tragic love story similar in theme to Romeo and Juliet.

The concerto combines Western symphonic techniques with traditional Chinese melodies and scales. The solo violin represents the female protagonist, using lyrical phrasing and ornamentation inspired by Chinese opera and folk music. The orchestration blends Eastern and Western elements, creating a hybrid sound that has become a defining example of mid-twentieth-century Chinese classical music.

The work is structured in one continuous movement with multiple sections and follows a clear narrative arc that mirrors the events of the story. It is regularly performed throughout Asia and is considered a cornerstone of the Chinese violin repertoire.

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