Aldo Cicchini, an Italian violinist, is playing the Chinese song Butterfly Lovers from his balcony. "My gift for you from Milan," Aldo said on Sina Weibo to his Chinese audience. The video has received more than 3 million views.
Aldo is the chief violinist of the RAI National Symphony Orchestra in Italy. While being isolated (隔离) at home due to COVID-19, Aldo started to play the violin on his balcony. His playing has impressed not only people in his neighborhood, but also internet users around the world.
"In times like this, we need more music than ever because it helps people stay together and cures our souls," Aldo told TEENS in an email interview.
When his neighbor Jing told him that his music was quite popular in China, Aldo decided to open an account on Sina Weibo to have closer contact with Chinese listeners. "I asked Jing to introduce me to the songs Chinese people love most. When she sent me Butterfly Lovers, I fell in love with the song and its story. Spring is the season of love and it is perfect as a gift in this moment."
After Aldo posted the video, many Chinese musicians played along with him to make it an ensemble (合奏).
"The first time I saw a guzheng player joining me, it was amazing. I felt that we were together in this battle. For me it was a huge message of solidarity and empathy (共鸣)," said Aldo.
Now the ensemble is growing bigger with guitar, accordion, pipa and other instruments. As Aldo said, although the virus is forcing us to keep a distance from one another, music reminds us that we can stay in touch in other ways.
