The Qinghai-Xizang Plateau has been home to a unique musical tradition for over 1,600 years: the eagle flute. Crafted from the wing bone of an eagle, this instrument was historically played by herders to entertain themselves while tending to their flocks.
Today, the art of making and playing the eagle flute faces a steep decline. The primary challenge is the difficulty in sourcing suitable eagle bones, leading to a significant drop in skilled artisans.
In Amdo County, Xizang Autonomous Region, Yugu inherited the eagle flute from his father. However, as he ages and his eyesight wanes, Yugu is desperately searching for a successor to carry on his family's musical legacy. His hope rests on his granddaughter to keep the tradition alive.
Meanwhile, in Lhasa, eagle flute player Tsenten teams up with his friend Dorje to preserve its music. The scarcity of eagle bones has forced them to innovate, leading to the creation of a Tibetan recorder that mirrors the eagle flute's range and fingering technique. Despite their efforts, the future of both the traditional flute and their modern adaptation remains uncertain.
As these dedicated musicians strive to keep the eagle flute alive, questions linger: Will Yugu find a worthy successor? Can Tsenten and Dorje's new instrument sustain the rich heritage of the eagle flute?
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
