With the hypermasculine energy of 1970s punk rock, a fretless bass guitarist delivered a highly engaging solo supported by his band members from the Xi’an Song and Dance Theatre. With long flowing hair, the bassist was dressed as a new age Mongolian horseman, replete with belt and boots. The musical intensity of this piece, Amusement, and indeed the whole of the program, was heightened by the precision of the ensemble, the well-plotted lighting and most of all, the stunning array of costumes and make up. 

Curtain call for Chang’an in the Fantasy World at City Recital Hall, Sydney. Photo © Nick Ng

One might find the traditional attire of the bass guitarist uncomfortably incongruous with the Anglo-American instrument he brandished on stage, perhaps even culturally challenging. Costumes are not often the focus of music reviews, but in this concert, what each musician wore played a central part in understanding the nature of the music performed, which aimed to connect with a range of characters from the cosmopolitan city of Chang’an, China’s ancient capital.  

Next to the bassist was a musician playing handheld percussion instruments...