Civilizational Canons · LC4

Melodies & Performing Arts

Musical harmonies attuned to ancient scales and theatrical dramas: the sonic and dramatic beauty of Chinese opera and performing arts.

Melodies & Performing Arts features ancient Yuefu ballads, dramatic Yuan zaju, and Ming-Qing Kunqu theater, immortalized in Bai Juyi's Song of the Pipa, The Story of the Western Wing, and The Peony Pavilion.

Representative works

Tang · Bai Juyi · Old-Style SongsSong of the PipaWe both are drifted wanderers cast to heaven's far corners; meeting like this, what need is there for prior acquaintance!LR10071Yuan · Wang Shifu · Yuan Zaju DramaRomance of the Western Chamber · Farewell at the PavilionCerulean clouds above, golden petals below; west winds stir as northern geese fly south. Who dyed the frosted trees crimson at dawn? Parting lovers' tears.LR10030Ming · Tang Xianzu · Chuanqi DramaThe Peony Pavilion: Interrupted DreamBehold how dazzling purples and brilliant crimsons bloom everywhere, yet all are abandoned thus to broken wells and crumbling walls! Fine seasons and splendid scenes—what can one do against cruel time? Joyous hearts and delightful events—in whose courtyard do they dwell? Morning flights, evening rolls, rosy clouds over jade pavilions; drizzling rain, fluttering breeze, painted barges across misty waves. Sheltered maidens behind brocade screens hold this radiant springtime far too cheap!LR10267Tang · Bai Juyi · Old-Style SongsSong of Everlasting RegretTurning with a single smile, a hundred charms arose; all the beauties of the palace faded without color.LR10012

Read by dynasty

Xia

2070–1600 BCE1 works
  1. Song of the Southern WindEmperor Shun · Four-Character VerseThe balmy Southern wind soothes the sorrow of my people; the timely Southern breeze enriches their wealth.

Zhou

1046–256 BCE7 works
  1. Classic of Poetry · Deer CryAnonymous (Zhou Court Musician) · Four-Character VerseYu-yu cry the deer, grazing on wild artemisia. I have honored guests; strum the zithers, blow the mouth-organs. Blow reed pipes and vibrate tongues, presenting baskets of gifts. Those who love me show me the great Dao of Zhou.
  2. Nine Songs · The Great Sovereign of the EastQu Yuan · Chu ElegiesOn an auspicious day and glorious hour, reverently we rejoice the supreme God on High. Grasping long swords with jade guards, pendants clink with ringing chimes. On jade mats adorned with gems, we present fragrant celestial blossoms; steaming orchid dishes and pouring cinnamon wine and pepper nectar.
  3. Reply to the King of ChuSong Yu · Essays & MemorialsThe loftier the song, the fewer those who can sing along.
  4. Mr. Nanguo Fills Out the EnsembleHan Fei · Philosophers' FablesFaking competence works only until you must perform alone.
  5. The Loftier the Song, the Fewer Who Join InSong Yu · Satirical ParablesThe more refined your vision, the fewer who understand it; don't doubt yourself for that.
  6. Faking It in the Pipe BandHan Fei · IdiomsA man who couldn't play the yu hid among real players; posing as competent among experts.
  7. Lofty Songs Find Few to Join InSong Yu · IdiomsThe loftier the tune, the fewer who can sing along; refined work appreciated by few.

Han

202 BCE – 220 CE4 works
  1. Song of Lament (Zhaojun's Lament)Wang Zhaojun · Yuefu BalladsAutumn trees are lush, their leaves wither to yellow. A bird resides in the mountains, resting upon bushy mulberries.
  2. Nineteen Ancient Poems · In the Northwest Stands a Lofty TowerAnonymous (Eastern Han Poet) · Old-Style SongsIn the northwest stands a lofty tower, its summit rising level with drifting clouds. Patterned latticework graces delicate windows, multi-tiered terraces rise three flights high. From above comes the sound of stringed music and song, how sorrowful the melody rings! I grieve not for the singer's bitter toil, but mourn that true soulmates are so rare. Would that we were a pair of calling cranes, spreading wings to soar high into the sky.
  3. Playing the Lute to a CowMouzi · Satirical ParablesKnow your audience; speak in a way the listener can understand.
  4. Playing the Lute to a CowMou Rong · IdiomsPlaying refined music to a cow; wasting words on an audience that cannot understand or appreciate them.

Three Kingdoms

220–2801 works
  1. Eighteen Songs of a Nomad Flute · Section 1Cai Wenji · Yuefu BalladsHeaven is ruthless to rain down turmoil; Earth is cruel to cast my life in such an age.

Northern and Southern

420–5891 works
  1. Rhapsody on the Dancing Crane · ExcerptBao Zhao · Short RhapsodiesFluttering and soaring together in unison, dispersing apart and spreading wide. Heaven freezes and Earth closes in frost and snow. Crying clear notes into the ninth heaven, spreading agile wings across ten thousand li.

Tang

618–9074 works
  1. Song of Everlasting RegretBai Juyi · Old-Style SongsTurning with a single smile, a hundred charms arose; all the beauties of the palace faded without color.
  2. Clear and Even Melody · Part 1 (Clouds Recall Her Raiment)Li Bai · Regulated QuatrainsClouds recall her floating robes, blossoms her radiant face; spring breezes brush the balustrade in heavy glistening dew.
  3. Song of the PipaBai Juyi · Old-Style SongsWe both are drifted wanderers cast to heaven's far corners; meeting like this, what need is there for prior acquaintance!
  4. Listening to the ZitherLingche (Monk Lingche) · Old-Style SongsAfter guests depart and the wooden gate is barred, the zither rings crystal-pure while night lingers on. Distant and leisurely flows the ancient water melody, serene as the homeland of white clouds. Body and worldly objects rest in quietude; sounds and thoughts are forgotten together in pure emptiness.

Yuan

1271–136826 works
  1. The Injustice to Dou E · Rolling the Embroidered BallGuan Hanqing · Yuan Zaju DramaO Earth, if you tell not good from ill, why be called Earth! O Heaven, if you mistake the worthy for the wicked, in vain are you named Heaven!
  2. Romance of the Western Chamber · Farewell at the PavilionWang Shifu · Yuan Zaju DramaCerulean clouds above, golden petals below; west winds stir as northern geese fly south. Who dyed the frosted trees crimson at dawn? Parting lovers' tears.
  3. Autumn ThoughtsMa Zhiyuan · Sanqu SongsWithered vines, old trees, evening crows; a small bridge, flowing water, a cottage home; an ancient road, west wind, a lean horse. The evening sun sinks in the west; a heartbroken traveler wanders at the world's end.
  4. Sails Returning to Distant ShoresMa Zhiyuan · Sanqu SongsBeneath the sunset glow, tavern banners hang calm; two or three skiffs have yet to moor. Falling blossoms scent the dusk waters by thatched huts; at the broken bridgehead, the fishmongers disperse.
  5. Night Voyage: Autumn ReflectionsMa Zhiyuan · Song SuitesA century of mortal life is like a butterfly's fleeting dream; looking back upon bygone deeds evokes endless sighs. Spring arrives today, yet tomorrow blossoms wither; drain the cup swiftly before the late night lamp burns out.
  6. Falling Plum Wind: Rose DewMa Zhiyuan · Sanqu SongsDew on roses, rain on lotus leaves, frost on chrysanthemums chilling fragrant courtyards; under the dark moon above plum boughs when guests disperse, who holds sway over these five seasons of wonder?
  7. Refusing to Yield to AgeGuan Hanqing · Song SuitesI am a solid, ringing bronze pea that cannot be steamed soft, boiled through, hammered flat, or popped in a roasting pan! Who bade you young gallants plunge headlong into love's brocade trap?
  8. Drunk in East Wind: Worlds Apart in a Single StepGuan Hanqing · Sanqu SongsIn an inch of space we part worlds apart; in an instant the moon wanes and petals fly. Hand grasping the farewell wine cup, eyes beholding parting tears. Barely uttering 'take care,' my heart already aches to let you go.
  9. Four Pieces of Jade: Parting LongingGuan Hanqing · Sanqu SongsSince our parting, my heart aches to let go; when will this ember of longing ever cease? Leaning on the balustrade, sleeves brush away snowy willow catkins. The stream bends, the hills conceal—my beloved is gone!
  10. Song of Great Virtue: AutumnGuan Hanqing · Sanqu SongsWind drifts, rain whispers—even slumbering Immortal Chen Tuan could not find sleep. Crickets hush their song as the midnight watch sounds; thin are the pillows and mats of solitary sleep.
  11. AutumnBai Pu · Sanqu SongsA lonely hamlet, setting sun, lingering twilight; light mist, old trees, chilly crows; a solitary wild goose casts its fleeting shadow. Blue mountains, green waters, bleached grasses, crimson maple leaves, and yellow chrysanthemums.
  12. SpringBai Pu · Sanqu SongsSpring mountains, warm sunlight, gentle breeze; balustrades, lofty pavilions, screened casements; weeping willows and swings in the courtyard. Warbling orioles, dancing swallows, a small bridge, flowing water, and fluttering red petals.
  13. FishermanBai Pu · Sanqu SongsBy yellow reed shores and white duckweed ferry, along green willow dikes and red smartweed shallows. Though without triumphs of imperial victory, I can purchase wine of sorrow-forgetting. Strive not for worldly riches and honor; white-haired fishermen on river shoals are accustomed to autumn moons and spring breezes.
  14. Rain on the Wutong Trees: Act III AriaBai Pu · Yuan Zaju DramaGolden well parapets where parasol tree leaves yellow; pearl curtains remain undrawn against the night frost. The Bells in the Rain drip, shattering the heart into pieces. Why must I listen further to the fragile autumn sighs of falling wutong leaves?
  15. Meditations at Tongguan PassZhang Yanghao · Sanqu SongsMountain peaks gather close, wild billows surge in wrath; fortress pass of Tongguan framed by mountains and rushing stream. Gazing toward the Western Capital, hesitation weighs upon my soul. Sorrow strikes traversing the ancient lands of Qin and Han: ten thousand palace halls have all turned to dust. In imperial rise, the common people suffer; in imperial fall, the common people suffer.
  16. Meditations at Mount LiZhang Yanghao · Sanqu SongsSurveying Mount Li on all four sides, the Epang Palace burnt in a single torch: where is that imperial luxury today? Only sparse overgrown weeds remain, and streams winding in solitude. Lingering historical regrets shroud misty trees. Feudal kingdoms of Zhou, Qi, Qin, Han, and Chu: winner, all turned to dust; loser, all turned to dust!
  17. Praising JiangnanZhang Yanghao · Sanqu SongsMisty river waters reflect clear mountain hazes, dwellings on both shores join painted eaves, lotus clusters embrace a tranquil autumn light. Watching sand gulls dance again and again, rolling up fragrant breezes through ten miles of pearl curtains. Painted skiffs arrive from the horizon, wine flags flutter in the breeze: how I adore Jiangnan!
  18. Double Ninth FestivalZhang Kejiu · Sanqu SongsFacing green hills, I straighten my official cap with effort. Returning wild geese cross the autumn sky; a weary traveler yearns for home. Emerald sleeves attend with care, golden goblets clink in turn, jade fingers strum the pipa. Worldly riches and honors prove far narrower than the vast boundless realm of wine!
  19. Meditations on HistoryZhang Kejiu · Sanqu SongsThe beauty took her life by the banks of the Wujiang River; flames of war once scorched the Red Cliff cliffs; valiant generals aged in vain at the Jade Gate Pass. Heartbroken by Qin and Han, when innocent lives were trampled as ashes—the scholar gives a long, deep sigh!
  20. Spring ThoughtsZhang Kejiu · Sanqu SongsA letter of safe tidings arrives on scarce half a sheet, inscribed with a few pairs of mandarin duck characters. When blossoms opened he vowed to return; now petals have fallen, why has he not? Who knows for whom this jade-pure waist has withered and sandalwood brows have paled?
  21. Self-AccountQiao Ji · Sanqu SongsNo champion in imperial civil examinations, no official salary in imperial rolls. Accustomed to chasing wild butterflies and bees amid blossoms and wine. Laughing proudly amid forests and springs, casting aside fame and profit. Wandering in east winds, ten years a dream—let it all rest, calculate no more!
  22. Seeking Plum BlossomsQiao Ji · Sanqu SongsBefore and after winter through several hamlets, north and south of streams with frost on both shoes, searching atop and beneath trees on Lonely Hill. Whence comes this sudden fragrance in the chilling breeze? Met unexpectedly, standing still in rapt gaze: snowy bones, icy flesh, jade essence, orchid fragrance.
  23. Palace Joy: Parting ReflectionsGuan Yunshi · Sanqu SongsKing Huai of Chu let his loyal minister leap into the Miluo River... Casting aside petty worldly fame brings supreme delight to the heart, laughing beyond the white clouds. With three or five kindred spirits, what hinders drinking to our heart's content?
  24. The Soul of Qiannü Leaves Her Body: Act II AriaZheng Guangzu · Yuan Zaju DramaIn all human life, nothing brings more torment than parting. Pity the thousand leagues of mountain barriers trodden alone. Even if granted a century of love together, how can one bear this hurried moment of departure?
  25. Song of You and MeGuan Daosheng · Sanqu SongsYou and I, our love is overwhelmingly deep; where love is so deep, it blazes like fire! Take a lump of clay, mold a you, and shape a me. Smash both of us together, mix with water, then mold another you and shape another me. In my clay there is you, in your clay there is me!
  26. Rootless Tree · Daoist Sentiment No. 1Zhang Sanfeng · Storytelling BalladsRootless tree, flowers bloom in seclusion; craving the red dust of mortal life, who is willing to pause? Affairs of floating life are like skiffs on a bitter sea, drifting and rocking helplessly without freedom. Boundless sorrow—when will it ever cease? Hasten early to cultivate character and join the rivers of the Dao.

Ming

1368–16444 works
  1. Liu Jingting the StorytellerZhang Dai · Informal EssaysPockmarked Liu of Nanjing had dark swarthy skin, a face scarred with pockmarks, and an eccentric rough bearing—the so-called 'First Scholar of Storytelling.' Whenever he reached a dramatic climax, he struck the desk once: sudden silence broke into thunderous tumult, as if lightning split the room.
  2. The Peony Pavilion: Interrupted DreamTang Xianzu · Chuanqi DramaBehold how dazzling purples and brilliant crimsons bloom everywhere, yet all are abandoned thus to broken wells and crumbling walls! Fine seasons and splendid scenes—what can one do against cruel time? Joyous hearts and delightful events—in whose courtyard do they dwell? Morning flights, evening rolls, rosy clouds over jade pavilions; drizzling rain, fluttering breeze, painted barges across misty waves. Sheltered maidens behind brocade screens hold this radiant springtime far too cheap!
  3. Preface to The Peony PavilionTang Xianzu · Letters & PrefacesLove is of such nature that one knows not whence it arose, yet it deepens ever further. The living can die for it, and the dead can be revived through it. If the living cannot die for it and the dead cannot come back to life, it is not the supreme height of true love.
  4. Stories to Caution the World · Yu Boya Smashes the Zither for His SoulmateFeng Menglong · Vernacular StoriesShattering the jasper zither, phoenix tail grows cold; with Ziqi gone, for whom should I play? Smiling faces abound in spring breeze, yet finding a true soulmate is hard beyond hard. Boya smashed his zither before Ziqi's grave and severed its strings, never playing zither again for the rest of his life.

Qing

1636–19126 works
  1. Song of YuanyuanWu Weiye · Old-Style SongsSix armies wept clad in white mourning; he burst with crown-raising wrath for a fair lady.
  2. Commentary on the Song of Won-DoneCao Xueqin · Sanqu SongsIn this desolate empty hall, official ivory tablets once filled the couch; amid withered grass and barren willows, revelers once danced and sang. Cobwebs now weave across carved beams, while green gauze is freshly pasted over rustic windows. In the end, all labor is merely sewing wedding gowns for another!
  3. The Palace of Eternal Youth: Ballad SingingHong Sheng · Chuanqi DramaEndless to sing are the dreams of imperial rise and fall; limitless to pluck are the sorrows and joys of parting and union! Caught unawares in declining years by turbulent chaos, stranded on desperate paths grieving over life's trials.
  4. The Peach Blossom Fan: Lament for JiangnanKong Shangren · Chuanqi DramaBehold him raising vermilion towers, behold him feasting noble guests, behold his towering mansions crash to ruins! Upon these piles of moss-grown emerald tiles, I once slept romantic dreams, drinking my fill of fifty years of dynastic rise and fall.
  5. The Sixth Book of Genius · Romance of the Western Chamber PrefaceJin Shengtan · Drama CriticismIn human life between Heaven and Earth, no supreme joy equals reading books. Reading Romance of the Western Chamber is like walking along the scenic Shanyin roads, where ten thousand ravines compete in cascading streams and lush flora enchant the eye. Every single character and phrase pours from the deepest genuine nature.
  6. Farewell · Outside the Long PavilionLi Shutong (Master Hongyi) · Self-Composed TunesOutside the long pavilion, along the ancient road, fragrant emerald grasses stretch to meet the sky. Evening breezes brush weeping willows as the fading flute melody dies; the setting sun sinks behind mountains beyond mountains. At heaven's edge and earth's corners, cherished soulmates have mostly scattered away. Draining a jar of cloudy wine to exhaust our remaining joy—tonight, dreams of parting will be cold.