Ornamented Three-Six

Introduction

One of the Eight Great Pieces of Jiangnan sizhu, made by slowing and ornamenting San Liu

Hua San Liu (Ornamented Three-Six), also called Man San Liu, is one of the Eight Great Pieces of Jiangnan sizhu. It takes the piece San Liu as its parent tune and turns it into an independent work by slowing it down and adding ornaments. In this technique the beats of the parent tune are stretched to double length, the tempo slows and decorative notes fill the line. The result is cheerful and warm, with an intimate feel. A 1963 China Record disc of it, played by Shen Fengquan and other huqin players, is held by the Chinese National Academy of Arts.