Ten Famous Guzheng Melodies: How Many Have You Heard?
Unbeknownst to many, the guzheng has evolved over 2,500 years. As a traditional plucked string instrument of the Chinese nation, it enjoys widespread affection, truly a national treasure!
The guzheng’s immense popularity stems primarily from its enchanting timbre and dazzling playing techniques. Naturally, the renowned pieces passed down through the ages also play a significant role!
So, do you know which ten pieces rank among China’s most celebrated guzheng compositions? Silently recite these ten pieces to yourself before we proceed!
- High Mountains and Flowing Water
Originally a guqin composition, legend recounts that Bo Ya, a pre-Qin qin master, played amidst wilderness where a passing woodcutter, Zhi Qi, praised his music as ‘lofty as Mount Tai’ and ‘vast as rivers and seas.’
After Zhiqi’s death, Boya, grieving the loss of his soulmate, smashed his qin and abandoned music. Since then, ‘High Mountains and Flowing Water’ has come to symbolise kindred spirits or true understanding, as well as the exquisite beauty of music. Later generations likened it to precious friendship.
- ‘Fishermen’s Evening Song’
In previous instalments, we analysed in detail the piece ‘Fishermen’s Evening Song,’ composed by Mr Lou Shuhua between 1938 and 1939. It depicts the beautiful lake scenery at sunset and the joyful scenes of fishermen celebrating their bountiful catch.
This piece possesses a profound classical style and stands as one of the most widely circulated and influential guzheng compositions in China! It is virtually a staple piece in every zheng player’s repertoire.
- Lin Chong’s Night Flight
As the title suggests, this piece recounts the story from Water Margin where Lin Chong, nicknamed “Leopard Head”, flees to Liangshan Mountain in a snowy night after suffering persecution.
This zheng composition is characterised by its heroic grandeur and impassioned emotion, standing as a rare masterpiece among zheng compositions.
- Autumn Moon over the Han Palace
As one of China’s ten most renowned ancient melodies, Autumn Moon over the Han Palace exists in two popular renditions: one for the erhu, the other for the zither!
This piece possesses a pure, classical elegance and profound charm, standing as one of Shandong’s most representative zither compositions.
- Cold Cormorants Playing in the Water
As a quintessential Hakka zither piece, Cold Cormorants Playing in the Water vividly depicts cormorants (fish eagles) chasing and frolicking in the water. Paired with the zither’s bright and melodious tones, the imagery instantly comes to life.
- Dong Ethnic Dance Melody
‘Dong Dance Melody’ captures the charm of Dong villages, expressing the joyful spirit of the Dong people in their love for life.
The piece comprises four sections:
I. Moderately fast tempo: Song of the Dong Village;
II. Slightly faster tempo: Rustic and passionate Lusheng dance;
III. Slow tempo: Moonlit night in the Dong village, the deep emotion of the pipa; IV. Moderately fast, Praise for the Dong Homeland.
The melody alternates between raised and lowered tonics, showcasing a distinctive feature of Dong musical style.
- Lotus Emerging from Water
The Hakka zither’s second flowering – one must acknowledge the truly lofty status of Guangdong Hakka zither within the zither world!
‘Emerging Lotus’ has been likened to ‘a crimson lotus rising from the water, symbolising the music’s initial notes, representing its vibrant tenderness.’ This piece, melodious and crystalline, depicts the noble virtue of the lotus emerging unsullied from the mud.
- Xiangshan Drumming
Composed in 1980, Xiangshan Drumming stands as one of the most contemporary renowned zither pieces. In 1983, it was honoured as an outstanding musical work at the Asian Music Forum.
The composition evokes the ethereal ambience of Buddhist chants echoing through empty mountains, alongside the vibrant festivities of incense gatherings held within these landscapes.
- East Sea Fishermen’s Song
East Sea Fishermen’s Song was composed by Zhang Yan in the 1970s. The piece portrays the joyful yet demanding labour of East Sea fishermen, alongside their affection for and yearning towards a new life.
- Battling the Typhoon
Battling the Typhoon was composed by Wang Changyuan in the mid-1960s, inspired by the indomitable spirit of Shanghai dockworkers confronting a typhoon.
Thus, the title ‘Battling the Typhoon’ speaks for itself: a fierce struggle against the storm! With its dramatic rhythmic shifts and flowing melody, this piece has become an essential repertoire for every guzheng player today!
One would be hard-pressed to call themselves a guzheng player without mastering ‘Battling the Typhoon’!
So, how many of these ten renowned guzheng pieces did you correctly identify?