Three Hundred Song Lyrics Translated and Analyzed

Author: Li Miao
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Ci is an important form of Chinese literature, and the Song Dynasty was a period when ci composition achieved great success. As predecessors said, "each generation has its own literature," then ci is the genre that best represents Song literature. Ci is also known as long-short sentences, zuci, etc. It originated around the mid-Tang Dynasty and matured in the Northern Song Dynasty. The development of ci is closely related to music; its tunes can be set to music and sung. The influence of music became one of the important factors determining the formal characteristics of ci. Ci studies flourished during the two Song Dynasties. When reading the ci of Song Dynasty scholars, one should seek both the style and the spirit, with style being particularly important. The ideal of achieving a harmonious and integrated style is a must for scholars to pursue, and there is even a higher realm beyond harmonious integration, which cannot be attained without effort—this depends on one's academic capabilities. The spirit stems from one's nature and temperament. Once the style reaches its highest perfection, it naturally radiates a clear and fragrant aura that cannot be concealed. In modern times, some treat ci as mere petty charm and fleeting beauty, which has led to a decline in the respect for this art. Many spend half their lives dabbling in it without glimpsing the path of the Song masters, let alone the inner sanctum! I have not heard of anyone who could meet the ancient masters in spirit and collect and select the finest pieces to guide those who wish to learn. The translation, annotations, and critiques in this book are all aimed at achieving "excellence." In the translation, like "Three Hundred Poems of the Tang Dynasty," we adopt a "one-to-one" correspondence.