Selected Lyrics of Liu Yong

Author: Xue Ruisheng, Editor
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2005-01-01
Features: Experience the charm of Chinese, share the most beautiful artistic conception, cultivate elegant temperament, and enjoy a poetic life.
Liu Yong (987? – 1058?), originally named Sanbian, styled Qiqing, was from Chong'an (now Chong'an County, Fujian Province). He was known as Liu Tuntian in the world and also called Liu Qi for being the seventh among his siblings. He claimed to be "a poet ordered by the imperial decree to compose lyrics," dedicating his life to writing lyrics and considering himself a "white-robed minister."
Liu Yong was a major lyric poet of the Northern Song Dynasty and held an important position in the history of Chinese lyrics. He expanded the scope of lyrics, produced numerous masterpieces, and expressed the suffering of some disillusioned scholars in the prosperous era through poignant tunes, which were deeply moving. He also depicted the prosperity of cities and the scenic beauty of the four seasons. Additionally, he wrote on themes such as immortal tales, historical odes, and odes on objects.
Liu Yong developed the form of lyrics, leaving behind over 200 lyrics composed in more than 150 different tunes, most of which were newly created by modifying old tunes or composing them independently. Over seventy-eight percent of his works were long-form slow lyrics, making significant contributions to the liberation and advancement of lyrics.
Liu Yong also enriched the expressive techniques of lyrics. His works emphasized structure and composition, with a sincere and bright style, natural and fluent language, and distinct personal characteristics. He inherited the Dunhuang tunes, writing numerous "vulgar lyrics" in colloquial language, and laid the foundation for the Jin and Yuan tunes. His lyrics often employed new and beautiful tunes, which were graceful, emotionally resonant, and rich in musical beauty.
His lyrics were not only widely popular during his time but also had a profound impact on later generations. He was one of the most accomplished lyric poets of the early Northern Song Dynasty and is known for his collection Yue Zhang Ji.
Liu Yong was a lyric poet who devoted himself entirely to composing lyrics. He transformed old tunes into new ones, creating a large number of slow lyrics, making significant contributions to both the formal development and the thematic expansion of lyrics.
This book is organized chronologically by the creation date of Liu Yong's lyrics, providing annotations and explanations for each of his masterpieces. It gathers many of the latest research findings on Liu Yong the person and his works, making it not only an excellent popular introduction to Liu Yong's lyrics but also representing the highest level of current research on the subject.