History of Yuefu Poetry - (Color Illustration Classic Collection)

Author: Wu Dexin
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2006-03-01
Features: The Yuefu was a state-established agency responsible for collecting folk songs and overseeing music. It was first established in the early Han Dynasty and began large-scale collection of folk songs. The folk songs collected by Yuefu were called Yuefu poetry, also known as Yuefu. Later, literati of various dynasties imitated the tunes of Yuefu poetry for their own creations. Starting from the Han Dynasty, Yuefu poetry endured for nearly a thousand years, giving rise to many renowned and enduring masterpieces. Yuefu poetry is divided into two categories: Han Yuefu, Wei-Jin Yuefu, Southern and Northern Dynasties Yuefu, and Tang Dynasty New Yuefu. Han Yuefu represents folk singing in orchards and forests; Wei-Jin Yuefu reflects the elegance and refinement of literary creation; Southern Dynasties Yuefu is soft, charming, and delicate; Northern Dynasties Yuefu is rugged and bold; while Tang Dynasty New Yuefu embodies grand and refined artistic expression. Since 1949, undergraduate Chinese majors in Chinese universities generally study about 10 pieces of Yuefu poetry, while graduate students in classical literature majors study about 70-80 pieces. This book selects and extends the works commonly studied by graduate students in classical literature majors, making it sufficient for a broad readership. The book provides detailed annotations and critiques of the selected works when describing the social customs and literary life of the Han, Wei, Jin, Southern and Northern Dynasties periods, allowing readers to cross-reference history and poetry during their reading. This innovative arrangement is believed to greatly benefit readers in appreciating the works.