Chinese Classics: Timeless Anthology: Yuefu Poetry Collection (3 Volumes)

Author: Tan Guoqing
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2003-03-01
Features: The Yuefu Shiji (Collection of Yuefu Poetry) comprises one hundred volumes, categorized into twelve classes based on the origin, purpose, and musical systems of Yuefu poems. It spans from the Han and Wei dynasties to the Five Dynasties period, also including over ten songs from before the Qin dynasty. In addition to feudal court music, it preserves a large number of lyrics from folk music. Among the categories such as Xianghe, Qingshang, Zahuqu, and Xinyuefu, there are particularly many outstanding works. The Yuefu Shiji places ancient texts before imitations under each title, ensuring that all variations of the same tune are covered without repetition, thereby addressing the issue of plagiarism and superficial imitation. The ancient texts often list the original lyrics first, followed by those altered by the music, allowing readers to discern which parts are ce (side verses), yan (ornamentation), qu (accelerated sections), or (additions or deletions of words). Additionally, annotations are provided below the titles for passages where the music and text do not align, further preventing the pitfalls of awkward imitation.