Hanyang Mountain Songs: China. Collection of Hanyang Mountain Songs

Author: Zhangjiagang Municipal Federation of Literature and Arts
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2006-10-04
Features: This collection, "China·Heyang Mountain Songs," not only includes the inclusion of mountain song works and the recording of musical scores, but also features discussions by experts and scholars, "Biographies of Mountain Singers," a biography of collector Yu Yongliang, an introduction to "Manuscript Copies," "Chronicles," "A Brief Explanation of Heyang Mountain Song Dialects," and "Eighteen Rhyme Tones of Heyang Mountain Songs" as appendices. The entire book exhibits prominent characteristics of data richness, scientific rigor, and research value. The compilation of "China·Heyang Mountain Songs" holds multiple significances in the present era: First, it fills the gaps in past collections of Wu songs, making the distribution map of Wu songs clearer and more complete. Second, some mountain songs with distinct historical and geographical features provide valuable materials for Wu song research, thereby promoting the in-depth development of a new round of Wu song studies. Third, mountain songs are important intangible cultural resources. The discovery, organization, research, publication, performance, and reinvention of mountain songs will contribute to the development of regional culture and economy, and can become cultural brands and local "name cards." Finally, the compilation and publication of "China·Heyang Mountain Songs" can be regarded as a concrete action in the protection of intangible cultural heritage. This will undoubtedly drive the survey of cultural resources and the preservation of cultural heritage in Zhangjiagang City, thereby maintaining its distinctive cultural advantages and fostering economic, social, and cultural development and prosperity. The publication of "China·Heyang Mountain Songs" also holds a milestone significance in the history of Wu song collection and research. I sincerely congratulate its release and believe that a renewed wave of recognition and research on Wu songs is on the horizon.