Extracts
1 From the days of my youth I loved music, and I have practiced it ever since
For it appears to me that while things have their rise and decay, only music never changes;
And while in the end one is satiated by all flavors, one is never tired of music
It is a means for guiding and nurturing the spirit, and for elevating and harmonizing the emotions
Nothing equals music in its power to bring solace to those who dwell in poverty and loneliness
Therefore, if instrumental music proves to be insufficient, one hums a melody to set forth one's intention;
If this is not sufficient, one composes words for the tune, in orderfully to express one's thoughts.
2 Brilliant men of former ages have in poetical compositions and odes of praise written about the eight kinds of musical instruments and the various figures of song and dance.
Of all musical instruments the lute has the greatest virtue.
Therefore I have now made a poetical essay, or rhapsody, setting forth my thoughts regarding the lute.
This essay says:
3 The trees of that species from which lutes are built grow on the lofty ridges of steep mountains.
Rich soil ensures them great age, their tapering stems rise high into the sky.
They are saturated with the pure harmony of Heaven and Earth, they inhale the beneficent splendor of sun and moon.
Their solitary luxuriant growth overtops the surrounding vegetation, their verdure leaps high to the azure vault of heaven.
At twilight they borrow the red glow of the evening sky, in the morning the sun dries the dew on their stems.
For a thousand years they wait for him who shall recognize their value, quietly they repose, forever robust.
4 The scenery there is rugged and irregular, with many a hidden depth.
There are rock-covered heights and lonely mountain peaks, dark rocks and craggy ascents, steep cliffs and precipitous ridges.
Red rocks rise steeply upward, and there are green walls ten thousand fathoms high.
Mountain crest rises above mountain crest, they seem to be pressed down by the clouds.
Lofty and verdurous summits far off show their massive shapes; here and there a solitary peak rising in impressive splendor draws the eye.
5 The spiritual haze that hovers over these mountains mingles with the clouds, and from their mysterious founts stream burst forth.
Tumbling waves gush one after the other; running onwards they vie in crazy torrents, they hurtle themselves against rocks and beat in recesses in a boiling rage.
The wild waters churn, the billows spurt foam, with a roaring noise they turn round and round, like a mass of intertwined, coiling dragons.
Then they spread out and form the great streams that gush forth to water the land.
Farther on, their current slows down, to broaden out into a floating vastness.
Placidly the waters spread out wider and wider, till they embrace mountains and hills.
6 Now observing more closely what is found growing in this region, the precious products of this mysterious domain, one sees on the slopes of these mountains rare and strangely shaped jadestone, and deep red jasper, massed about in luxuriant abundance.
Vernal orchids cover their eastern sides, their western slopes produce the yellow crab-apple tree.
On their southern sides the immortal Juanzi dwells, in front an ambrosia fountain bubbles up.
Their summits are covered with dark clouds, phoenixes with fluttering wings gather on their peaks.
Pure dew moistens their flanks, a gentle breeze blows over them.
They are quiet in majestic passiveness, they are subtle in serene repose.
Being surrounded by such scenery, these trees naturally are spiritual and beautiful, and suitable for inspiring the love of music.
7 Here it is that wise men fleeing the world, worthy companions of Yongqi or Qili, together ascend high mountain arches and cross deep-cut vales.
Clinging to branches of fairy trees they climb steep ridges, in order that they may roam under these trees.
Wandering about they remain gazing into the distance for ever; their horizon is as wide as that of a bird in its flight.
Looking upward they see the Kunlun ranges, looking down they discern the marshes that border the ocean.
They point to the Cangwu mountains afar off, they approach the imposing calm of meandering rivers.
Then they realize the constraining shackles of worldly life, and longingly they look up to the splendor that lingers over Mount Ji.
Enamoured with the generous broadness of these heights, their hearts are filled with noble emotions, and they forget to return.
8 Their emotions become broad and even, their eyes have a faraway look.
They long to continue the music left by the Yellow Emperor, they cherish the mountain spirit Laodong of the Gui rock, and admire the inspired songs of Tai Yong.
Beholding these trees they grow thoughtful, they long to express the feelings of their hearts in a tangible way.
Then they lop off the young branches, and weigh and measure a block of wood meet to be employed.
Thus, in order to expand their feelings, Superior Men made the Elegant Lute.
9 One should play the lute in a high building or on a towering terrace, in a spacious hall or in a secluded room;
On a wintry night when the air is limpid and a bright moon is shining; clad in rustling new garments whose perfume pervades the air: then the instrument is cool to the touch, and the strings are correctly tuned.
If the heart is tranquil and the hands are able, the touch of the fingers will respond to the thoughts, and the player will be able to express himself in his music.
10 In the first part of the third month, clad in the elegant garb proper to that season, together with some good friends one sets out for a pleasant excursion.
They wander through fragrant gardens, climb hills, rest under old trees or sit under gaily decorated sunshades.
They walk along clear streams, composing new poems. They admire the leisurely movements of water creatures, and enjoy the verdure.
Then is the right time for playing on the lute the songs left by the Emperor Shun, which elevate the spirit and fill one with longing sadness.
Or, when one holds an informal feast in a daily decorated hall together with one's bosom friends and some intimate guests, enjoying dishes of rare flavor sprinkled with excellent wine of subtle bouquet, then is the right time to play tunes like Nanjing and Xiqin, or to intone the melodies Lingyang and Baren.
All sorts of other melodies may also be played; they will cheer up those who hear them and exalt their spirits.
11 In truth, those people who are not of a free and detached disposition cannot find enjoyment in lute music.
Those who are not profound and serene cannot dwell with it. Those who are not broad-minded cannot ungrudgingly give themselves to it.
Those who are not of the utmost refinement cannot understand its deep significance.
12 In admiration of the rich excellence of this musical instrument, for my own satisfaction I composed this essay.
I shall always cherish the lute, without ever tiring of it. I believe it is a treasure of present and bygone days.
In conclusion, I sing:
Solemn indeed is the virtue of the lute,
It cannot be fathomed
Purity of body and aloofness of heart,
Difficult indeed it is to attain these heights.
Good instruments and excellent players.
Where are those to be found in the present age?
The silk strings resounding in harmony,
This music surpasses all other arts
As those who understand music are few
Who can truly treasure this instrument?
Only to the Superior Man is it given
Completely to understand the elegant lute.
For it appears to me that while things have their rise and decay, only music never changes;
And while in the end one is satiated by all flavors, one is never tired of music
It is a means for guiding and nurturing the spirit, and for elevating and harmonizing the emotions
Nothing equals music in its power to bring solace to those who dwell in poverty and loneliness
Therefore, if instrumental music proves to be insufficient, one hums a melody to set forth one's intention;
If this is not sufficient, one composes words for the tune, in orderfully to express one's thoughts.
2 Brilliant men of former ages have in poetical compositions and odes of praise written about the eight kinds of musical instruments and the various figures of song and dance.
Of all musical instruments the lute has the greatest virtue.
Therefore I have now made a poetical essay, or rhapsody, setting forth my thoughts regarding the lute.
This essay says:
3 The trees of that species from which lutes are built grow on the lofty ridges of steep mountains.
Rich soil ensures them great age, their tapering stems rise high into the sky.
They are saturated with the pure harmony of Heaven and Earth, they inhale the beneficent splendor of sun and moon.
Their solitary luxuriant growth overtops the surrounding vegetation, their verdure leaps high to the azure vault of heaven.
At twilight they borrow the red glow of the evening sky, in the morning the sun dries the dew on their stems.
For a thousand years they wait for him who shall recognize their value, quietly they repose, forever robust.
4 The scenery there is rugged and irregular, with many a hidden depth.
There are rock-covered heights and lonely mountain peaks, dark rocks and craggy ascents, steep cliffs and precipitous ridges.
Red rocks rise steeply upward, and there are green walls ten thousand fathoms high.
Mountain crest rises above mountain crest, they seem to be pressed down by the clouds.
Lofty and verdurous summits far off show their massive shapes; here and there a solitary peak rising in impressive splendor draws the eye.
5 The spiritual haze that hovers over these mountains mingles with the clouds, and from their mysterious founts stream burst forth.
Tumbling waves gush one after the other; running onwards they vie in crazy torrents, they hurtle themselves against rocks and beat in recesses in a boiling rage.
The wild waters churn, the billows spurt foam, with a roaring noise they turn round and round, like a mass of intertwined, coiling dragons.
Then they spread out and form the great streams that gush forth to water the land.
Farther on, their current slows down, to broaden out into a floating vastness.
Placidly the waters spread out wider and wider, till they embrace mountains and hills.
6 Now observing more closely what is found growing in this region, the precious products of this mysterious domain, one sees on the slopes of these mountains rare and strangely shaped jadestone, and deep red jasper, massed about in luxuriant abundance.
Vernal orchids cover their eastern sides, their western slopes produce the yellow crab-apple tree.
On their southern sides the immortal Juanzi dwells, in front an ambrosia fountain bubbles up.
Their summits are covered with dark clouds, phoenixes with fluttering wings gather on their peaks.
Pure dew moistens their flanks, a gentle breeze blows over them.
They are quiet in majestic passiveness, they are subtle in serene repose.
Being surrounded by such scenery, these trees naturally are spiritual and beautiful, and suitable for inspiring the love of music.
7 Here it is that wise men fleeing the world, worthy companions of Yongqi or Qili, together ascend high mountain arches and cross deep-cut vales.
Clinging to branches of fairy trees they climb steep ridges, in order that they may roam under these trees.
Wandering about they remain gazing into the distance for ever; their horizon is as wide as that of a bird in its flight.
Looking upward they see the Kunlun ranges, looking down they discern the marshes that border the ocean.
They point to the Cangwu mountains afar off, they approach the imposing calm of meandering rivers.
Then they realize the constraining shackles of worldly life, and longingly they look up to the splendor that lingers over Mount Ji.
Enamoured with the generous broadness of these heights, their hearts are filled with noble emotions, and they forget to return.
8 Their emotions become broad and even, their eyes have a faraway look.
They long to continue the music left by the Yellow Emperor, they cherish the mountain spirit Laodong of the Gui rock, and admire the inspired songs of Tai Yong.
Beholding these trees they grow thoughtful, they long to express the feelings of their hearts in a tangible way.
Then they lop off the young branches, and weigh and measure a block of wood meet to be employed.
Thus, in order to expand their feelings, Superior Men made the Elegant Lute.
9 One should play the lute in a high building or on a towering terrace, in a spacious hall or in a secluded room;
On a wintry night when the air is limpid and a bright moon is shining; clad in rustling new garments whose perfume pervades the air: then the instrument is cool to the touch, and the strings are correctly tuned.
If the heart is tranquil and the hands are able, the touch of the fingers will respond to the thoughts, and the player will be able to express himself in his music.
10 In the first part of the third month, clad in the elegant garb proper to that season, together with some good friends one sets out for a pleasant excursion.
They wander through fragrant gardens, climb hills, rest under old trees or sit under gaily decorated sunshades.
They walk along clear streams, composing new poems. They admire the leisurely movements of water creatures, and enjoy the verdure.
Then is the right time for playing on the lute the songs left by the Emperor Shun, which elevate the spirit and fill one with longing sadness.
Or, when one holds an informal feast in a daily decorated hall together with one's bosom friends and some intimate guests, enjoying dishes of rare flavor sprinkled with excellent wine of subtle bouquet, then is the right time to play tunes like Nanjing and Xiqin, or to intone the melodies Lingyang and Baren.
All sorts of other melodies may also be played; they will cheer up those who hear them and exalt their spirits.
11 In truth, those people who are not of a free and detached disposition cannot find enjoyment in lute music.
Those who are not profound and serene cannot dwell with it. Those who are not broad-minded cannot ungrudgingly give themselves to it.
Those who are not of the utmost refinement cannot understand its deep significance.
12 In admiration of the rich excellence of this musical instrument, for my own satisfaction I composed this essay.
I shall always cherish the lute, without ever tiring of it. I believe it is a treasure of present and bygone days.
In conclusion, I sing:
Solemn indeed is the virtue of the lute,
It cannot be fathomed
Purity of body and aloofness of heart,
Difficult indeed it is to attain these heights.
Good instruments and excellent players.
Where are those to be found in the present age?
The silk strings resounding in harmony,
This music surpasses all other arts
As those who understand music are few
Who can truly treasure this instrument?
Only to the Superior Man is it given
Completely to understand the elegant lute.
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