Celestial Airs of Antiquity

The extensive repertory of the seven-string zither is preserved in its own tablature notation in about 150 collections. One of the earliest is Shenqui Mipu, a 1425 three-volume collection with sixty-three compositions. The notation does not give explicit instructions on the rhythm and phrasing of the music; to perform it, the musician must not only research the meaning of the symbols but also interpret them to bring the music to life. This edition presents six works from volume 1 of Shenqi Mipu as interpreted and performed by the noted contemporary zither player, the late Yao Bingyan of Shanghai. The music is given in its original tablature notation along with Western staff notation as transcribed from Yao’s performances. The edition also includes a compact disc; an introductory essay on the instrument, the music, the Shenqi Mipu collection, and Yao Bingyan; editorial notes on the transcription; and a discussion of musicological issues that arise from the presentation of Chinese zither music in Western staff notation.

Jiukuang (Wine Madness)

Huaxuyin (Song of Huaxu)

Yangchun (Sunny Spring)

Liushui (Flowing Waters)

Xiaohujia (Little Barbarian Horn, or The Story of Cai Wenji)

Guanglingsan (Niezheng Assassinates the King of Han)

<div>Mercedes Dujunco, 1998 Yearbook for Traditional Music</div>

<div>Supported in part by a grant from the Chiang Ching Kuo Foundation</div>

<div>MPA Paul Revere Award, 1998</div>