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The Collection of Art Songs by 20th-century Chinese Composers

  1. Composer: Nie Er 聂耳 (1912-1935)

    Born in Kunming, Yunnan, he was a distinguished Chinese musician and composer, best known for composing "The March of the Volunteers," which became the national anthem of the People's Republic of China. Nie left a profound legacy with his revolutionary songs, which resonated with the era's spirit, serious ideological depth, and robust nationalistic fervor. His untimely death at the age of 23 cut short a promising career, yet his contributions significantly shaped the course of proletarian revolutionary music in China. Nie's compositions stood out for their artistic creativity and became a model for Chinese music creation. His dedication to the cause is reflected in works that not only instilled a sense of national pride but also pioneered various forms such as mass songs conveying revolutionary ideals and film music evoking the people's spirit. His music continues to inspire and serve as a tribute to his life, a life dedicated to music and revolution.

      Song Of Meiniang
    • Poet: Tian Han 田汉
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • An interlude piece composed by Nie Er for Tian Han's three-act play "The Song of Everlasting Sorrow." In this heart-wrenching piece, Meiniang sings to her lover, Gao Weihan, who...

  2. Composer: Ren Guang 任光 (1900-1941)

    A pioneering figure in China's proletarian music movement and a revolutionary musician. Born in Shengzhou, Zhejiang Province, he graduated from the University of Lyon in France. Upon returning to China in 1928, Ren immersed himself in composing songs and scores for films and plays, influenced by Tian Han and Xia Yan's progressive cultural movements. Ren composed "Song of the 19th Route Army," one of China's earliest anti-Japanese songs in 1932. His music captured the spirit of resistance against imperialism and feudalism, co-founding a new era of revolutionary music with Nie Er. During his studies in France, Ren organized and taught "The March of the Volunteers" to a Parisian choir, pioneering overseas patriotic singing. Sadly, Ren's life was cut short during the Southern Anhui Incident at the age of 41. His music, ranging from the lyrically delicate to the robustly determined, reflects the hardships and aspirations of Chinese people in the 1930s and remains emblematic of the era's national style.

      Song Of Fishermen
    • Poem: An E 安娥
    • Pianist: Leyou Wang

      • Composed by Guang Ren with lyrics by An E, this piece is a classic anthem of Chinese cinema, defining the essence of the 1934 film of the same name. Renowned for its emotional depth and evocative imagery, the song...

  3. Composer: Xu Jingxin 徐景新 (1943- )

    A native of Shanghai's County and born in 1943, is an esteemed composer for the Shanghai Film Studio. His compositions are marked by their melodious, light, and emotionally evocative qualities, rich with the essence of life and national characteristics. Xu has composed scores for dozens of films and television dramas, with his music not only serving the content, mood, and structure of the films but also significantly contributing to their success. Xu's music showcases a distinctively delicate Jiangnan style, favoring sophisticated counterpoint in string and plucked instruments. He believes that chamber ensembles best represent Jiangnan folk music, followed by solo performances, and that concertos with solos can shine in large orchestral compositions. Despite his understated pure instrumental works, his dedication over nearly half a century commands respect.

      Spring Blossoms on a Moonlit River
    • Poem: Zhang Ruoxu 张若虚 (Tang Dynasty)
    • Pianist: Yiqiao Gao

      • A vocal music work that brings together profound cultural connotation and artistic innovation. Its birth originated from the adaptation of the lute song "Sunset Drum" in 1923. This song and Zhang Ruoxu's eponymous poem have...

  4. Composer: Zhao Jiping 赵季平 (1945-)

    Born in 1945 in Gansu Province, China, is a renowned composer whose work spans across film scores, symphonies, and vocal music, reflecting a deep connection with traditional Chinese culture. A graduate of the Xi'an Conservatory of Music, Zhao has crafted a unique style that eschews direct quotation in favor of a nuanced incorporation of regional and traditional elements into his compositions. His symphonic works, like Sunbird and Farewell My Concubine, showcased at the Berlin Forest Music Concert in 2000, highlight his ability to blend traditional Chinese music with contemporary forms. Zhao's vocal compositions often draw from traditional opera and local folk music, imbued with a modern sensibility. This approach not only showcases his deep reverence for cultural heritage but also marks him as a pivotal figure in the evolution of contemporary Chinese music.

      Ospreys
    • Poem from Book of Songs 诗经
    • Pianist: Yuefeng Liu

      • This song uses lyrics from the ancient Chinese poem from the "Book of Songs," specifically the section "National Customs · South Zhou · Ospreys." It is a Chinese art song that tells the tale of a nobleman's passionate love for...

  5. Composer: Leyou Wang 王乐游 (1992-)

    A young composer and conductor who grew up in Beijing. His compositions embrace a range of styles including classical, contemporary, as well as film and video game music. During his studies in Germany, he obtained dual bachelor's and master’s degrees in Music Theory and Conducting and in 2020, he was admitted to the University of Missouri-Kansas City's doctoral program in composition with a full scholarship. Wang has garnered multiple awards in symphonic and film score composition, including the prestigious EarShot award from the American Composers Orchestra. His symphonic works have been performed by professional orchestras worldwide, such as the Stuttgart Philharmonic, the Furtwängler Philharmonic, and the Cincinnati Symphony Orchestra, often under his own baton.

      Phoenix Hairpin: The Red Crispy Hands
    • Poet: Lu You 陆游 (Song Dynasty)
    • Piano: Leyou Wang

      • It is based on the poem by the Song Dynasty poet Lu You. This song, set in the key of E-flat major, explores the deep sorrow and unfulfilled love between Lu You and his first wife, Wan Tang, through a romantic style that aligns with traditional Chinese melodic intonations...

      A Placid Brook
    • Poet: Yunnan
    • Piano: Leyou Wang

      • A soul-stirring Yunnan folk song, beautifully arranged by Yigong Yin in 1947, often celebrated as the "Eastern Nocturne." This piece captures the essence of Yunnan's picturesque landscapes and the...

  6. Composer: Long Zhou 周龙 (1953-)

    Born in 1953, he is a composer who has made a significant impact on contemporary music by blending Eastern aesthetics with Western compositional techniques. Graduating from the Central Conservatory of Music in 1983 and receiving his Ph.D. in Music Arts from Columbia University in 1993, Zhou has taught at various prestigious universities and served as a guest lecturer across the globe. His works, characterized by the use of Chinese traditional instruments alongside Western orchestral arrangements, reflect a deep narrative and philosophical nature. Pieces showcase Zhou's ability to create immersive soundscapes that honor the complexity of traditional Chinese music while embracing contemporary forms. His music not only echoes the past but also speaks to the aspirations and harmonious relationship between humanity and nature, characterized by peace, light, and love. Zhou's respected compositions continue to contribute richly to the fabric of modern Chinese music.

      Konghou Fantasia
    • Poet: Li He (Tang Dynasty)
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao

      • The poet is exquisite poetic explorations of ancient Chinese musical instruments and their accompanying music. The kōng hóu, an ancient Chinese harp played with both hands, serves as the central image in these works...

      Pipa Ballad
    • Poet: Bai Juyi (Tang Dynasty)
    • Pipa: Honghong Gianakon
    • Cello: Seungchan Song

      • The poem is a lyrical journey that narrates the performance of a pipa player, unfolding from her entrance with the instrument to the acclamation received for her virtuosic playing and culminating with her self-introduction and the emotional response from the audience...

  7. Composer: Qing Liu 刘青 (1963-)

    An accomplished composer and associate professor at the China Conservatory of Music, is celebrated for her sophisticated musical style that marries the richness of traditional Chinese musical culture with modern compositional techniques. Her works, noted for their novelty and touching emotional depth, have been lauded internationally, gracing stages in the United States, Germany, Finland, Sweden, Japan, Korea, Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong, and mainland China. Liu’s artistic direction is particularly visible in her rendition of "The Yue Folk’s Song," which stands out for its melodious and tender musical qualities and rich instrumental accompaniment. This piece is a testament to Liu's artistic philosophy and has become a staple in the vocal performance repertoire, capturing the essence of its original poetry with grace and sincerity.

      The Yue Folk’s Song
    • Poet: The Book of Good Sayings (Pre-Qin)
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • A haunting melody that dates to the Spring and Autumn and Warring States periods, known as the artistic wellspring of the "Chu Ci" or Songs of Chu, which represents some of China's earliest poetic works...

  8. Composer: Rui Zhang 张瑞 (1972-)

    An accomplished composer and educator from China. Educated at the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, where she graduated in 1995, Zhang is known for her strong theoretical background in composition. Following her graduation, Zhang continued to contribute to the conservatory as a faculty member, teaching music education. Her expertise was further homed in 2001 when she was sent to the Saint Petersburg Conservatory in Russia for advanced studies in harmony, alongside a subsidiary focus on vocal accompaniment. At the Tianjin Conservatory of Music, Zhang imparts knowledge in a range of subjects including sight-singing, ear training, improvisational accompaniment, composition, and arrangement. Her academic and teaching credentials suggest a composer with a profound understanding of music theory and its practical applications, likely resulting in works that are both intellectually rigorous and richly expressive.

      Eulogy
    • Poet: Xu Zhimuo
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao

      • A compelling art song, adapted from Xu Zhimo's poetry, which is renowned for its elegant and fresh style, harmonious rhythm, original metaphors, rich imagination, and ethereal thought...

  9. Composer: Liao Shangguo 廖尚果 (1893-1959)

    Also known as Qingzhu, was a prominent composer and music theorist from Guangdong, China. Studying law, philosophy, piano, and composition in Germany, he returned to China with a diverse educational background, which enriched his music. His compositions are acclaimed for their high artistic level and distinct era spirit, combining serious thoughtfulness with national spirit. Liao also made significant contributions to music theory with publications like "Talks on Music" and "General Music Theory," which were among China's early comprehensive works on music aesthetics. Liao showcases his humanistic concerns, patriotism, and deep cultural introspection, all hallmarks of his creative philosophy and style in his compositions.

      The Yangtze Love
    • Poet: Li Zhiyi (Song Dynasty)
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao

      • A touching art song composed in the 1930s by Qingzhu, a significant figure in the development of Chinese art songs. This song, adapted from the Song dynasty poet Li Zhiyi's renowned "Pu Sa Man," is...

  10. Composer: Liu Xuean 刘雪庵 (1905-1985)

    An influential Chinese composer, music theorist, and educator from Tongliang (now part of Chongqing). Liu studied piano and violin and sang Kunqu opera in his early years in Chengdu. He composed lyrical pieces and nationalistic songs reflecting the times. His wartime compositions deeply resonated with the Chinese people's struggles during the Japanese invasion. Known for his patriotic themes and melding traditional Chinese elements with contemporary styles, Liu's works played a vital role in the mass singing movement that aimed to boost morale. Post-war, he remained active in music education and composition, creating pieces like the piano adaptation of the ancient tune and translating the opera "Carmen". Despite political adversity and later blindness, Liu continued to create, revise, and adapt music, leaving a legacy of resilience and dedication to his craft.

      Azuki Bean (1943)
    • Poet: Cao Xueqin
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • This work inspired by the beloved classic "Dream of the Red Chamber," is a poignant art song that captures the essence of longing and unrequited love depicted in the novel. It conveys Jia Baoyu's deep feelings for...

  11. Composer: Yao Deng 邓垚 (1975-)

    He enrolled in the Composition Department of the Affiliated Middle School of the China Conservatory of Music in 1991 and continued at the Conservatory for his undergraduate studies in 1994. Upon graduating in 1999, Deng was recruited into the Second Artillery Corps Song and Dance Troupe of the People's Liberation Army, where he excelled and received several commendations. Deng's approach to composition is contemplative, often spending considerable time conceiving a piece before committing pen to paper. This reflective process draws from his extensive experience as a piano accompanist, which has enriched his musical language. His works tend to have a popular and contemporary feel, evolving with his perception and preference over time. Currently, his music aligns with the modern trends in Chinese vocal music, both in composition and piano accompaniment, mirroring the progress in this domain.

      Amazing Avarguli
    • Poet: Guo Shifu
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao

      • A poignant and evocative composition by Yao Deng, is an adaptation of traditional Uighur folk music from Xinjiang, which has gained wide popularity in Han areas. This piece set in G minor, adopts a modal structure prevalent in...

  12. Composer: Yi Chen 陈怡 (1953-)

    Yi Chen, born in Guangzhou, China in 1953, is a celebrated composer and a fellow of the American Academy of Arts and Sciences. Educated at the Central Conservatory of Music in Beijing, she earned her bachelor's and master's degrees before furthering her studies in composition at Columbia University in New York on a scholarship, ultimately attaining her doctoral degree in 1993. Chen has held prestigious positions including full-time composition professor at the Peabody Institute of Johns Hopkins University and endowed professor at Missouri State University. Chen's artistic creation seamlessly blends Chinese cultural elements with modern techniques, resulting in a distinctive aesthetic that has brought international acclaim to her compositions. Chen's music is characterized by its academic style, profound attraction to various forms of Chinese art, and skillful integration of singing elements, especially from Peking opera.

      Bright Moonlight
    • Poet: Yi Chen
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • This composition by Chen Yi, unique for its English lyrics within her oeuvre, showcases a departure from her usual through-composed style, featuring a strophic form where different verses are set to the same melody...

      "Know You How Many Petals Falling" from Meditation (1999)
    • Poet: Meng Haoran (Tang Dynasty)
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • An evocative piece that stands at the intersection of traditional and modern compositional techniques, reflecting a harmonious blend that appeals to both classical and contemporary tastes...

      "Monologue" from Meditation (1999)
    • Poet: Chen Ziang (Tang Dynasty)
    • Piano: Yuefeng Liu

      • This piece intricately combines traditional Chinese musical elements with contemporary compositional techniques, showcasing a seamless blend that appeals to a wide audience. The piece represents a significant effort to...

  13. Composer: Zhao Yuanren 赵元任 (1892-1982)

    A prominent Chinese modern scholar, linguist, and musician is celebrated for his pioneering contributions to modern linguistics and music. Born in Tianjin, he hailed from a family with historical literary ties, being a descendant of the Qing Dynasty poet Zhao Yi. Zhao's academic brilliance led him to teach at prestigious institutions such as Cornell, Harvard, Tsinghua University, and ultimately, UC Berkeley. His musical creations broke away from the pattern of adapting foreign tunes with Chinese lyrics, ushering in a new era of modern Chinese music. His compositions are characterized by their clear patriotic and democratic themes, blending traditional Chinese melodies with modern Western compositional techniques.

      How Can I Help But Think of You (1926)
    • Poem: Liu Bannong
    • Pianist: Yiqiao Gao

      • A poignant art song that deftly captures the essence of longing and reminiscence, composed by Liu Bannong during his studies in London in 1920. This composition stands out for its innovative use of the...

  14. Composer: Huang Zi 黄自 (1904-1938)

    An accomplished early 20th-century Chinese composer and music theorist, was among the first to introduce European compositional techniques and theories to China. His oeuvre, while not vast, covers a wide range of themes and is known for its high artistic quality and significant impact on the development of modern Chinese music. Huang's art songs occupy a substantial part of his work, demonstrating his musical style and achievements, especially those set to ancient and modern poetry. A pioneer of the national harmony movement in the 1920s, Huang Zi advanced this exploration upon his return from studying abroad, contributing to its maturity.

      Spring Moaning
    • Poem: Wei Hanzhang
    • Pianist: Yiqiao Gao

      • A lyrical art song created by Huang Zi after his return from studies abroad, encapsulates the essence of patriotic fervor through the medium of music. This song stands as a testament to the...

      Three Wishes of the Rose(1932)
    • Poet: Long Yusheng
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao
    • Violin: Tianrui Hu

      • This piece is emblematic of the genre of art songs that flourished in early 19th-century Europe, characterized by their strong poetic lyrics, often derived from famous poems, and...

      Homesickness (1932)
    • Poet: Wei Hanzhang
    • Piano: Yiqiao Gao

      • A touching art song that emerged from the collaboration between the lyricist Hanzhang Wei and the composer Huang Zi, two pivotal figures in modern Chinese music and poetry...