Qin Shi Chubian 6B - Introduction to Huangying Yin

the Yuan dynasty publication Shilin Guangji a short qin song was published; its complete name is Prelude to Golden Oriole Intonation (Kaizhi Huangying Yin). Kaizhi were short preludes for qin melodies with large structure, mostly used to familiarize oneself with the layout of the strings, or briefly to introduce the whole melody. Sometimes kaizhi were memory aids, also filled in with lyrics. This song makes use of the song and dance of yellow orioles amongst flowering shrubs in order to express welcoming spring. The lyrics and music are linked very well, seeming very much like an actual song. The whole song is as follows:

(The essay ends with a transcription of the entire melody from the original qin tablature, omitted here. I have done my own transcription of this melody, as well as a recording (see link with my own commentary). My selection of note values/rhythms is quite different from those of Xu Jian and others. The melody's brevity (see lyrics and Chinese lyrics: the music is paired on note for each of the 26 characters) makes it difficult to use or even analyze this as a stand alone composition.)

(Continue with Qin melody lists)

Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1. Chapter 6 covers these dynasties (dates, capital city [modern name]):

Northern Song (960-1126; Dongjing [Kaifeng])
Liao (907-1125; Dading Fu [Daning?])
Southern Song (1127-1280; Linan Fu [Hangzhou])
Jin (1115-1260; Zhongdu [Beijing])
Yuan (1206-1280-1368; Dadu [Beijing])
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2. Translation by JT.
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3. Golden Oriole Intonation (Huangying Yin)
More information as well as links to further references are included with my own page concerning Shilin Guangji, which includes this melody.
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Return to the top or to Song-Yuan in the Qinshi Chubian outline.