The text from this work is selected from The Book of Songs, China's earliest anthology of poetry consisting of 305 songs popular between the 11th and 6tth centuries B.C. More than half of them are folk songs from various parts of the country, while the rest are ceremonial or festive songs sung at court or at banquets and hymns used during sacrifices to the gods or one's ancestors. Most of the poems are written in a simple and natural style to times and have been highly appreciated throughout the ages and have exerted a profound influence on the development of Chinese literature. The composer has chosen an English translation of the two poems so that this oldest of China's literary classics may be better understood. The musical style is not restricted to the traditional folk song form in pentatonic scale: freer melodic expression is achieved through atonal means and the style of a rustic song is retained. "The Peach Tree" (Tao Yao) is concerned with the popular marriage customs, where woman are considered the possession of men. "Gathering Plantain" (Fou Yi) is a work song sung by women as they gather plantain grass. |
