Li Sao
(The
Lament)
Guqin Solo: Wang
Fei
| The earliest known score for this piece was published in the Shenqi
Mipu of 1425. It is based on the poem of the same name by Qu Yuan of the
Zhou Dynasty. Qu Yuan was a loyal and effective official serving under
Prince Huai of the State of Chu. Rivals slandered his name, and he was
exiled. Confused and disappointed, Qu Yuan wrote his famous poem, which
ranks among the greatest works of Chinese poetry, perhaps of all poetry.
This long, lyrical poem describes the search and disillusionment of a
soul in agony, riding on dragons and serpents from heaven to earth. It
expresses love of one's country and the sorrow of separation. It touches
on historical themes intermingled with legends and myths. The conflict
between the individual and the group is repeatedly described, while at
the same time the poet affirms his determination to fight for justice,
his passionate desire to save his country and his love for its people.
This is a major work for the qin, and uses some archaic fingering techniques.
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