“An Wanshan’s Pi’li: Emotional Music Journey”

Translation and Expansion of “Listening to An Wanshan Play the Pi’li” by Li Qip

Listening to An Wanshan Play the Pi’li

By Li Qip (Tang Dynasty)

From the southern mountains, bamboo is cut to make a pi’li,

This ancient instrument originally came from Kucha.

Its melodies have evolved into something novel in the Han lands,

Now, it is played for me by the Hu people of Liangzhou.

Listeners nearby sigh with emotion,

Travelers far from home shed tears.

People can hear but not appreciate the music,

The musician seems to drift through a storm.

The sound is like the rustling of withered mulberry and old cypress trees,

Or like nine phoenix chicks chirping together.

It’s as if the roar of dragons and tigers erupted simultaneously,

Or the myriad sounds of autumn streams and hundred springs joined in unison.

Suddenly, it shifts to the mournful tone of the Yuyang dance,

Turning daylight into a gloomy dusk under swirling yellow clouds.

Then it changes to a lively, joyous tune reminiscent of the willow branches,

Like the blooming flowers in the Shanglin Park.

On New Year’s Eve, with candles shining brightly in the hall,

Enjoy a cup of fine wine while listening to the pi’li.

Expanded Explanation for American Readers

Li Qip’s poem “Listening to An Wanshan Play the Pi’li” offers a rich depiction of the emotional and sensory experiences evoked by the ancient Chinese musical instrument, the pi’li. The poem reflects on the cultural and personal impact of this music, bridging historical and emotional landscapes.

Context and Meaning

The Pi’li and Its Origins

Instrument and Origin: The pi’li, also known as the bìlì or píli, is a traditional wind instrument resembling a suona (a double-reed horn) made from bamboo. It was originally introduced to China from the Western Regions, specifically Kucha (龟兹), an ancient city in what is now Xinjiang.

Evolution of Melodies: Over time, the pi’li’s music evolved as it reached the Han lands. The poem highlights how its melodies have become more intricate and captivating, reflecting the dynamic cultural exchanges between regions.

The Experience of Listening

Emotional Impact: An Wanshan, a musician from the Hu people of Liangzhou, plays the pi’li. The profound emotional response of those listening nearby is evident—people sigh and travelers weep, suggesting that the music evokes deep feelings of nostalgia and sorrow.

Contrast Between Hearing and Appreciation: The poem contrasts those who merely hear the music with those who truly appreciate its depth and beauty. The musician’s performance is likened to navigating through a storm, illustrating the complexity and intensity of the music.

Vivid Imagery: The sounds of the pi’li are compared to various natural and mythical phenomena:

Rustling Trees: The sound resembles the rustling of withered trees.

Chirping Phoenix Chicks: It evokes the delicate, intricate sound of phoenix chicks.

Dragon and Tiger Roars: The music’s power is likened to the simultaneous roar of dragons and tigers.

Autumn Streams: The combined sound of autumn streams and springs adds to the music’s grandeur.

Shifts in Tone: The poem describes sudden changes in the music’s tone:

Mournful Yuyang Dance: The music shifts to a mournful tone reminiscent of the Yuyang dance, creating a somber mood.

Joyful Willow Song: It then transitions to a lively tune like the joyful song of willows, evoking the vibrancy of blooming flowers in Shanglin Park.

Celebration and Reflection

New Year’s Eve: The poem concludes with a festive image of celebrating New Year’s Eve in a brightly lit hall, enjoying fine wine while listening to the pi’li. This final scene juxtaposes the earlier somber tones with a celebration of music and life.

Li Qip’s “Listening to An Wanshan Play the Pi’li” is a celebration of the pi’li’s emotional and cultural significance. The poem vividly captures the transformative power of music, its ability to evoke a wide range of emotions, and its role in both personal reflection and cultural celebration.

By simplifying the language and providing clear explanations, this expansion bridges the cultural and historical gap, making Li Qip’s profound reflections more understandable and engaging for a contemporary American audience.