Ancient Chinese Poems Set to Music

Poetry is very important in China. During the Tang Dynasty, considered the height of culture in Chinese history, many poets flourished and wrote poems that are still learned and recited in China today. The songs in this category are a small representation of rich poetic history of China

Xiāng Sī  (Thinking of Each Other)
by Wang Wei [Tang Dynasty, 8th Century]

​This is a song of remembrance that is sung at any time of year. The poem was written by Wang Wei, a poet and painter who lived from 699-759 (dates are approximate) and whose work is still known throughout China. 

Dēng guàn què lóu
By Wang ZhiHuan (688-742)

Wang Zhihuan is a famous poet from the Tang Dynasty and this is his most well-known open.

Jìng Yè Sī
By Li Bai

Li Bai (701-762) was one of the greatest poets of the Tang Dynasty. The Tang era is considered  a golden age of Chinese poetry, in large part due to Li Bai's works. 

Fù Dé Gǔ Yuán Cǎo Sòng Bié​
​(Farewell on an ancient plain)
By Bai Juyi（772-846)

Bao Juyi is the most prolific of the Tang Dynasty poets, He used simple verse to focus on the social issues of his day.
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The Chinese Folk Music Project is a resource for english-speaking music teachers to teach their students chinese songs in a culturally responsive way. This project is made possible with the support of the Confucius Institute in Edmonton.