The opening lyrics of this piece quote the famous poem by Wang Wei, Weicheng Tune, generally called Seeing Yuan Er off to Anxi⁶

The lyrics then considerably expand upon this theme.

Yangguan is one of the most famous Chinese melodies, often played on other instruments. Versions survive in at least 29 handbooks from the present one up to 1961 (see appendix ⁷). Early qinpu have two basic versions of this piece, a short one first found in Faming Qinpu and usually called Yangguan Sandie, and a longer one, usually (but not this first one) called Yangguan Qu or simply Yangguan.⁸

Both versions include the lyrics above, and both use variations on the same melody. The one commonly played today is a descendant of the short version, in three sections; it is played largely as printed in Qinxue Rumen⁹ (1864), but can be traced back to the version mentioned above as first published in Faming Qinpu (1530). The long one, which can be traced to this one in Zheyin Shizi Qinpu, generally has eight or nine sections. It occurs in eight handbooks through 1623, then again crops up in two 19th century handbooks. Four handbooks have both versions.

The expression sandie, meaning "three repetitions", is also found in the phrase "qinxin sandie".¹⁰ There was once a book or essay called Qin Xin Sanpian, but there was no known melody called Qin Xin: it is a phrase that means something like "qin thinking", or, "expressing oneself through the qin". Sandie, when used together with qin xin, is connected to the idea that playing something on the qin three times can lead to becoming one with the instrument.

Modern versions all use ruibin (raised fifth string) tuning, but early tablature may use either ruibin or qiliang (raised second and fifth strings; see comment). Some, as here, say or imply they use qiliang, but actually use ruibin. It is easy to convert from one tuning to the other, because the second string is not used much. Main cadences are on 6 (la), as is common in ruibin mode.

Because the end of the Zheyin manuscript is missing, the last two lines here have had to be reconstructed based on other versions. The lyrics are from the identical lyrics of Lexian Qinpu (1623), while the melody is from Zhenchuan Zhengzong Qinpu (1589).¹¹

 
Zheyin Shizi Qinpu Preface¹²

The Beyond-Sounds Immortal says,

This melody originated with Wang Mojie (Wang Wei), but later people added to it. The Royal Ancestor's Handbook does not have this melody. It seems as though, in our lives, (friends) are rarely together, they are often separated. At the point of departure they hold a cup of wine and three times sing Yangguan, with words like "going to the west there will be no old friends" (and) "people of Wu and Chu (i.e., neighbors) share the same melancholy ". Is this not sad?

 
Music
8 Sections titled and with lyrics¹³

00.00   1. Rain at Shatou
00.28   2. Releasing the magnolia boat
00.59   3. Leaving Yellow Crane Pavilion
01.37   4. Going on a distant road
02.37   5. Sorrow comes and goes like the tide
03.59   6. Wind blows in the willows
04.58   7. The moon shines on the sandbank
05.35   8. Repeatedly (asking the parting friend) to return
06.26       Original tablature ends; see comments above
06.45       Closing harmonics
07.04       End

 
Footnotes (Shorthand references are explained on a separate page)

1. 42673.380 陽關三疊 and .384 陽關曲 (which quotes the original poem). See "Dapu, Bringing Old Music to Life" for some analysis of the rhythms of this version of Yangguan Sandie. (Return)

2. Tuning and mode of Yangguan Sandie)
The melody is grouped with qiliang mode pieces, which raise the 2nd and 5th strings, but in fact it uses ruibin tuning, which raises only the fifth string. Compare the short version, which today uses ruibin but which in the earliest surviving version (1530) uses qiliang (see also below). If not otherwise indicat3ed, which tuning is being used can be determined by seeing whether the second string is stopped in the 10th position, as in ruibin tuning, or in the 11th position (today 10.8), as in qiliang tuning. In Zheyin Shizi Qinpu it is stopped at the 11th position.

Which tuning is used here does not seem to affect the modal characteristics, which concern primary and secondary tonal centers (see Modality in Early Ming Qin Tablature). Here the primary tonal center seems to be re with the secondary center la (most sections end on la, but the whole piece ends on re). (See comment by Xu Jian in QSCB, p.74. In the longer version mi seems to have more prominence; la mi is a characteristic of the standard tuning yu mode. No standard tuning modes melodies seem to be re la. (Return)

4. 黃鶴樓 Huang He Lou (48904.1341)
The Yellow Crane Pavilion in Wuchang, now part of modern Wuhan city, was originally built in the 3rd century, but had to be re-built many times, most recently in 1986 (in Qing dynasty style). (Return)

5. Most of these places can still be found on modern maps. (Return)

6. 渭城曲，送元二出便安西. The original lyrics of the poem are,

7. The appendix traces the different versions of Yang Guan.
(Return)

8. Other titles for this melody include 陽關操 Yangguan Cao, 大陽關 Da Yangguan, 秋江送別 Qiujiang Songbie (Autumn River Parting) and 春江送別 Chunjiang Songbie (Spring River Parting).
(Return)

9. There are several recordings based on the 琴學入門 Qin Xue Rumen version. It is quite rare for the lyrics to be sung. See further comments on this under the short version.
(Return)

10. 琴心三疊 Qin Xin Sandie. See QSDQ, Chapter 17 and a Li Bai poem.
(Return)

11. 樂仙琴譜 Lexian Qinpu (1623); 真傳正宗琴譜 Zhenchuan Zhengzong Qinpu (1589).
(Return)

12. Original Chinese preface can be seen under 陽關三疊.
(Return)

13. Yangguan Sandie section titles and lyrics (original Chinese and my tentative translation)
Sections 2 through 8 have new lyrics, all ending with the same refrain ("Mount Wu's height...."). Section 1 has the original Wang Wei lyrics; note, however, the insertion in the fourth line of the meaningless words "的那 of those/that". In Zheyin Shizi Qinpu, as in most Ming dynasty handbooks with lyrics, the pairing of music and lyrics is mostly syllabic, with one character for each right hand stroke; however, it was common to insert phrases such as "的那 of those/that" or the equally meaningless "你那 your that" as pairs for the left hand stroke technique 對起 duiqi. Also, where a finger pattern is repeated (再作 "do again"), there is no indication of whether the phrase should also be sung again. Such passages are indicated below by empty phrases (i.e.: "，，" or "，。"). This, plus the very literary but somewhat casual nature of the original lyrics, makes smooth translation problematic.

1.	沙頭過雨 渭城朝雨浥輕塵。 客舍青青柳色新。 勸君更盡一杯酒。 西出陽關（的那）無故人，。	Rain at Shatou The morning rain at Weicheng dampens the light dust, The inn is green with the color of new willows. The gentlemen urgently offer up one more cup of wine. Going west to Yangguan there will be no (of those) old acquaintances.
2.	解木蘭舟 木蘭舟，，載不起許多的離愁。 人在你那西陵，心在東州，心在東州。 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Releasing the magnolia boat Magnolia boat, , it is not possible to record so many bitter farewells. People at (your that) Xiling; heart at Dongzhou, heart at Dongzhou. Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
3.	辭黃鶴樓 黃鶴樓，，煙花三月的那下揚州。 木蘭舟，木蘭舟，載不起許多的離愁。 管送別那長亭，依依柳。 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Leaving Yellow Crane Pavilion Yellow Crane Pavilion, , third month bursting flowers of those gone down to Yangzhou. Magnolia boat, magnolia boat, it is not possible to record so many parting miseries. Managing seeing off at that Station Post, fresh green willows. Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
4.	迢遙去路 路迢迢，，尊酒的那盡沙頭。 傷懷抱，江聲日夜擾暮濤。 鷫鷞裘，到處的那重遨遊。 浪花浮，，大江瀉不盡那離愁。  情煙罨那畫樓，楊柳溪橋， 夜雨扁舟，明月梁州，梁州。 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Going on a distant road The road is distant, , a goblet of wine of that exhausted by Shatou. Distressing emotional embraces, river sounds day and night stir up evening waves. In a turquoise feather garment, everywhere of that repeatedly roaming. Foam waters floating, , the great river purges the parting miseries. Clear haze covers that completely the tower, willows by stream's bridge. In the evening rain a boat, a clear moon over Liangzhou. Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
5.	恨逐來潮 月下潮生紅蓼汀，   柳稍風急墮流螢。 長亭短亭，惜別丁寧；   梧桐夜雨，恨不同聽。 為功名，，郵亭驛路飄零，   慢敲金鐙愴離情， 聽唱陽關那曲四聲，別離輕，。 吳山楚水，蹤跡浮萍，    長安回首人孤零，孤零。 雲山圍四漠，別路轉孤城。 朝雨過，挹輕塵，唱渭城柳色青。 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Sorrow comes and goes like the tide Under the moon the tide reveals red smartweed on the sandbank;   willows in a light breeze anxiously settle over drifting fireflies. At short and long distance station posts, regrets at parting come repeatedly;   wutong trees in the night rain: hatred at not hearing this together. For honor, , but courier lodges on the the post road have fallen into ruin;   slowly hit the golden stirrups (having) sad departure emotions. Hearing singing of Yang Guan song's sounds, departure seems casual, . Wu Mountain, Chu River, footsteps are drifting,   to Chang'an turning one's head a person is solitary, is solitary. Clouded mountains surround four sandy deserts, the departure road turns to a lonely city. The morning rain has gone, dampening the light dust; sing of Weicheng willow colors green. Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
6.	風吹楊柳 芳草渡頭初雨過，綠楊枝上好風清。 綠楊芳草牽挽離情。。 長短亭，，載酒的那送君行。 景晴明，，和風麗日，鬧那燕鶯。  雲山那萬里，何日歸程，？ 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Wind blows in the willows Fragrance grasses by the ferry as the first rains pass, green willow branches enjoy clear breezes. Green willows and fragrant grasses pull out the departing's sadness, . Long and short distance station posts, , recording wine's of that seeing off the gentleman traveling. Landscape clear and bright, , peaceful breeze on a beautiful day, noise of those swallows and orioles. Clouded mountains for that 10,000 li, on what day a return jouney, ? Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
7.	月照汀洲 月明明，，漏曉的那立沙汀。 送君別，，無限離情，握手都門。 回首你那金陵，那金陵。 吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	The moon shines on the sandbank The moon is very bright, , at dawn of that existing sandbank. Seeing off the gentleman departing, , limitless departing feelings, grasping hands at the capital gate. Turning head to your that Jinling (Nanjing!), that Jinling. Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
8.	叮嚀會合 再叮嚀，故人情，丱角論交，   松柏誓盟，誓盟，離東君。 桃李侯門，楊柳彭城，一葉身，。 酒舡掉月，詩擔挑雲。  冷冷清清，那冷清，冷清，冷清。 西山列畫屏，鞍馬秋風冷。   (功名事苦飄零，何日兮，歸三徑？    吳山高聳水東流；東流，東流，復東流。	Repeatedly (asking the parting friend) to return Again repeatedly, old friend's emotions, a child's hair for conversation,   old age promises, promises, leaving the master. Peaches and plums (i.e., disciples) at the closed gate, willows at Pengcheng, a blade of grass, . A wine boat rowed in the moon, poetry shouldered while leaping the clouds Quiet and still, that cold clear (i.e., quiet and still), cold clear, cold clear. Western mountains as a painted screen, a saddled horse in a cold autumn wind.   (Affairs of honor bitterly fallen to ruin; when, ah, will I return to my hermit's abode [sanjing]?    Mount Wu's height soars up and waters flow east; flow east, flow east, again flow east.
	尾聲、泛音    他鄉故國，看明月，淒淒切切，    會少離多，花殘月缺。)	Coda: Harmonics    In another countryside old country, see the bright moon, in great pain and urgency,    together seldom, apart often, flowers spoiled, moon waned.

N.B.: The last page of Zheyin Shizi Qinpu is missing, so the last two lines of Section 8 and the lyrics of the Coda have been completed by comparing the version published in 1623. See comment above.
(Return)

Return to the Zheyin Shizi Qinpu index or to the Guqin ToC.

 
Appendix: Chart Tracing 陽關三疊 Yang Guan Sandie
  Based mainly on Zha Fuxi's Guide, 12/124/222 Yangguan Sandie and 14/149/258 陽關曲 Yangguan Qu,
  but also see 31/241/457 Chunjiang Songbie and 26/217/416 秋江送別 Qiujiang Songbie.

琴譜   (year; QQJC Vol/page)	# of Sections	調 Tuning	Further information (QQJC = 琴曲集成 Qinqu Jicheng; QF = 琴府 Qin Fu)
1. 浙音釋字琴譜       (<1491; I/251)	8+1	RB	陽關三疊 Yang Guan Sandie; grouped under QL (淒涼 qiliang)     but tuning is RB (蕤賓 ruibin); see lyrics and compare 1530 below
2. 謝琳太古遺音       (1511; I/293)	1	RB	陽關曲 Yangguan Qu; lyrics consist of Wang Wei's poem repeated 13 times.
3. 發明琴譜       (1530; I/357)	8	RB !	陽關 Yang Guan; tuning is called "qiliang...raise the 2nd and 5th strings",   but 2nd string is stopped at 10th hui, not 11th. Lyrics like <1491 except refrain.
-. 發明琴譜       (1530; I/369)	3	QL !	陽關三疊 Yang Guan Sandie; like modern version, except the tuning:  raise 2nd and 5th string; stop 2nd string in the 11th position (see also the lyrics)
4. 風宣玄品       (1539; II/326)	9	RB	陽關 Yang Guan; quite different from earlier long versions
5. 龍湖琴譜       (1571; 琴府/275)	9	RB	陽關 Yang Guan; lyrics like 1585 except coda
6. 新刊正文對音捷要       (1573; ??)	9	RB	春江送別 Chunjiang Songbie  compare 1585 Qiujiang Songbie
-. 新刊正文對音捷要       (1573; ??)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  identical to 1585?
7. 五音琴譜       (1579; IV/246)	8	RB	陽關 Yang Guan; no lyrics!  ToC: "大陽關 Da Yangguan"
8. 重修真傳琴譜       (1585; IV/496)	9	RB	秋江送別 Qiujiang Songbie  compare 1573 Chunjiang Songbie! Grouped under QL
-. 重修真傳琴譜       (1585; IV/499)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  compare 1573; grouped under QL
9. 真傳正宗琴譜       (1589/1609; VII/141)	9+1	QL	陽關操 Yangguan Cao  lyrics like #1, but another different refrain
-. 真傳正宗琴譜       (1589/1609; VII/144)	3+1	QL	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
10. 文會堂琴譜       (1596; VI/257)	3	RB	陽關 Yang Guan
11. 陽春堂琴譜       (1611; VII/459)	3+1	QL	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  lyrics like 1589
12. 理性元雅       (1618; VIII/288)	3	QL	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
-. 理性元雅       (1618; VIII/289)	9	QL	春江送別 Chunjiang Songbie  lyrics like 1585
13. 太音希聖       (1620; IX/237)	10	RB	春江送別 Chunjiang Songbie  tablature says tuning is QL; lyrics like 1585
14. 樂仙琴譜       (1623; VIII/376)	8	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  lyrics like <1491
15. 古音正宗       (1634; IX/311)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
16. 和文注音琴譜       (<1676; XII/252)	1	QL?	陽關曲 Yangguan Qu  very short: Wang Wei poem just once
17. 立雪齋琴譜       (1730; XV?)	13+1	QL	陽關 Yang Guan  lyrics like <1491 for first 8 sections, then 1, 2 and 3 die
18. 琴書千古       (1738; ?)	3+1	?	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
-. 琴書千古       (1738; ?)	5	?	春江送別 Chunjiang Songbie
19. 裛露軒琴譜       (>1802; ?)	3	QL	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
20. 琴學軔端       (1828; ?)	10+1	?	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  lyrics like <1491 but breaks up sections
21. 張鞠田琴譜       (1844; ?)	5	宮調 gong	陽關 Yang Guan  melody from 昆曲 Kunqu? has 工尺譜 gongche notation
22. 琴學入門       (1864; 琴府/615)	3	RB ("商音")	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie; "無射均商音 Wuyi Jun Shang Yin" (see comments)  The common version today, though usually without its lyrics, which are placed at the end ("清和節當春，渭城朝雨....噫，從今一別，兩地相思入夢頻，聞鴈來賓")
23. 希韶閣琴譜       (1878; ?)	7	角 (?)	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  lyrics like <1491 but skips sections 6 & 7
24. 雙琴書屋琴譜集成       (1884; ?)	3+1	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  "also called Chunjiang Songbie; "lyrics like 1589"
25. 綠綺清韻       (1884; ?)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
26. 希韶閣琴瑟合譜       (1890; ?)	3+1	?	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  begins with Wang Wei lyrics, then quite different
27. 琴學初津       (1894; ?)	4	RB "商"	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
28. 琴學叢書       (1910; 琴府/1021)	3	RB "商"	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  "from 1864", with rhythmic indication
29. 山西育才館雅樂講義       (1922; ?)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  "like 1864"
30. 夏一峰傳譜       (1957/p.93)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
31. 研易習琴齋琴譜       (1961/I-2)	3+1	standard !	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie; tuning is called 中呂均商音 zhonglü jun shang yin  very different from the common melody; source is not given
- 研易習琴齋琴譜       (1961/II-2)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie  tuning is called 無射均商音 Wuyi Jun Shang Yin, "tighten 5th string"
32. 愔愔室琴譜       (2000/99)	3+1	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie
33. 虞山吳氏琴譜       (2001/188)	3	RB	陽關三疊 Yangguan Sandie

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