Chinese Kunqu Opera-Tha Palace of Eternal Youth-長生殿-3

Details

Description

Composing The Music

Translation by
Yang Xianyi and Gladys Yang(楊憲益戴乃迭)

Lady:
AS I was waiting alone for your majesty in Lotus Pavilion
Enjoying the breeze from the window,
I tried to write a new tune;
But it falls far short of the swans, for that outshines all others.

Emperor:
I have just seen it, and it's quite unique. How can that Swan Dance compare with this?

Lady:
I composed it hastily without much thought; I hope your Majesty will correct its mistakes.

Emperor:
I shall go through it caerfully with you.
I touch your long silk sleeve and your sweet shoulder
As we sit together,
Ang together our fingers go through the pages.
Never has such a tune gladdened the world of men;
I cannot find one flaw.
Tell me, what is the name of this peace?

Lady:
Last night I dreamed I was in the moon and saw a group of fairy musicians, dressed in rainbow-coloured and feathery garments;

So I want to call it the rainbow and Feathery Garment Dance.

Emperor:
Good! It is certainly heavenly music
To match the cassia flowers in the moon.
And your unearthly beauty makes me think
You must once have been a fairy from the moon.
We must give this tune to the conservatory. But I'm afraid ordinary musicians will not fully appreciate its excellence. I

would like Yongxin and Niannu to copy the script and learn it from you, after which they can tell my orchestra leader, Li

Guinian, how to teach it to his musicians, what do you say to this?

Lady: Yes, Your Majesty.

Emperor:
It is growing dark; Let us return to the palace.
An evening breeze is blowing.
The crescent moon has risen.

Lady: Thw imerial couch will soon be growing cool.

emperor:
And see, my sweet, where the lotus on the lake
Has lulled to rest the loving duck and drake.