Qing Ping Yue

Introduction

Qing Ping Yue, also known as Serenade of Peaceful Joy, originated as a name for a piece in the imperial music bureau during the Tang Dynasty (618-907) and later became a popular cipai, or tune pattern, used by poets in the Song Dynasty (960-1279) for composing their own works. The form is known for its distinctive rhythm and is often used to express a variety of emotions, from joy and contentment to melancholy and longing. Many famous poets, including Li Qingzhao and Xin Qiji, have written poems in this cipai, which are still appreciated for their beauty and emotional depth today.

Dance Drama: Qing Ping Yue, Ode to Yuandadu

The dance drama Qing Ping Yue, Ode to Yuandadu was staged in Beijing in 2019. This production is a collaborative effort between the Beijing Performing Arts Group and the Beijing Opera and Dance Drama Theater. The performance takes audiences back to the Yuan Dynasty (1271-1368), reenacting the artistic forms that thrived during this culturally vibrant period.

Set in Yuandadu, the capital city of the Yuan Dynasty, now located in Beijing, this dance drama delves into the rich cultural diversity of Beijing and its ethnic cultural heritages that span centuries. Through expressive dance and theatrical storytelling, the production seeks to revive and celebrate the artistic legacy of the Yuan Dynasty.

Historical TV Drama: Serenade of Peaceful Joy

Serenade of Peaceful Joy (Qing Ping Yue) is a historical television drama that has captured the attention of audiences across the Chinese mainland. The show chronicles the life and reign of Emperor Renzong of the Song Dynasty, often referred to as the Chinese Renaissance due to its flourishing arts and culture. The drama's release garnered significant popularity.

The series, starring the renowned actor Wang Kai, adeptly intertwines romance and politics, drawing viewers into the refined culture of the Song Dynasty. It provides a vivid portrayal of the arts, culture, and social life of the time, sparking widespread discussion and appreciation on social media platforms.

Music: Qing Ping Yue in Modern Adaptation

In a contemporary musical adaptation, Qing Ping Yue transcends its historical roots. Guqin player Sun Ying and singer Yang Huahua collaborated to blend traditional guqin music with modern vocals, resulting in the album Fantastic Telling. Released by Modern Sky, the album features seven songs that reinterpret famous traditional Chinese pieces, including Qing Ping Yue.

Sun Ying, a seasoned guqin player, and Yang Huahua, known for her work in pop and rock genres, creatively fuse their talents to offer a fresh perspective on the guqin. The album's minimalist approach emphasizes the guqin's narrative sound, with Yang adjusting her vocal style to complement the ancient instrument's meditative tones.