Analysis of "听安万善吹觱篥歌" - Classical Chinese Poetry

Introduction

The poem "听安万善吹觱篥歌" ("Listening to An Wanshan Play the Bili") was written by Li Qi (李颀, 690–751), a Tang Dynasty poet known for his vivid depictions of music and frontier life. This poem is a masterpiece of classical Chinese poetry, capturing the emotional power of music through rich imagery and profound cultural symbolism.

The bìlì (觱篥) is a traditional Chinese reed instrument, similar to an oboe, often associated with the melancholic tones of frontier life. Li Qi's poem not only describes the music but also evokes the deep emotions it stirs—loneliness, nostalgia, and the vastness of the human experience.

The Poem: Full Text and Translation

南山截竹为觱篥
Nánshān jié zhú wéi bìlì
Cutting bamboo from South Mountain to make a bili

此乐本自龟兹出
Cǐ yuè běn zì Qiūcí chū
This music originally came from Qiuci (Kucha)

流传汉地曲转奇
Liúchuán Hàn dì qǔ zhuǎn qí
Spreading to the Han lands, its tunes grew wondrous

凉州胡人为我吹
Liángzhōu hú rén wèi wǒ chuī
A barbarian from Liangzhou plays it for me

傍邻闻者多叹息
Bàng lín wén zhě duō tànxī
Those nearby who hear it sigh deeply

远客思乡皆泪垂
Yuǎn kè sī xiāng jiē lèi chuí
Travelers from afar, homesick, shed tears

世人解听不解赏
Shìrén jiě tīng bù jiě shǎng
People can hear but not truly appreciate

长飙风中自来往
Cháng biāo fēng zhōng zì láiwǎng
Like a fierce wind, it comes and goes freely

Line-by-Line Analysis

1. "Cutting bamboo from South Mountain to make a bili"
   - The poem begins with the crafting of the instrument, grounding it in nature. The South Mountain symbolizes purity and tradition.

2. "This music originally came from Qiuci (Kucha)"
   - Qiuci (modern-day Kuqa, Xinjiang) was a Central Asian kingdom famous for its music, highlighting the cultural exchange along the Silk Road.

3. "Spreading to the Han lands, its tunes grew wondrous"
   - The bili's music evolved as it traveled, blending foreign and Chinese influences.

4. "A barbarian from Liangzhou plays it for me"
   - The musician is a hú rén (胡人, "barbarian"), emphasizing the exotic and emotional depth of the music.

5. "Those nearby who hear it sigh deeply"
   - The music evokes an immediate emotional response, showing its power over listeners.

6. "Travelers from afar, homesick, shed tears"
   - The bili's melancholic tones stir nostalgia, a common theme in Tang frontier poetry.

7. "People can hear but not truly appreciate"
   - Li Qi suggests that only those with deep sensitivity can grasp the music’s true meaning.

8. "Like a fierce wind, it comes and goes freely"
   - The music is compared to a wild wind—unpredictable, powerful, and untamed.

Themes and Symbolism

• The Power of Music: The bili’s sound transcends language, evoking deep emotions.
• Cultural Exchange: The poem reflects Tang China’s openness to foreign influences.
• Loneliness and Nostalgia: The music connects listeners to their inner sorrows, especially travelers missing home.
• Nature and Artistry: The bamboo instrument symbolizes harmony between human creativity and nature.

Cultural Context

During the Tang Dynasty, Central Asian music was highly admired in China. The bili, introduced from the Western Regions, became a symbol of both exotic beauty and emotional depth. Li Qi’s poem captures this cultural fusion while also reflecting the Tang elite’s fascination with frontier life.

The poem also aligns with Daoist and Confucian ideals—music as a bridge between heaven, earth, and human emotion. The sighing listeners embody the Confucian value of shared feeling, while the wind imagery reflects Daoist spontaneity.

Conclusion

"听安万善吹觱篥歌" is a masterpiece of musical and emotional expression. Through vivid imagery and cultural depth, Li Qi transports readers to a moment where sound becomes feeling, and foreign melodies stir universal sorrow.

Today, the poem reminds us of music’s timeless power to connect people across cultures and eras. Whether in Tang China or the modern world, the bili’s song still echoes—wild, free, and deeply human.