Melodies of "Green Water" ripple from the strings so bright,
Long sleeves twirl like a phoenix in circling flight.
A pair of dancers move as one, in rhythm's embrace,
As if reflected in a mirror's perfect grace.
Original Poem
「咏舞」
虞世南
繁弦奏渌水，长袖转回鸾。
一双俱应节，还似镜中看。
Interpretation
This poem was composed during a grand banquet in the Tang court. Yu Shinan, a trusted official of Emperor Taizong and celebrated for his literary talent, frequently participated in such court gatherings. During this period, court music and dance flourished, with pieces like "Green Water" (《渌水》 Lù Shuǐ) and "Circling Phoenix" (《回鸾》 Huí Luán) being particularly popular for their exquisite and graceful performances. Yu Shinan wrote this piece to capture the scene, using concise yet vivid language to depict the harmony between the dancers and the music, as well as their perfectly synchronized movements, showcasing the elegant beauty of early Tang court art.
First Couplet: "繁弦奏渌水，长袖转回鸾。"
Fán xián zòu Lù Shuǐ, cháng xiù zhuǎn Huí Luán.
Multilayered chords play the "Green Water" melody;
Long sleeves swirl to the "Circling Phoenix" tune.
"Multilayered chords" (繁弦 fán xián) suggest rich, intricate music, creating a vibrant and grand atmosphere. "Green Water" was a famous piece of the era, known for its graceful and flowing rhythm. The dancers' "long sleeves" (长袖 cháng xiù) move in harmony with the music, evoking the image of a phoenix circling elegantly in flight. This couplet interweaves auditory and visual elements, immediately immersing the reader in the splendid and dynamic ambience of the performance.
Second Couplet: "一双俱应节，还似镜中看。"
Yī shuāng jù yìng jié, hái sì jìng zhōng kàn.
A pair of dancers move in perfect time to the rhythm;
Their motions mirrored, as if seen in a reflection.
This couplet highlights the dancers' precision and synergy. "In perfect time" (应节 yìng jié) indicates their flawless synchronization with the music, without the slightest hesitation. "As if seen in a reflection" (还似镜中看 hái sì jìng zhōng kàn) is a vivid metaphor, visualizing how their movements are so unified that they resemble mirror images. This not only emphasizes the harmony and beauty of the dance but also demonstrates the exceptional skill and deep tacit understanding of the performers.
Holistic Appreciation
This short poem uses concise and vivid language to portray a scene of court dance. The first couplet depicts the music and the dancers’ sweeping movements, blending sound and imagery; the second focuses on the dancers’ flawless synchronization and mirror-like coordination, elevating the performance to an artistic climax. Without elaborate ornamentation, Yu Shinan captures the rhythm and beauty of the dance through well-chosen metaphors. The poem possesses both grandeur and delicacy, fully reflecting the splendor and refinement of early Tang court culture.
Artistic Merits
- Integration of sound and vision: “Multilayered chords” and “long sleeves” blend music and dance, offering a dual sensory experience.
- Use of classic references: Mentioning "Green Water" and "Circling Phoenix" enhances the cultural depth and immersive feel of the work.
- Vivid metaphor: “As if seen in a reflection” vividly conveys the dancers’ flawless symmetry, rich in imagery and artistic beauty.
- Conciseness and depth: Mere twenty characters encapsulate music, dance, rhythm, and symmetry, demonstrating highly condensed language.
Insights
This poem reveals the beauty of harmony and precision in art. Music and dance are not merely performances but manifestations of rhythm and order. Through the dancers’ perfectly synchronized movements, the poet suggests that beauty in human life often arises from harmony, unity, and unspoken rapport. It inspires us to value rhythm and coordination in life and relationships, pursuing overall harmony and balance to reveal a higher level of beauty.
About the Poet
Yu Shinan (虞世南 558 - 638), a native of Yuyao in Zhejiang Province, was a prominent statesman, writer, calligrapher, and politician during the Zhenguan era of the early Tang dynasty. As one of the "Twenty-Four Meritorious Officials of Lingyan Pavilion," he rose to the position of Director of the Imperial Library. His calligraphy earned him a place among the "Four Great Calligraphers of the Early Tang," alongside Ouyang Xun, Chu Suiliang, and Xue Ji. In poetry, he inherited the tradition of Xu Ling and pioneered a refined, balanced, and harmonious courtly style. He also compiled the North Hall Book Excerpts, establishing a new genre of encyclopedic literature.
