Poetry has always been held in extremely high regard in China. From the earliest anthologies of Shi Jing (7th Century BC) and Chu Ci, through Tang Poems, Song Lyrics, and Yuan Melodies, to the modern new forms, poetry has deeply touched the Chinese culture and provided a way for both public and private expressions of deep emotions, interpersonal relationships and perspectives in life across more than two millennia. Quotation from famous poems is widespread in the spoken Chinese language.
Ancient Chinese poetry was almost universally recited or sung in tunes. Although the archaic melodies of Shi Jing and Chu Ci were lost, a wealth of ancient melodies had survived through the Tune Sets of the Song Dynasty, which was subsequent inherited by Kunqu opera, Qin music score, and folk music. Song Lyrics consists of writing poetry to fit the meter and rhyme of a specified tune, much in the same way that Christian hymn writers set new lyrics to pre-existing tunes.
For the 2013 Easter, in celebrating the victory of Christ’s resurrection, our church choir members have written poetic lyrics set to tunes that date from the Song Dynasty to modern times. These poems are inspired by the biblical accounts of the Passion of Christ. “Ancient Melodies Forever Praising the Lord’s Grace” extols the everlasting love of our Lord Jesus Christ. We would like to thank everyone involved in this challenging offering program. Glory be to God!
