Phoenix Hairpin – For Soprano & Piano 5’ ( Lyrics in Mandarin Chinese)

 

Phoenix Hairpin is a classical form of Chinese poetry. Throughout history, many poets have set text to this form, with the most famous example being a poem written in 1156 AD by the great poet Lu You. He composed it for Tang Wan, his beloved wife and soulmate, whom he was forced to divorce due to family pressure. His poem expresses profound sorrow, longing, and the pain of unfulfilled love.Upon reading Lu You’s Phoenix Hairpin, Tang Wan responded with a poem of her own, using the same title and form.

 

Several years ago, I composed a chamber choir piece based on Lu You’s poem. Now, as a sequel, I have set Tang Wan’s Phoenix Hairpin for soprano and piano in a more intimate and reflective setting. In her poem, she echoes Lu You’s grief, lamenting her fate—trapped in a joyless second marriage, unable to even voice her sorrow.