Popular since the Ming dynasty (1368–1644), a handwritten score for this traditional pipa piece first appeared in 1875 and contained seven untitled sections. The present score from which this excerpt is derived has eight subtitled sections and is taken from Li Fangyuan's New Collection of Thirteen Pipa Score (浔阳琵琶) (1895).
Xi Yang Xiao Gu, Flute and Drum Music at Sunset
I. The Sound of Bells and Drums from a Distant Temple along the River
II. Moon on the Eastern Mountain
III. Breeze over the Quiet Water
IV. Shadows of Flowers
V. Clouds and Water Far Away Become as One
VI. A Fisherman's Song in the Evening
VII. Waves Lapping at the Shore
VIII. The Returning Boat
Filmed in the Astor Chinese Garden Court at The Metropolitan Museum of Art on April 13, 2016
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