Chen Yi Song of Spring Outing for Piano

Chen Yi’s beautiful and highly-textured tone poem was inspired by ancient Chinese poetry; its melodic ideas were developed from musical phrases characteristic of Chinese opera. Wang Ya’s original verse as translated by Chen Yi reads: “SONG OF SPRING OUTING” Ten thousand apricot trees by the riverside, Spring flowers bloom after the wind at night. Covered over the garden, colors dark and light, Mirrored in the green water ripples.