Page 143 - 2022(1) International Confusion Studies

136 J. Yuan

and artistic thought emphasized the unity of poetry and music in terms of edifi-
cation and aesthetics.
In contrast to poetry, music moved and educated people with its sound. While
ordinary people could be educated through music, the recitation and use of poetry
required appropriate cultural training and social position. In this sense, the
edifying function of poetry was more intellectually valuable than that of music,
and the cultural cultivation of those creating and appreciating it was more
demanding. In ancient times poetry was even used as a cultural mark dis-
tinguishing gentlemen from the common people. In his On the Concept of Poetry
Expressing Aspirations, Zhu Ziqing discussed in detail how emperors and scholars
at that time recited and wrote poetry to express their aspirations. To do so was not so
easy;itrequired a specific stateofmind andcultural mastery.Sincepoetry possessed
this characteristic of being “mild and gentle, sincere and broadminded”,it was
suitable for euphemistically expressing political demands and thoughts, and
mediating the relationship between rulers and ministers.
The integration of poetry and music is evident in the famous story of Ji Zha,
the Duke of Wu, commenting on music during the Spring and Autumn Period
(770 B.C.E.–476 B.C.E.). The Book of Songs was initially accompanied by music. In
the exquisite musical performance, the lyrics of The Book of Songs were conveyed
more effectively through musical expression, giving the admiring audience
aesthetic satisfaction, while the statements of The Book of Songs as lyrics were
sublimated in the music, and the two complemented each other.
Ji Zha (季扎 576 B.C.E−484 B.C.E.), the Duke of Wu (吴), came to visit Lu (鲁)
and asked to see the music and dance of the Zhou Dynasty (The king of Lu) asked
the musicians to sing for him the Ballads of Zhounan (《周南》and Zhaonan (《召
)
).
南》 Ji Zha said, “Beautiful! The foundation of edification of Zhou is beginning to
be laid. Though it is not yet perfect, the people are diligent without resentment.”
When the musicians sang for him the Ballads from the State Bei (《邶风》 the
),
Ballads from the State Yong (《鄘风》 and the Ballads from the State Wei (《卫风》
),
),
he said, “How beautiful and profound! Though there is sorrow, it is not distressing.
I have heard that the virtues of Kangshu [康叔, posthumous name for Wei Feng
(卫封) dates uncertain] and Duke Wu of Wei (卫武公, posthumous title for Wei He
卫和, dates uncertain) are like this. I suppose this is what the Ballads from the State
Wei are about!” When the musicians sang the Ballads from the State Wang (《王风》)
for him, he said, “Beautiful! There is sorrow but no fearfulness. This is the music
when the Duke of Zhou (周公) was on the expedition to the east!” When the
,
)
musicians sang for him the Ballads from the State Zheng (《郑风》 he said,
“Beautiful! But it is so tedious that the people can no longer bear it. I’m afraid
Zheng will be the first state!” When the musicians sang for him the Ballads from the
State Qi (《齐风》 he said, “Beautiful! Magnificent and far-reaching. This is the
),