Yang Guan San Die – Guqin and Xiao

Introduction to Yang Guan San Die

“Yang Guan San Die” (阳关三叠), a classic piece of Chinese traditional music, holds a unique place in the history of Chinese culture and music. This melody, often played on the guqin (古琴), a traditional Chinese zither, embodies the deep emotional expression of longing and farewell. The name “Yang Guan San Die” translates to “Three Refrains at Yang Pass,” which is derived from a famous poem by the Tang dynasty poet Wang Wei. The poem, “Farewell to Yuan Er at Yang Guan” (渭城曲), vividly captures the poignant emotions of parting between friends at Yang Pass, a historical and strategic location on the ancient Silk Road.