Meihua Sannong

is one of the earliest and most famous pieces of Chinese ancient music. Its origin went back to as early as the Eastern Jin Dynasty (317-420), in which period lived a famous general and musician named Huan Yi. One day, General Huan met a young man named Wang Huizhi, who humbly invited Huan to play one piece ofDizi(bamboo flute) music. Huan accepted with no hesitation. What he played wasMeihua Sannong, the most popular melody in that period.

Meihuameans plum blossom, but the meaning of the latterSannongis confusing. Generally speaking,Sannongmeans repeating the main melody three times.Meihua Sannongis composed mainly of a number of different melodies, each of which consists of a string of connected musical phrases. Contrasting tempos and the restraining influence of synchronism serve to produce effects of scattering and tightening, which represent plum blossom's pure and noble peacefulness and fearlessness to the severe cold. This melody expresses the loneliness and extraordinary self-admiration of ancient Chinese scholars.

With time passing by,Meihua Sannongis fairly common with other kinds of musical instruments and this elegant melody now is one of the repertoires ofGuqinmusic.