The art of poetry has exercised an immense influence on China during its various stages of development. Since the appearance of the Shi Jing (Book of Poems) in the Zhou Dynasty (1066–256 BC), poetry had developed into a large variety of forms, with particularly fruitful results during the Tang (AD 618–907), Song (AD 960–1279) and Yuan (1271–1368) dynasties.The present recording consists of 21 Chinese art-songs based on a wide range of poems from various periods set by Chinese contemporary composers.

Chinese art-song has a relatively recent history, under the influence of Western music at the beginning of the present century, the effect of the so-called Movement of 4 May. On the other hand, the setting of poems to music according to traditional rules of Chinese composition has a long history, based always rather on the Chinese custom of respect for ancient modes of art than on the spirit of creative originality and innovation that has been a feature of Western art.

Track listing:
Wu, Bochao
1. Peach Blossom
Lin, Sheng-shih
2. Magpie Fairies
Hu, Ran
3. A New Poem and A Bowl of Wine
Chen, Tianhe
4. Tearful Parting
Hwang, Yau-tai
5. Sorrows of Parting
Huang, Zi
6. Dream-like
Huang, Yongxi
7. Solitary
Lin, Sheng-shih
8. Green Islets
Huang, Yongxi
9. Parting
Liu, Xuean
10. Song of the Red Bean
Huang, Yongxi
11. Song of Yang Guan
Lin, Sheng-shih
12. Morning at the Sun-Moon Lake
Hwang, Yau-tai
13. Whispering to Orioles and Swallows
Chen, Tianhe
14. In the Mountain
Lin, Sheng-shih
15. Wheel of Change
Liu, Xuean
16. Falling Petals
Li, Weining
17. Chance
Huang, Zi
18. Thinking about Home
Hwang, Yau-tai
19. A Light Smile
Tsang, Richard
20. Love in the Rain
Huang, Zi
21. Heavenly Bliss

Recorded Hong Kong, May 1987