Quick Answer: What Is High Mountains and Flowing Water for Guzheng?
High Mountains and Flowing Water (Gao Shan Liu Shui, 高山流水, Gāoshān Liúshuǐ) names several pieces for guzheng (古筝, gǔzhēng), or zheng. Versions associated with Zhejiang, Shandong and Henan have different musical material.[4]
- Regional clue: Look for the school and who transmitted or arranged the version.[1][2][3]
- Listening clue: One Zhejiang account divides the music into mountain and water sections.[1]
- Instrument: The guqin (古琴, gǔqín) works have their own scores and recordings.[1][6]
Choose a credited rendition before trying to follow the sections.
The same English title can appear beside three different zheng recordings. Start with the regional and player credits. A mountain image can recur across versions even when the tune and pacing change.
One Title Across Several Zheng Traditions
The Chinese Music Archive distinguishes a Zhejiang version transmitted by Wang Xunzhi from other music called High Mountains and Flowing Water in Henan and Shandong. It describes one Shandong setting as a joined sequence of four short tunes. This differs from the two-part Zhejiang version documented there.[1]
In guzheng music, pieces such as Autumn Moon over the Han Palace also turn up in specific regional lineages. Check for a regional label alongside the title in a recital program or score.
Identify the Regional Credit
These records are examples. Other performers may use different scores within each tradition.
| Regional label | A documented credit |
|---|---|
| Zhejiang | Wang Xunzhi transmitted the version in the Chinese Music Archive.[1] |
| Shandong | Xi’an Conservatory lists an arrangement by Gao Zicheng.[2] |
| Henan | Sichuan Conservatory credits Cao Dongfu’s transmission in a performance by Wang Jian.[3] |
Hear a Documented Zhejiang Reading
The Chinese Music Archive lists Xiang Sihua playing the Zhejiang version and describes two contrasting images. Listen first for a more firmly shaped contour, then for how closely the plucks follow one another in the water section. The attack of the pluck and the spacing between notes both affect the impression.[1]
Another Hong Kong program describes Chan Kwok-fai’s version through three images, from rugged mountains through dense forest to running streams. The three images describe that particular rendition. For a different use of water imagery on the same instrument, hear Battle against the Typhoon.[4]
Distinguish the Guzheng and Guqin Titles
High Mountains and Flowing Water also circulate as titles in the guqin repertory. NASA’s Flowing Streams lists Guan Pinghu on qin. The related image alone does not identify a zheng work or rendition.[6][7]
The Smithsonian lists Bing Xia on zheng under a combined mountain-and-water title. In that particular concert, the track runs from 12:10 to 15:34. Use the named track to hear a zheng interpretation before comparing it with a qin recording.[5]
FAQs About High Mountains and Flowing Water for Guzheng
Who composed High Mountains and Flowing Water for Guzheng?
The title covers different regional zheng pieces. Look for the arranger or transmitting musician named for the version.[1][2][3]
Where can I hear a credited zheng recording?
Bing Xia’s zheng rendition appears at 12:10 in the Smithsonian’s Chinese Music of the Seasons concert.[5]
Is it the same music as the Voyager track?
NASA credits Guan Pinghu on qin for Flowing Streams. A combined mountain-and-water title on zheng refers to another performance tradition.[1][6]
Sources
[1] Chinese Music Archive. Zheng Program Notes: High Mountains and Flowing Water
[2] Xi’an Conservatory of Music. Prescribed Guzheng Repertoire
[3] Sichuan Conservatory of Music. Northern Zheng Traditions Concert
[4] Hong Kong Leisure and Cultural Services Department. High Mountains and Flowing Water: Guzheng Programme
[5] Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Chinese Music of the Seasons: Bing Xia, Zheng
[6] NASA Science. Golden Record Sounds and Music
[7] Smithsonian National Museum of Asian Art. Painting with Music: Bell Yung, Qin