King of Western Qin in China, also known as “Lang Junye”, is generally regarded as the ancestor of the Chinese opera, and the patron saint of the Chinese opera together with Marshal “Tian Du”.

King of Western Qin refers to Tang Dynasty Emperor Xuanzong Tang. During his 30 year reign, he was known for establishing the political rectification movement “Kaiyuan’s Rules of Governance”. In addition, Emperor Xuanzong loved music and dance: he constructed a performance stage and devoted himself to finding the best artists and composers, allowing the arts to grow and flourish. As a result, he is revered as the ancestor or founder of the Chinese opera, and worshipped as “the god of music”. In his later years, he fell in love with his concubine Guifei Yang, and indulged in his arts and music rather than ruling the country. He was defeated during the Anlu rebellion, and lost the capital, Chang An. Xuanzong escaped to Sichuan, and passed his title of Emperor to the Prince.

This composition is based on opera music, so it is named after the god of the opera: “King of Western Qin”. The composer would like to dedicate this work to his most influential teacher, Mr. Yuting Lin, and composition teacher, Mr. Chongzhen Hong.
(Trans: Kiah Mok Goh / Edit: Patty Chan)