This table was created to sort out the song's title, composer, lyricist, nature and the genre of music.
b. Poetry sources (Nature of Poetry)
Huang Tzu composed more than 92 songs in his life, among which the number of art songs is the largest and can represent more his artistic achievements and significance. The most representative genres in Huang Tzu's selected poetry can be divided into three categories:
It is a new style of poetry that began after the late Qing Dynasty in the 1910s. It originated from the Vernacular Movement (Literary Revolution, New Literature Movement) led by Hu Shi in 1917. In addition to being written in vernacular Chinese, it was characterised by free form, not restricted by traditional poetic rules and restrictions. There are many changes in its rhythm, form and subject matter. It was deeply influenced by Western poetry. Modern poetry has a relatively strong connection to the speaking and singing languages of that period. The poets and musicians emphasised that poetry "can be recited, as well as sung". It means the language of these poems was more in line with their daily language system and habits. Compared with classical poetry, modern poetry belongs to the era: more easy to understand and to spread.
Huang's early works were mainly composed of modern lyrics. Most of them expressed their inner feelings or lofty aspirations by describing scenery or things. Representative works mainly include: "Spring Yearning", "Longing for home" and "Three Wishes from the Rose". These both expressed a positive attitude towards life and hope, as well as pure, simple and beautiful emotions and mentality through depicting the natural landscape and the cycle of nature. In 1933, Huang compiled these three works into a book titled "Spring Yearning" as his first song collection.
iii. Patriotic Song
After the "The Mukden Incident" in 1931 as mentioned before , Huang actively responded to the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement of patriots, and composed many songs that inspired patriotism. It also portrays the characters at the bottom of the society and the extremely painful feelings in their hearts. These works have distinct characteristics of the times. Yet, these works would not be discussed in detail in this research.
ii. Ancient Poetry
Huang’s mother had profound knowledge, and she was a lover of poetry and poetry. Therefore, Huang was influenced by a good literary atmosphere when he was growing up, which prompted him to quote a large number of Chinese ancient poems as lyrics. It is also his most prominent work. In his music, the ancient poems and art songs all show his fine coordination of poetry and music. This research focuses on analysing his works from the perspective of melody and musical structure, trying to understand how the intellectuals of that era faced the impact and integration of Western culture.
Among them, the most distinctive feature is "A Flower in the Hazes". The lyrics are based on a miscellaneous poem by the famous Tang Dynasty poet Bai Juyi (772-846). The tune combines the transformation of "three characters" and "seven characters" in the poem. In addition, there is also "Ascending the Tower - To the Tune of Rouged Lips". Although these works are short, they have rigorous composition techniques, combining with the characteristics of Chinese music.