1. Overall understanding

Throughout the ages, the Yellow River has flowed across the land of China with its majestic momentum, nourishing generations of Chinese people. Praising the Yellow River is praising our great Chinese nation.

The "Yellow River Cantata" is a collection of poems written by the famous poet Guang Weiran (Zhang Guangnian) to accompany the large-scale national symphony created by the musician Xian Xinghai. In 1937, after the Anti-Japanese War broke out, the Japanese invaders trampled on the land of North China. The anti-Japanese and national salvation movement set off a climax across the country. It is the wish of many progressive writers and artists to reflect the real struggle and inspire the anti-Japanese enthusiasm of the people across the country through the artistic images they create. The poet Guang Weiran once composed the lyrics "Flowers of May" in August 1935. The song sang: "The flowers of May are blooming all over the wilderness, / the flowers cover the blood of the patriots. / In order to save this dying nation, / they He fought tenaciously and never stopped..." The lyrics were widely sung after being composed to music. After the poet arrived in Yan'an in 1939, he created a larger poem "Yellow River Cantata" which is larger in length and scale. "Yellow River Cantata" has eight movements, namely: "Yellow River Boatman's Song", "Yellow River Ode", "Yellow River Water Coming from the Sky", "Yellow River Dialogue Song", "Yellow Water Ballad", "Yellow River Resentment", "Defend the Yellow River", "Yellow River Cantata" Roar, Yellow River". The majestic imagination and realistic scenes in the poem are intertwined to form a magnificent historical picture, singing about suffering and struggle, depicting the image of the Yellow River, and reflecting the real scenes of the heroic sons and daughters of the Chinese nation in the war of resistance. Xian Xinghai praised it as "full of beauty, full of realism, resentment, and tragic emotions, making people who have never crossed the Yellow River feel the same way as those who have." The lyrics themselves have tried their best to describe the great Yellow River for thousands of years. history".

"Ode to the Yellow River" is an ode in terms of genre, focusing on "singing". In terms of structure, it is closely inherited from the first chapter of the poem "The Song of Boatmen on the Yellow River". "The Song of Boatmen on the Yellow River" describes: "The sky was full of dark clouds and the stormy waves were crashing on the shore. The boatmen of the Yellow River fought in the storm and finally reached the other shore after untold hardships. This symbolizes that our great nation and people have broken through the stormy waves. Despite many difficulties, we finally achieved a glorious victory." So in the second chapter "Ode to the Yellow River", the poet appears as a singer of the times. He stood on the top of the mountain and sang an ode to the Yellow River on behalf of the heroic sons and daughters of the motherland. He praised the Yellow River's majesty and long history, and wanted to learn from its example and be as great and strong as it is.

The first section is the recitation, and the second section is the lyrics. The author first uses the technique of calling out, directly calling the readers "friends", and clearly stating the theme of "praising the Yellow River" at the beginning.

The second stanza is the main part of the whole poem. In order to express the momentum of the ode, "it is sung by a tenor solo. The song is tragic and stirring, and the power of the Yellow River can be heard in the accompaniment" (Xian Xinghai's "How Do I Do It" Write "Yellow River"). The content level of the lyrics in the second verse is relatively clear, and there are obvious key words that can be used as a basis for sorting out ideas. First of all, it is the word "wang" that means "looking at the rolling Yellow River", which has been used to "split the Central Plains into the north and south". The content of this "look" has both realistic elements and majestic imagination. It is clearly organized and rigorously organized: first, a close-up close-up - "The waves are surging, / setting off tens of thousands of waves"; and then a panoramic view. The general description - "The turbid currents twist and turn, / form a nine-bend chain"; then the vertical description of the flow of the Yellow River - "from the foot of the Kunlun Mountains / to the edge of the Yellow Sea"; and finally the horizontal expansion to both sides of the Yellow River Basin - "the The land of the Central Plains/is split into north and south sides.” Then, he began to praise the Yellow River's great contribution to the Chinese nation, entering the "praising" stage. "Ah! Yellow River!" appears repeatedly, dividing it into three levels from "Ah! Yellow River! / You are the cradle of the Chinese nation" to "Will be nurtured by you / to develop and grow", praising the Yellow River for nurturing the Chinese nation, pointing out The historical contribution of the Yellow River; protecting the Chinese nation like a natural barrier, pointing out the geographical advantages of the Yellow River; and finally, from reality to fiction, praising the vastness of the Yellow River basin and benefiting all living beings, and vowing to learn from it on behalf of the Chinese people.

2. Problem Research

1. What role does the recurring phrase "Ah! Yellow River!" play in the lyrics?

"Ah! Yellow River!" appears repeatedly, dividing the main part of the lyrics into three parts from "Ah! Yellow River!/You are the cradle of the Chinese nation" to "Will be nurtured by you/Carry forward and grow" The levels are as follows: the Yellow River nourishes the Chinese nation, the Yellow River protects the Chinese nation, and the Yellow River will also inspire the Chinese nation.

From real to virtual, interconnected and gradually deepen.

2. How to understand that the Yellow River is a "cradle" and a "barrier"?

It is easier to understand when comparing the Yellow River to the "cradle of the Chinese nation". The Yellow River is the birthplace of the Chinese nation. Chinese culture was born, developed, and expanded in the Yellow River basin. The Yellow River has nurtured and nourished generations of descendants of Yan and Huang. The Yellow River is compared to "the barrier of the nation", focusing on the role of the Yellow River in protecting the Chinese nation. The natural dangers of the Yellow River can be used as a military barrier geographically, and the great and strong spirit of the Yellow River is enough to become a national spiritual city defense. This is the magic weapon for the Chinese nation to resist foreign aggression.

3． How to understand that the Yellow River "stretches out thousands of iron arms to the north and south banks"?

As for the sentence "Stretching out tens of thousands of iron arms to the north and south banks of the Yellow River", we should first clarify what the "arms" in the sentence refer to. Judging from the whole sentence, this is a metaphorical sentence, comparing the Yellow River to a giant. The main stream of the Yellow River is the giant's trunk, and the countless tributaries in the Yellow River Basin are the millions of "iron arms" on the "giant". Secondly, it should be understood in conjunction with the above that such a giant, "falling down like a river, / mighty and mighty" embodies the majestic and unstoppable magnanimity and power, which is enough to inspire the spirit and belief of the nation.

4. How to grasp the linguistic characteristics of "Ode to the Yellow River"?

The lyrics are bright and vigorous, with a distinct rhythm and loud syllables. Mainly short sentences, but also long sentences. The combination of long and short, free and unrestrained and neatly arranged. In terms of rhyme, every two or three sentences rhyme, forming a natural and harmonious rhythm. At the same time, great attention is paid to depicting the image of the Yellow River and creating the beauty of the lyrics: "The Yellow River is rolling", "The waves are surging, / setting off huge waves; / the turbid currents are turning, / forming a nine-melody chain" and other sentences, unfolding a picture in front of the readers. A majestic and majestic picture!

Exercise instructions

Recite the lyrics with emotion.

This lyric wins with momentum. When reciting, the inner feelings of the students must be aroused. If the students can be mobilized to have the tragic feelings of a national crisis and the Chinese nation in crisis, it can produce passionate and passionate emotions, and it can be recited with emotion. It is not advisable to provide too much training guidance on reading skills to students too early.

In what ways did the two poets praise the heroic spirit of the Yellow River? What feelings did he express by praising the Yellow River?

This question is designed to guide students to grasp the content of lyrics from a macro perspective. Teachers should pay attention to the two different levels contained in the question. The first question is from the surface level. First of all, we should grasp the key word "the courage of the Yellow River" and guide students to repeatedly perceive the text and feel the indomitable and invincible courage of the Yellow River. Secondly, we should pay attention to the key point of "from what aspects" and guide students to think from the following aspects: the natural characteristics, geographical characteristics of the Yellow River, the contribution of the Yellow River to the Chinese nation in history, etc.

The second question is actually to guide students to think about the purpose of the poet's creation. The poet praised our nation by praising the Yellow River, inspiring the national pride and self-confidence of the Chinese people, and inspiring the Chinese people to be as "great and strong" as the Yellow River, and to defend the Yellow River and China with heroic spirit and strong determination.

3. Among the poems we have learned, some are straightforward, lyrical and bold in style, while others are euphemistic and implicit. Which category do you think this poem belongs to? Why? Can you give one or two more examples from the poems you have learned?

This question aims to guide students to initially understand and appreciate the two aesthetic styles of poetry-sublime and graceful. However, in teaching practice, there is no need to get too entangled in terminology. The characteristics of these two types of poems should be grasped through the perception of specific works.

This poem belongs to the category of straightforward lyricism and heroic style, because the poem uses clear language to create an image of the Yellow River's endless rapids and majestic momentum, and there are many sentences such as "Ah, the Yellow River..." It directly expresses the love for the Yellow River and is full of majestic and heroic beauty. Poems such as "Climbing the Stork Tower" by Wang Zhihuan and "Nian Nujiao·Chibi Nostalgic" by Su Shi belong to this style; "Autumn" by He Qifang and "Quiet Night" by Guo Moruo, which I learned last semester, are euphemistic and implicit poems.

Teaching Suggestions

1. Mobilizing students' emotions is the first prerequisite for a good lesson. Guide students to grasp the main part of the lyrics as a whole is the key to in-depth understanding of the text.

Most of the students have a certain understanding of the historical background of the lyrics and have simple patriotic feelings.

Teachers should try to stimulate and strengthen this feeling. They can use the power of music to impress students' hearts through music that directly appeals to the sense of hearing. In the context of music, they can repeatedly appreciate the surging national feelings in the lyrics through reciting to music, and then express their feelings towards the students. Just do an idea analysis of the text in the second section.

The teaching of this lesson should focus on reciting and should not explain too much. Students’ ability to understand and comprehend should be believed.

2. Teaching design

1. Play music "Yellow River Cantata" Parts 1 and 2. Infect students with strong momentum and arouse the excitement of students' hearts.

2． Read aloud. It is required to read correctly, smoothly and emotionally in Mandarin.

①Teacher’s model reading.

② Students practice reading aloud freely.

③Students read together.

3. Content discussion

①Problem solving. The title of this subject is "Ode to the Yellow River". Which word is the key? (Catch the word "ode".)

② The first and third stanzas of this lyric obviously echo the beginning and the end, but are the focus of these two paragraphs exactly the same? (The first section focuses on the "Yellow River", and the third section focuses on the "Children of China".)

③The second section is the main part, mainly "Ode to the Yellow River", but it is not Start singing immediately. There is a build-up stage before "Ode". If you can find one word in the text to guide it, which word should it be? (That is, the word "Wang".)

④ "Ode to the Yellow River" also has obvious external signs. This is the sentence "Ah! Yellow River!" that appears repeatedly in the article, dividing the content into several levels. ? What is the main content of each level?

⑤ Summary of the text.

Use the following blackboard writing to summarize the text.

Prelude——————→Main body————————→End

The Yellow River is great and strong, look at the Yellow River——→Praise the Yellow River and learn the spirit of the Yellow River

4. Read aloud

On the basis of understanding the text, students are required to recite poems with music based on the music of "Ode to the Yellow River". Teachers can arrange for students to read together, lead reading, or read individually according to specific circumstances.

5. Extracurricular homework

①Read the third part of "Yellow River Cantata": "The Water of the Yellow River Comes from the Sky".

② Appreciate the music of "Yellow River Cantata", learn to sing the part of "Ode to the Yellow River", and perform it in a performance.

Relevant information

1. Introduction to the author

Guang Weiran, formerly known as Zhang Guangnian, was born in 1913 in Guanghua County, Hubei Province. In 1927, he participated in revolutionary work while still in middle school. After the "April 12" counter-revolutionary coup, he dropped out of school and worked as an apprentice, shop assistant and primary school teacher. He arrived in Shanghai in 1936 to participate in the anti-Japanese and national salvation movement and engaged in progressive literary and artistic activities. In August 1935, he composed the lyrics of "Flowers of May", which were widely sung for its rich and profound lyrical atmosphere of deep sorrow and resentment. After arriving in Yan'an in 1939, he composed the poem "Yellow River Cantata" to praise the spirit of the Chinese nation, which became popular throughout the country after being composed by Xian Xinghai. After the founding of New China, he served as the chief editor of "Script", "Literary News" and "People's Literature".

2. How did I write "Yellow River" (Xian Xinghai)

Although the creation of "Yellow River" was produced in Yan'an, a place with very poor material conditions, it has created a modern This is a new type of salvation song.

Although the national salvation songs in the past had great effects and were loved by the masses, they were soon cast aside by the masses. Therefore, the imbalance between "quantity" and "quality" has caused many songs to be eliminated or completely ineffective in a short period of time.

Although the lyrics of "Yellow River" are a bit more elegant, it does not harm its style. It has great spirit, skill, enthusiasm and authenticity, and especially has a bright future. Moreover, it directly matches the current environment and points out the importance of "defending the Yellow River". It is also full of beauty, full of realism, resentment, and tragic emotions, making people who have never crossed the Yellow River feel the same way as those who have. The lyrics themselves try their best to describe the history of the great Yellow River for thousands of years.

1. "Yellow River Boatmen Song"

If you listen carefully, you can find a picture, like dozens of boatmen rowing a boat, full of the power of struggle.

There are two emotions worth noting in the song: the tension at the beginning is the scene of the boatmen struggling with the waves when crossing the Yellow River. They sang "Paddle yo rush forward", "Dark clouds cover the sky...", "The waves are breaking. Get in the boat, comrades! Open your eyes! Helmsman! Hold on to your wrists! ... Fight with all your strength! Don’t be timid!” “Sailing a boat is like being on the line of fire. We rush forward with unity!” The last paragraph is a bit more brisk. Before they crossed the Yellow River, they were full of joy and light. After they laughed for a while, their emotions reached a state of comfort and peace of mind, and they could take a breath.

2． "Ode to the Yellow River"

It is written in the form of an ode, mostly with unrestrained enthusiasm, praising the greatness and strength of the Yellow River. Sung by a tenor solo, the song is tragic and stirring, and the power of the Yellow River can be heard in the accompaniment!

3. "The Water of the Yellow River Comes from the Sky"

It is a recital song. I used three strings as accompaniment. The content of the lyrics is all expressed by three strings. It is not a big drum accompaniment method, nor is it an ordinary Beijing tune accompaniment method. In Europe, there is a kind of song with independent lyrics and accompaniment, which was promoted by the composer Wolf. But this is probably the first time that a Chinese song uses three-string accompaniment to express the content of the lyrics, and it can be an independent song. In addition to the surging sound of the Yellow River, there are two other tunes contained in the Sanxian tune: one is "Man Jiang Hong" and the other is "March of the Volunteers". But only a little bit, not the whole song (this is due to the organization of the tune).

4． "Yellow River Dialogue Song"

It is written in the form of a folk song (using Shanxi tones), and the last three two-part chorus is coordinated with the main tunes of A and B. Sanxian and Erhu represent the duet and chorus of A and B. Also, passing is easier and more fun. Singers should use movements to help convey the song and make it more vivid.

5. "Yellow Water Ballad"

It is a folk song sung in unison. The tone is relatively simple, with expressions of pain and groans. But unlike ordinary ones, which are just decadent, "Yellow Water Ballad" is also full of hope and struggle!

6. "Yellow River Resentment"

Represents the voice of women being oppressed and insulted. The tone is tragic and lingering, a sad song sung with tears in eyes. If the singer does not have this feeling, the audience will certainly not feel the same way, and this should be noted.

7. "Defending the Yellow River"

It is a rotation song, starting from two parts to four parts. The beginning of each sentence should be strong and sung healthily and optimistically. This is written entirely in Chinese melodies. When the three to four parts are sung in a round, there is "Longe Longgelong" in it, which is the accompaniment of the round singing. It is interesting to sing in a style when singing. The whole thing is very powerful and majestic, rising and falling with endless changes. Just be careful to keep singing the melody.

8． "Roar! Yellow River"

It is a four-part cantata, which contains combinations of two, three, and four different parts. The melody is sincere and powerful, but full of passion and encouragement. It is the most important theme of "Yellow River". The last two lines: "To the suffering people all over China, we send out a battle cry! To the working people all over the world, we send out a battle cry!" Sing it three, four, or five times until the audience feels the same, then go to the end. . It is best to use bugles to play the main tune and war drums to accompany it, which can also express the greatness of the "Yellow River". Its roar inspires suffering people and working people all over the world.

The method of "Yellow River" is the first time it has been tried in China. I hope that the people who love the Chinese new music movement will give me guidance and encourage me to work harder to create.

(Excerpted from "The Complete Works of Xian Xinghai")

3. The Birth of "Yellow River Cantata" (Light Has Not Come)

A friend called from North America to request a manuscript , with the title of the birth of "Yellow River Cantata", I was asked to write an article for "Chinese Express" to coincide with the grand performance of this artistic work by the great Chinese composer Xian Xinghai at the "Yellow River Music Festival" in Hong Kong. I have already written a memoir on this topic, and I have said everything I want to say. But good intentions are hard to deny. Even though it is a composition with a limited topic and a time limit, you should try it again. I would like to take this opportunity to warmly congratulate the "Yellow River Music Festival" on its fruitful results. The Hong Kong cultural community has kindly invited me but I was unable to go due to business reasons. I would like to express my gratitude and apology.

As early as the spring of 1937, when Xinghai and I met in Shanghai, he had already made great ambitions to express the suffering, struggle, struggle and pursuit of freedom and happiness of our Chinese nation through the musical images he created. The pursuit and the certainty of victory. He poured this ambition into the "National Symphony" he was writing. The Anti-Japanese War broke out. This was an era of enthusiasm for the entire Chinese people, and writers and artists were at the forefront of enthusiasm. He wrote many patriotic songs with long-lasting vitality, and hoped to express his ambition through a long masterpiece of vocal art. This shows that the birth of "Yellow River Cantata" conforms to the requirements of the times and the composer's long-standing inner requirements.

In retrospect, the composer’s ambition to reflect the requirements of the times is also the common wish of Chinese writers and artists, and I am no exception. In the autumn and winter of 1938, I and my comrades from the Third Anti-Enemy Drama Team often marched on both sides of the Yellow River in the northwest. Activities in guerrilla base areas behind enemy lines. China's majestic mountains and rivers and the heroic figures of the guerrilla athletes always moved me strongly. I was brewing a relatively long recital poem "Yellow River Ode" in my heart. Later, when I was recovering from illness and writing poems in Yan'an, I accepted the suggestions from Xinghai and the comrades of the third drama team and rewritten them into the lyrics of "Yellow River Cantata".

What can be added now is that there were two impressions at that time that strongly and directly inspired the poetic sentiment in my heart. One is the scene of boatmen driving an ark (really an ark) to fight against the rough waves when crossing the dangerous shoals of the Yellow River. This has been expressed and developed in "The Song of Boatmen on the Yellow River". At that time, the boatman's chant recorded by Comrade Wu Xiling, who was in the same boat, was once an important reference for Xinghai when composing music. Another one is to pass through Hukou (Tiger's Mouth) north of Ji County, Shanxi Province and see the Yellow River rushing into the cliff abyss to form a Niagara Falls-like magnificent scene. This is the place where the famous "Yellow River Smoke" and "Land Boating" (the boat has to go around on land for a while). I was stunned by this wonder of nature. I faithfully wrote down my impressions at that time in the recital song "The Water of the Yellow River Comes from the Sky" (the third chorus). I said "write truthfully" because it is true that "from ten miles away" one can "look up at its thick smoke" "Rising", it indeed "shaked the earth's crust and dispersed the dark clouds in the sky"; the endless sufferings of the northwest people in history are described here, and the strange scene of "guerrilla corps and field corps on both sides of the Yellow River were scattered behind the enemy", It's all true too. The third of the eight songs in "Yellow River Cantata" was written as a recitation song, which was a deliberate attempt by the songwriters. Xinghai wrote: "I am afraid this is the first time that Chinese songs use three-string accompaniment to express the content of the lyrics and can be an independent song." ("How I wrote the Yellow River Cantata") I think we should try this way Use art to its full potential.

After the liberation of the country, the "Yellow River Cantata" was officially performed in the capital many times, but the recitation of the song "The Water of the Yellow River Comes from the Sky" was ignored. I regret this. It is more difficult to recite songs and perform them. They were afraid that if they didn't handle it well, it would affect the effect of the entire performance. The first two performances in Yan'an in April 1939 were recited by me even though I was sick, and the accompaniment conditions were relatively simple at that time. Later, he performed in Yan'an, and before liberation he performed in various major cities in the north and south. All eight songs were performed in one go, and the third song was not too difficult to handle. Today's professional groups have much better conditions for high-level singing than in the past. I hope the artists get over it and hope to hear the full cantata performed in its entirety.

I still remember that one night in February 1939, in a large cave dwelling in the Yan'an Diocese, 30 comrades of the Third Anti-Japanese War Drama Team spent a happy Lunar New Year's Eve. I was invited to come from the hospital in Ershilipu to attend this party. Comrade Xinghai was also invited to participate. Under the bright kerosene lamp, I stood up and gave a few explanations, and then recited all the more than 400 lines of "Yellow River" with great emotion. The comrades listened attentively with expectant eyes. As soon as the applause ended, Comrade Xinghai stood up in excitement, held the lyrics in his hands, and said, "I am sure I can write it!" This was followed by even more warm applause, mixed with cheers, congratulating the spiritual harmony between the poem and the music.

The "Yellow River Cantata" is mainly an achievement in musical art. The lyrics facilitate the realization of the composer's ambitions.

We regret that the talented composer passed away prematurely! If he had lived to this day - of course he would be 80 years old - hearing his singing would still inspire the descendants of Yan and Huang to unite and rise up to revitalize China. , that would be great! If he were still alive, during the last 40 years of his normal life, he would have written many immortal pieces of music for the times! Thinking of this, we feel more and more how great our loss is! It inspires the aspiring young people even more Gentlemen, we must catch up quickly, make up for our heavy losses, and add new glory to New China with new creations that surpass our predecessors!

(Originally published in the New York "Chinese Express" on August 28, 1985) < /p>

4. The true meaning of "Yellow River" (Light has not yet come)

With its heroic spirit, the Yellow River appears on the Asian plains, symbolizing the great spirit of the Chinese nation. Throughout the ages, many poets have praised and sang for it.

In "Yellow River Cantata", a powerful picture of fantasy and reality unfolds.

Dark clouds filled the sky and turbulent waves crashed onto the shore. The boatmen on the Yellow River fought hard in the storm and finally reached the other shore after untold hardships. This symbolizes that our great nation and people have overcome the stormy difficulties and finally achieved a glorious victory.

So on the top of the mountain, the singer of the times appeared. He represented the heroic sons and daughters of the motherland, singing the praises of the Yellow River, and wanted to learn from his example and be as great and strong as him.

The national poets felt nostalgic in front of the Asian giant. He cried to the Yellow River giant about the disaster of our nation. He saw the giant awakening, raising his raging waves, uttering his wild screams, responding to the songs of battle that filled the mountains and plains of his fatherland.

On the east bank of the Yellow River, there are thousands of miles of fertile soil, where men, women, old and young enjoy themselves. Once violent enemies invade, they will cause crazy killings, leaving wives and children separated, and it will be desolate.

Two exiled fellow villagers met unexpectedly on the banks of the Yellow River. They each told their own destiny, and finally embarked on the road to fighting together.

However, his wife, a country woman, lost her husband and her child, and was ravaged by wild beasts. On a windy and rainy night, she secretly ran to the edge of the Yellow River. Crying, he threw himself into the rolling waves of the Yellow River.

At this time, in Hedong, Hebei, in the mountains and green gauze tents, huge waves of revenge are rolling up in all directions. The outstanding sons and daughters of the Chinese nation are fighting to defend the Yellow River and the motherland.

Roar, Yellow River! Send a battle cry to the oppressed people of China and the oppressed people of the world! - On behalf of the 50 million people, we are shouting for the final victory of the motherland. .