This book is a standard reference on Sonq dynasty music, and a model of meticulous scholarship. In the book Professor Pian surveys the theoretical and practical treatises on music, the historical and encyclopedic compilations, the song collections, and various other related materials. She comments on available editions of the musical works themselves, the origin of each piece, and its value for scholarly research. She also explains in detail the intricacies of the Sonq dynasty modal system and forms of notation, an understanding of which is essential for reading Sonq music. Originally published in 1967, this title is now reprinted with a new foreword and an introductory essay. Book jacket.