This work is inspired by the “Four Seasons” poems by Li Bai of the Tang Dynasty.
“Spring” is a sweet lament expressing the sentiment of a young woman: while calmly plucking mulberry and admiring the beautiful landscape in early spring, she sadly watches the departure of their loved ones going to war. “Summer” communicates optimism through the sunny portrayal of blooming lotus in a lake: she awaits effortlessly in a boat, but can only catches a glimpse at the royal house afar. “Autumn” depicts the yearning heart of a young woman: under the moonlight and feeling the soft blow of autumn wind, she laments the passing of time and wishes the safe return of her loved one from war. “Winter” describes an anxious woman sewing a winter coat late at midnight: she dreams the coat will be sent to her husband, keeping him warm and safe from the brutal winter wind in a war zone.
The vocal line captures the bleak but romantic poetic essence of the stories. The piano accompaniment is written in a dramatic manner, coloristic and dynamic. Music evolves from the lyrical and impressionistic figures in “Spring”, to the intense and angular gestures in “Winter”. The centered voice of a female character reminiscences elements of Kunqu opera, an old form of Chinese opera of passionate and melodious character.

The song cycle was sung beautifully by soprano Katy Clark, accompanied by pianist Jialiang Zhu, recorded on Aug. 6, 2021 at Walter Hall, University of Toronto.