Holiday Special Edition: Best friend = He/She who gets your music?


The Chinese people call their best friend "Zhi Yin (知音)“. ”Zhi (知)", when used as a verb, means know/understand. "Yin (音)" is a noun meaning music/sound/voice. The literal interpretation of your "Zhi Yin" or best friend is hence somebody who gets your music. It probably seems a little odd but it will become intuitive after we tell you the story.

Bo Ya and Zi Qi

The story happened in around 300 B.C. Bo Ya (伯牙), a very famous composer and musician at the time, enjoyed playing his "qin (琴)*" in the nature. One cool summer day, Bo Ya performed at his favorite spot in the valley with a stream of the creek winding around. After a cup of wine, he started with the first movement, so deep and profound. "Ode to the mountains!", Zi Qi (子期), a nearby woodcutter heard the music and uttered, ”for its majestic rise!" Delighted, Bo Ya moved on to the second movement which began very softly with a barcarolle-like melody, so peaceful and ethereal. "Ode to the creek!", Zi Qi uttered, "for its tranquility and perseverance!" Bo Ya was amazed that this total stranger could read his music as well as himself. A special friendship quickly developed between the two. To Bo Ya, music is not just rhythms and tones but more of a reflection of his philosophy, associating his heart with nature's enormities, and Zi Qi was the only one who can peer into his inner spirit through the music.

* Note: "qin(琴)" is probably the oldest Chinese musical instrument. It has a history of roughly 3,000 years.  A typical "qin" has seven strings.

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