A river reflects the face of a beautiful woman; she softly opens her lips, and from them flow songs of the ages. The stringed and wind instruments join in the tune, creating a perfect harmony, beautiful and bewildering music.

The song carries from the small boat far into the distance. The woman’s reflection dances on the water. The tinkle of her jade ornaments, the waves in her hair as the breeze grazes through it, the endless ripples in the water. All the joys and sorrows of the world pour out through this song.

The delicate and graceful sound of Kunqu Opera has echoed on for ages, and the Dan is the most charming of all the roles. On this refined collection, Dan singer Yu Bin performs several different styles, such as the Guimen Dan, Zheng Dan, and Cisha Dan. The rich sound of Yu Bin’s voice is unforgettable, at times tender and sentimental, at times passionate and deep; she is truly a very versatile singer. The Guimen Dan is very dignified and just, full of confidence; the Zheng Dan is very intense and full of emotion; and the Cisha Dan has a powerful and sonorous voice. There are also the special qualities that the character of each aria offers the listener, forming an impressive and dazzling array. Although Yu Bin covers a wide spectrum of styles, her heartfelt performances will draw you in with every listening. Her versatility as a singer leaves much to be enjoyed, especially for those who are familiar with the Dan role. This superb compilation of classic Dan melodies is sure to satisfy even the most demanding Kunqu Opera connoisseur.

Here you will find all kinds of treasured pieces, which will take you inside the halls of imperial castles, and into worlds of dreams.

Amidst the spring scenery on the bank of the Peony Pavilion, Du Liniang is enlightened by a dream, finding herself and true love in both real and imaginary worlds. Surrounded by the mid-autumn scenery of the imperial garden, Emperor Tang Xuanzong and Concubine Yang lose themselves in their wine together, as if they’re in heaven. In the Nvzhen Monastery, Chen Miaochang and Pan Bizheng forge an oath, next to the Broken Bridge Madam White Snake expresses her undying love for Xu Xian, in front of the golden curtain Mrs. Fei murders her husband out of righteousness, and Dou E’s unjust beheading causes it to snow in June…. So many romances, so many sorrows and joys are all collected here; Yu Bin’s versatility and skill, her voice of gold and inspired performances, are all sure to deeply captivate you.

Kunqu Opera—a World Intangible Cultural Heritage, and the “Mother of All Chinese Opera”—contains a large range of melodies, and has remained a national treasure throughout the ages. This southern style with six hundred years of history is charming and refreshing to listen to, is still enjoyed by many today. Yu Bin, a nationally ranked first class singer of China, and skilled Dan performer of the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, offers on this collection a heartfelt rendition of classic Dan roles. Cai Zhengren and Zhang Jingxian, masters of the art of Kunqu Opera, Xiao Sheng artist Li An, and several dozen instrumentalists from the Shanghai Kunqu Opera Troupe, have assisted in the recording of this collection, providing new interpretations of classic pieces. Producer Ye Yunchuan and recording artist Li Dakang went to Shanghai and oversaw the project from start to finish, with mastering provided by Stockfisch Studios of Germany. While listening to this compilation, you’ll find songs of frailty, of compassion, of anger, of madness. Through Yu Bin’s moving performances you’ll also discover the entire spectrum of human emotions, from amiability to hatred, from anguish to euphoria. Her songs are sentimental, captivating, and unforgettable.