Khúc Phượng Cầu Hoàng

Definition

1. Proper Noun:
   • "The Phoenix Seeks the Emperor": A legendary piece of music (a song or melody) traditionally attributed to the Chinese poet and musician Sima Xiangru during the Western Han Dynasty. It symbolizes a grand, romantic pursuit or an artistic masterpiece used to express deep admiration and win the heart of a beloved, often of high status.

Usage Examples

• Proper Noun:
  • Tương truyền, Tư Mã Tương Như đã gảy khúc "Khúc Phượng Cầu Hoàng" để tỏ tình với Trác Văn Quân. (Legend says that Sima Xiangru played "The Phoenix Seeks the Emperor" to confess his love to Zhuo Wenjun.)
  • "Khúc Phượng Cầu Hoàng" được coi là một kiệt tác âm nhạc cổ đại. ("The Phoenix Seeks the Emperor" is considered a masterpiece of ancient music.)

Advanced Usage

• The phrase is often used metaphorically in literature to describe a magnificent, heartfelt effort to woo someone or to achieve a lofty goal, akin to a phoenix seeking its sovereign.
  • Bài diễn văn của ông ấy như một "Khúc Phượng Cầu Hoàng" nhằm thuyết phục các nhà đầu tư. (His speech was like a "Phoenix Seeks the Emperor," aiming to persuade the investors.)

Cultural and Historical Context

• This term originates from a famous Chinese romantic story. Sima Xiangru, a poor scholar, played this exquisite melody on his zither (qin) to convey his love to Zhuo Wenjun, a wealthy widow, successfully winning her affection. The "phoenix" (phượng) represents the suitor (often the talented but low-status individual), while the "emperor" (hoàng) represents the revered, high-status beloved.

Synonyms

• Masterpiece courtship song: A musical composition of the highest quality used for wooing.
• Romantic overture: A grand and artistic gesture to express love.

Related Idioms and Concepts

• "Dùng nhạc tỏ tình": to use music to express love; a direct description of the act associated with the phrase.
• The story is a classic example of "tài tử giai nhân" (the talented scholar and the beautiful lady), a common trope in East Asian literature.