Wuxia (symphonic poem)

"Wuxia" is a symphonic poem in five movements by Elliot Leung. The work was co-commissioned by the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra, the Chengdu Symphony Orchestra and the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra commemorating the 100th year of author Jin Yong's birth. The premieres in Shanghai and Chengdu were conducted by Long Yu, while the premiere in Hangzhou was conducted by Yang Yang. During the 24-25 concert season, the piece was performed a total of 10 times with multiple orchestras across the country.

Wuxia has a duration of approximately 30 minutes. In a pre-premiere interview, the composer addressed the work's genesis, remarking that the piece was very personal as many of Jin Yong's stories were introduced to him during his childhood through his father. Each of the movements draws inspirations from different novels, including The Legend of the Condor Heros, The Return of the Condor Heros, The Heaven Sword and the Dragon Sabre, The Deer and the Cauldron and The Smiling, Proud Wanderer. [1] The composer noted that the piece was structured similarly to Sergei Prokofiev's Romeo and Juliet. He also noted that the influence Jin Yong's novels had on Chinese popular culture would be similar to the effect J. R. R. Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings had on western civilisation.

Movement I "Pledge," is composed based on the narrative of Guo Jing and Huang Rong. Movement II "Shadow of the Blade" continues the narrative and is set on Taohua Island. The movement features many iconic martial arts highlights, such as Eighteen Dragon-Subduing Palms, the Dog Beating Staff Technique along with narratives from the members of the Beggar Clan. Movement III "Forbidden Love" follows the love story of Yang Guo and Xiaolongnü from conception to exile. Movement IV "A Tale of Luck and Deception" is centred around Wei Xiaobao. The Last Movement "The Buoyant Swordsman" depicts the life of Linghu Chong and also contains a quote from "沧海一声笑."

The work is scored for a large orchestra consisting of 3 flutes (3 doubling piccolo), Dizi, two oboes, cor anglais, two clarinets (in B-flat), bass clarinet, two bassoons, contrabassoon, four horns, three trumpets, two tenor trombones, bass trombone, one tuba, six percussionists, Harp, Piano, Celesta and strings.

The work was premiered on July 15 as the Closing concert for Shanghai's Music in the Summer Air (MISA) Festival in the Shanghai Jaguar Symphony Hall to a full house audience and an online audience of 40,000. Critic Mou Yiming wrote :

"Wuxia" is a piece that allows the audience to experience the charm of Jin Yong’s martial arts. The silhouettes of landscapes, scabbards and flying knives make people feel as if they are in the martial arts world, and can resonate with the characters in the novel. What's worth mentioning is that Leung’s musical talent and profound exploration of Chinese culture makes him a unique representative among contemporary composers, as seen in both his film and concert works. His musical works often contain rich emotional layers and projects a strong sense of imagery. Through constant attempts at multi-dimensional integration and innovation, not only does he demonstrates the charm of Chinese culture on the international stage, but also allows the world to hear the power of contemporary Chinese music in depth.”^[1]

On September 8, the piece had its Hangzhou premiere by the Hangzhou Philharmonic Orchestra to open their 24-25 concert season.^[2] The Chengdu Symphony Orchestra premiered the piece on December 14. ^[3] Following the premieres, the piece was brought to the Guangzhou Symphony Orchestra to open the YMCG week, and to the China Philharmonic Orchestra for their 25th Anniversary Concert.

1. ^ MISA. "为期十五天的MISA令人难忘，明年见！". Weixin Official Accounts Platform. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
2. ^ "今晚，杭州爱乐乐团开启2024-2025音乐季-杭州新闻中心-杭州网". hznews.hangzhou.com.cn. Retrieved 2025-07-17.
3. ^ "再续"武侠梦" 纪念金庸百年诞辰音乐会在蓉奏响-新华网". www.sc.xinhuanet.com. Retrieved 2025-07-17.