EMPEROR Xuanzong(685-762)of the Tang Dynasty(618-907)has been renowned for his versatility,particularly in music.There are many anecdotes about the talented emperor.Once,while sitting at court,Emperor Xuanzong kept moving his fingers up and down his stomach.After the court was dismissed,Gao Lishi,the royal steward,came in and asked the emperor,“Your Majesty,I noticed you pressing your fingers up and down your abdomen.Are you feeling unwell?”Emperor Xuanzong replied,“No,I am fine.Last night I dreamed I was visiting the Moon Palace,and the fairies played celestial music for me.The melody was so captivating that I was totally engrossed in it.Later,the fairies played music again to see me off.The heavenly tune was wistful,intoxicating,and moving.When I woke up,I felt the melody was still ringing in my ears,so I wrote it down right away.I was afraid of forgetting the beautiful music,so this morning I kept playing the rhythm with my fingers to keep it fresh in my mind.”
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