On April 18, the fantasy drama Ode to Ancient Melodies (古乐风华录), starring Li Yitong and Chen Xinhai, officially announced its full cast. This Chinese xianxia series blends traditional music with mythology, offering a fresh take on the genre. But can it avoid the pitfall of many xianxia dramas—visually rich yet narratively hollow?
Destiny Between Musician and Spirit
The story follows Yue Yangyang (Li Yitong), an ordinary musician, and Shao Yi (Chen Xinhai), a mysterious spirit born from an ancient instrument who awakens with no memories. Together, they journey to resolve the inner conflicts of twelve musical spirits and restore the divine music compendium, Ode to Ancient Melodies.
What begins as a partnership of convenience evolves into mutual understanding, as they use the power of music to bring peace to their world. And yes, the male lead is literally the spirit of a guqin.
Personifying Ancient Instruments with a National Aesthetic
1. "Instruments with Souls" – A Fantastical Premise
The drama features twelve traditional Chinese instruments—guqin, pipa, xiao, etc.—each embodied by a character known as a "musical spirit." Musicians must train in harmony with these spirits, drawing power only when their hearts align. This personification breathes life into ancient objects, making traditional music culture more relatable to modern audiences. While this kind of concept is common in games and anime, it's still a novel approach for live-action dramas.
2. Aesthetic Fusion of Tradition and Trend
The production collaborated with the China National Traditional Orchestra to incorporate authentic music into the story. Costume and set designs draw from Dunhuang murals, blending ancient elegance with visual spectacle, crafting a fantastical yet culturally rooted world.
Meet the Twelve Musical Spirits
Each character embodies a traditional Chinese instrument, both in personality and visual design:
Shao Yi (Chen Xinhai) – Guqin
One of the oldest plucked instruments in China, known for its meditative tone and philosophical depth. Symbolizes inner peace and intellectual refinement.
Nan Yan (Xiao Yan) – Pipa
A pear-shaped, four-string lute with bright and dynamic sound. A cultural icon seen in Silk Road art.
Xia Chan (He Luoluo) – Xiao
A vertical bamboo flute with a distant, ethereal tone, favored by poets to express solitude and longing.
Chen Yu (Rao Jiadi) – Sheng
A mouth-blown reed instrument, unique for producing harmonies. Known as "the harmony of sheng," it played a central role in court music.
Mu Xue (Jianaina) – Se
A zither-like plucked instrument used in ancient court rituals. Symbolizes solemnity and harmony.
Luo Yang (Li Gengyun) – Qing
A lithophone made of jade or stone, its crisp tones were used in royal ceremonies and ancestral rites.
Wu Rao (Wang Yilun) – Zhong
A bronze bell producing deep, resonant tones. A ritual instrument representing authority and tradition.
Qian Xiao (Chang Huasen) – Ruan
A plucked string instrument with a mellow tone. Named after a famed musician of the Jin dynasty.
Meng Wanhui (Dong Yan) – Xun
An ocarina-like wind instrument dating back to the Neolithic age, known for its ancient, mournful sound.
Xuan Zhou (Yin Ziwei) – Di (Bamboo Flute)
A horizontal flute with a crisp and lively tone. Widely used in folk music and often associated with free-spirited themes.
Nuo Nuo (Chen Zhiyan) – Ling (Bell)
A small handbell used in both ritual and festive settings. Associated with joy, clarity, and warding off evil.
Dong Dong (Lu Yuhao) – Gu (Drum)
A percussion instrument symbolizing strength and leadership. Historically used in battles and ceremonies.
A Strong Concept Needs Strong Execution
Despite the promising premise, the drama may face several challenges:
Without careful world-building and character development, the story may fall into the trap of "high concept, low story"—a common issue in fantasy dramas. With twelve musical spirits, the show risks losing focus. Poor pacing or an unbalanced narrative could weaken emotional impact and confuse viewers.
If traditional instruments are treated as mere props rather than integral to the plot and character arcs, the show may squander its most original idea.
Xianxia with Cultural Depth, or Just Another Pretty Face? Ode to Ancient Melodies has all the ingredients for a breakout success: a unique concept, stunning visuals, and a cultural foundation that resonates with national pride. Li Yitong and Chen Xinhai’s chemistry adds another layer of appeal.
But beneath the aesthetic beauty, a solid narrative and emotional depth are essential. If the creators can balance innovation with storytelling, this drama could redefine the genre. If not, it might become just another example of style over substance in the crowded world of xianxia dramas.
