Conceived as a set, these eight songs are drawn from several Chinese regions (Shaanbei, Shaanxi, Yunnan, Jiangsu, Sichuan, Hunan, and Shanxi) and represent the three main genres of mountain song, work song, and the more structured performance song aimed at professional singers. In this new arrangement for solo viola the music has been carefully refashioned for Western instruments, with writing that includes stylistic bowing and fingering to match the original style. Suitable for students at early to intermediate level, these compelling short pieces are accompanied by illuminating programme notes with a synoposis of each song.