During the 2014 Smithsonian Folklife Festival, Wu Man performed an original composition on the pipa entitled “Night Thoughts,” based on a work by Chinese poet Li Bo. She was accompanied by percussionist Haruka Fujii.

“A Quiet Night Thought”

In front of my bed, there is a bright moonlight.
It appears to be frost on the ground.
I lift my head and gaze at the August Moon,
I lower my head and think of my hometown.

「靜夜思」

床前明月光
疑是地上霜
舉頭望明月
低頭思故鄉

—Li Bo (701–762)

Editing: Nicholas Mangialardi