The [musical] tones of a well-managed age are at rest and happy: its government is balanced. The tones of an age of turmoil are bitter and full of anger: its government is perverse. The tones of a ruined kingdom are filled with lament and brooding: its people are in difficulty (68). —“Record of Music,” ca. 2nd century BCE (Han Dynasty China), translated by Stephen Owen Misty cold waters encircle t...