Pu Tian Yue

The Pu Tian Yue (Chinese: 普天乐, Chinese: 普天樂, Chinese: pǔ tiān yuè) is considered the first national anthem of China, though it was not approved officially by the Qing Dynasty's government.

History

In 1878, (the 4th year of Guangxu), Zeng Jize (曾纪泽) had a diplomatic visit to Great Britain and France; he was appointed Ambassador to Russia two years later. At an international convention, a national song was needed, so he wrote the song Pu Tian Yue to the tune 词牌. The lyrics seem to have disappeared.

This song was not officially approved by the Qing Dynasty, but is widely recognized as the National Song of China in other countries.

The only known versions are from a version played by the Victor Military Band, translated as "The World's Delight," recorded in Camden, New Jersey on 9/18/1914.