Li Yannian (musician)

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Li Yannian (simplified Chinese: 李延年; traditional Chinese: 李延年; pinyin: Lǐ Yánnián  ? - 82 BC) was a Chinese musician during Han Dynasty. Born into a musical family, he became a court musician during Emperor Wu's reign. Later he was sentenced to castration after committing a crime.

His most famous composition was the song Jiarenqu (literally, The Beauty Song), describing a lady with exceptional beauty. Upon hearing this song, Emperor Wu did not believe there could be such woman on earth, but his sister Princess Pingyang mentioned Li has a younger sister who could match the description, so Emperor Wu took Li's sister as a concubine. Li Yannian himself allegedly had a homosexual relationship with Emperor Wu. When Emperor Wu re-established the Imperial Music Bureau, Li Yannian was appointed Chief Musician.

Jiarenqu (The Beauty Song) is a central motif in the film House of Flying Daggers.

The lyrics: In the north there is a beauty: Surpassing the world, she stands alone. A glance from her will overthrow a city; A second glance will overthrow the State. Don't I know she can overthrow the city and the State? But such a beauty cannot be found again!

After the death of his sister, Li Yannian's family began to lose Emperor Wu's favor. In 82 BC the entire family was executed on multiple charges, including treason.