Arthur Bliss’s The Women of Yueh, F.166, is a five‑song cycle composed in 1923–24 and first published in 1924, setting Chinese texts by Li Po (translated by Shigeyoshi Obata). Lasting about 7½ minutes, the work unfolds without breaks, each miniature evoking a distinct poetic scene on the river Yueh. Momentary woodwind solos and muted string harmonies frame the vocal line, while percussion adds subtle color without overwhelming the delicate textures.

Stylistically, the cycle blends early‑20th‑century modernist harmonies with modal inflections to create an imagined Oriental sound world. The soprano’s part demands clear diction and sustained legato, and the ensemble must execute precise dynamic contrasts and textural shifts to convey the work’s contemplative, evocative character.