Heavenly Fragrance of Gandharva was specially created in 2015 for the Zhang Hongyan Plucked Strings Group. “Gandharva” has a range of meanings: it is the Sanskrit word for “unpredictable changes,” the name of the Music God who worships the Buddha in Jin Yong’s novel Demi-Gods and Semi-Devils, and refers to the apsara in the Dunhuang murals. Historically, entertainers in the ancient western regions of China who did not run businesses and perform only to fill their bellies were commonly known as Gandharva. This work depicts the ethereal presence of Gandharva as she flies across the heavens, emitting an elusive and mysterious scent and music. For the melody, the composer utilises a modality heavily influenced by music from China’s western regions. Through the use of a cannon arrangement and various plucked strings techniques, the music paints a picture of Gandharva playing music. As she plays, she exudes a celestial fragrance that drifts through the heavens in flowing layers.