The masterpiece consists of five music movements, plus prelude and coda. It tries to interpret Confucian culture through music.

Confucius’ thoughts are a key part of Chinese civilization. “Benevolence, righteousness, propriety, wisdom and faithfulness” are the core values of Chinese culture, stressing the importance of caring for other people, seeking righteousness in society, and fostering propriety and faithfulness.

First Movement: Benevolence

The rhythm of this movement is slow and mild but profound and magnificent. Wang Ning, the composer of Ode to Virtue, said he uses this movement to express benevolence, depicting how the Earth can hold and nourish everything.

Second Movement: Righteousness

The second movement is performed with cellos. The music is more intense than former movements. Wang said this movement displays the power and warmth of fire.

Third Movement: Propriety

The third movement conveys the harmonious ideals of independence and respect, which are important parts of propriety.

Fourth Movement: Wisdom

The sound of a scraping goblet, the sound of dropping water and the sound of gongs are rare and seldom heard in daily life or a symphony. These sounds appear together in the fourth movement, making it the most impressive movement in the whole symphony.

Fifth Movement: Righteousness

The fifth movement expresses honesty, which is considered a basic Confucian moral. In traditional Chinese culture, honesty, just like metal, does not glitter, but its strength endures. Therefore, this movement is mainly preformed with brass, metallic instruments.