China
China
China
History
Song Dynasty
original opera such as Zaju and Nanxi was performed in
tearooms, theatres, and showplaces. Writers and artists liked it
so much that Ci, a new type of literature resembling lyrics,
thrived.
Yuan Dynasty
qu, another type of literature based on music became popular.
This was also a period when many traditional musical
instruments were developed such as the pipa, the flute, and the
zither.
Ming (1368 - 1644) and Qing Dynasties (1644 - 1911)
the art of traditional opera developed rapidly and diversely in
different regions.
artists combined the essence of the different styles and created
Beijing opera which continue to be appreciated even in modern
times.
Elements of Chinese
Music
1. Pitch/Tonal System
- music is in pentatonic scale which is derived from the Ling Lun
Chinese legend.
- five-tone scale system is connected to their patterns in life
like their outlook in cycles of dynasties, seasons,
the five
planets, and the five bases of elements.
Symbolic attributes:
Kung - the primary tone which is associated with the Emperor
Shang - the tone associated with the Minister
Chih - the tone associated with the State
Chaio the tone associated with the People
Yu -the tone associated with significant Chinese objects
Lu System - 2697 BCE Emperor Huang-Ti send Ling Lun to the western
mountains to cut bamboo pipes from which the basic pitches of
Chinese music is obtained.
2. Timbre (Vocal)
- In Han Chinese culture, the style is usually thin and nasal.
- High-pitched or shrill vocal quality convey lifes adversity
in Northern part of China where they experienced the cold,
dry, and windy environmental conditions
- Mostly Lyrical and gentle in Southern part of China because
they have mild weather and more rain.
3. Meter/Rhythm
- mostly in duple rhythm which transmits the
principle f natural duality like female-male or
yin-yang
relationship and it may also convey the
Zhongyong, a Confucian
concept.
- maintain balance and harmony from directing the mind to
a state
of constant equilibrium and stick to it.
Yin-yang Theory
- the universe is run by a single principle called Tao, or Great Ultimate.
- the Tao is divided into two opposing principles:
Yin : principles of femaleness, the moon, completion, cold, darkness,
material forms, submission, etc.
Yang : principle of maleness, the sun, creation, heat, light, heaven,
dominance, etc.
4. Texture
- music is in homophonic texture because it is mainly the
distinguishing characteristic of early Chinese ritual music like
the Ya
Yiieh, which is a classical music.
- instrumental music of China, the musicians make use of
embellishments on the melody where they play variations
- heterophonic texture rises in most Chinese folk music from the Han
people.
Characteristics of
Vocal and Instrumental Music
Chinese Instrumental
Music
a. Buddhist Music
is also known as Sanskrit Music.
- vocal intoning is usually reffered to as
Chanting music, covering verses,,
hymns, and liturgies.
b. Taoist Music
- influenced by regional folk music used in ceremonial
rituals like in Buddhist music.
Yunzi- is a vocal tune where melodies improve throughout
the ritual ceremonies.
2. Art Song
- Xiaoling - (12th-13th century) based on the poetry Qu.
- soloist performs with a wooden clapper as an
accompaniment.
3. Narrative Music
- Zhugongdiao - song is about a romantic legend accompanied
by
drum songs.
Traditional Musical
Instruments
Divided into four categories:
stringed instruments
percussion instruments
plucked instruments
wind instruments
-named as Huqin. Hu, which means foreign or northern folk and qin is
a common term fpr all string instrument.
Erhu
- a two stringed
instrument which
is one of the most
well-known in the
Huqin family.
- Chinese violin
Banhu
- known as bonghu,
panghu, or qin-hu.
- leading
accompaniment in
Bang-zi ballads
especially for local
operas in Central
China.
- usually performed in
solo, expressing
passionate and joyful
feelings.
Wind Instruments
Dizi
-
considered as a
traditional Chinese flute.
- it can be played
through double or triple
tonguing and fluttered.
Xiao
- is a famous
instrument also known as
long flute
- played solo in
classical music
Sheng
- one of the oldest
instruments
-is also called
Chinese mouth organ
LUTE FAMILY
Yueqin
- derived from the ruan but
the sound is thinner
- has a short neck and flat
sound box
Ruan
- also known as Chinese
guitar or moon guitar
- comes in different shapes
Pipa
- is developed to pluck
- has a short neck and
a wooden belly
Ruan
Yueqin
Pipa
Zither Family
Guqin
- a seven-stringed zither
that has a long and
slender body made of
pine tree.
Zheng
- one of the earliest
Chinese intruments mae
from bamboo.
- has a curve and
elongated surface with
21-stretched strings
Harp Family
Konghou
- is similar to a harp
Percussion
Family
Pengling
- consist of two bells made
of bronze.
- aside from the right hand
technique, it can also be
-it adds beauty to
played by the left hand in
rhythmic instruments in a
vibrato
music ensemble and
theater.
Muyu
- made from carved
mulberry wood and is
struck to produce sounds
- used as a musical
accompaniment in
Konghou
Buddhist chants
Muyu
Pengling
4. Mo Li Hua (Jasmine
Flower)
- It has been used during events
Opera