A Musical Trip
A Musical Trip to China
Chinese philosophers and composers have intertwined the physical and spiritual aspects of their rich culture into the music of the Chinese people. This cultural integration evokes feelings of tranquility and serenity when listening to Chinese songs.
Development of Chinese music:
The development of traditional (Yayue) Chinese music dates back to the Zhou dynasty, which reigned from 1122 BC-256 BC. "Music in the Zhou dynasty was conceived as a cosmological manifestation of the sound of nature integrated into the binary universal order of Yin and Yang" (Music of China 2021). The Zhou dynasty believed that "correct" music brought harmony and peace by incorporating the 5 elements of nature (water, fire, earth, air and space/emptiness) into their musical instruments (Meyer 2021). Different dynasties and philosophers had their own interpretation of "correct" Chinese music. Confucius, who was a revered Chinese philosopher, believed that Yayue, was correct Chinese music and was important for the cultivation and refinement of the individual (Music of China 2021). "Yue" in Yayue translates to music and refers to the relation of Chinese music to dance. Chinese music is related to different forms of art and expression such as dance, poetry, calligraphy, and the Chinese language itself. Music in the Zhou dynasty influenced the progression of Chinese music throughout other dynasties, leading to the development of Folk and classical Chinese music.
Traditional, Folk, & Classical music:
Although traditional, folk, and classical Chinese music varies in popularity and sound, they all remain grounded in their cultural roots and have the ability to express values and beliefs that are central to the Chinese people. Traditional Chinese music was established by the Zhou dynasty for people who held a high social status. Traditional music, also known as elegant or sophisticated music, was played by huge orchestras consisting of percussion and wind musicians. This music style was played for rituals and ceremonies of the imperial court.
Imperial Court Music of China - Zhao Liangshan, September,2020-China
Folk music of the Han culture dates back to 7,000 years ago and was created by the less formal, Chinese workers who were not of royal status. Han folk music is defined as heterophonic music, meaning variations of a single melodic line are played with the addition of different ornamentations. Chinese folk music can be compared to the Chinese language as well as the art of poetry. The relationship between folk music and the Chinese language is due to the sliding notes on an instrument from one pitch to another. The Chinese language also uses lots of different tones for the same word to alter its meaning. The comparison of folk music to poetry comes from the slow, relaxed tempo accompanied with distinct silences in the music to convey its meaning (Music of China 2021).
Although this you tube clip labels the jasmine flower song as traditional music, it is actually a famous Chinese Folk song that was created during the Qianlong era (1735-1796) Qing dynasty by an unknown composer. Many variation of this song have been created to fit different music styles across China (Mo Li Hua 2021).
Jasmine Flower (茉莉花) -China
Traditional Music at Han Dynasty (206BC to 220AD)-China
Classical Chinese music, also known as literati, was formed after traditional Chinese music and was also viewed as more sophisticated than folk music. Classical Chinese music was very individual and private in character and was performed by a single instrument or small ensembles (StringOvation 2017 ). Liu Fang, a renowned pipa player describes the intricacies of classical Chinese music, " There are many nuances in the music which cannot be put into the music scores. One phrase of Chinese classical music is not simply a string of notes but each note has its own life and meanings". She also compares classical Chinese music to poetry by explaining, " in the same manner as poetry, music sets out to express human feelings, soothe suffering and bring spiritual elevation." (Kirman 2001). Both of these songs demonstrate the individual nature of classical Chinese music.
Erhu - 江南春色 - May 25, 2012-China (composer unknown)
Chinese Classical Music《煙雨江南》October 12,2014-China (composer unknown)
Chinese instruments:
Some of the most well known Chinese instruments include the pipa, Qin, guzheng, dizi, erhu and bamboo pipes. Bamboo pipes and the Qin (stringed zither) are among the oldest known musical instruments from China.(Music of China 2021).
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| Dizi |
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| Guzheng |
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| Pipa |
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| Erhu |
Kirman, Pula E. "What Are Some Defining Characteristics of Chinese Classical Music That You Convey in Your Music?", 24 June 2001,
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