Chinese Classical Music
brief introduction to classical music from different countries
February 13, 2023
Looking for something new and different, but not sure where to start? Listen up – we’re here to introduce you to the wonderful, wonderfully varied world of Chinese classical music!
Although its history dates back centuries, this genre still yields captivating melodies and complex rhythms that are sure to leave you awe-struck. From folk songs and traditional opera performances, to court music from the imperial palace—listening to Chinese classical music is like taking a trip across different regions in time.
The Chinese classical musical style has a long and rich history behind it that is worth learning about. Even if you don’t care for historical background knowledge, the complexity and beauty of Chinese classical pieces are more than reason enough to give them a listen.
If all this talk has piqued your curiosity - get ready, because today we'll be exploring why this genre should definitely be on everyone's playlist!
Topics
What is Chinese classical music and where did it start?
How does it differ from traditional western style?
Different techniques used in Chinese Classical Music
What are some of the most famous pieces of Chinese Classical Music and who wrote them?
How has it evolved over the years and where is the next generation headed?
What is Chinese classical music and where did it start?
From the String qin of classical antiquity to the development of regional opera types in more modern time, Chinese classical music has taken many forms over the centuries. Nowadays, it remains a living tradition with its various genres spread across the vast landscape of China. Considered one of the oldest continuous musics of humanity, classical Chinese music has been an important component of Chinese culture for generations.
It has roots from the classical period in China from 770 BC to 221 BC, but with influence from Confucianism and Taoism, it has grown and developed significantly over the centuries. Chinese classical music is noted for its distinct variations between dynamic and soft melodies, as well as its deep emotion-evoking sounds. Traditional classical music instruments such as the pipa (Chinese lute) and erhu (two-stringed Chinese fiddle) are central to this classical genre which incorporates Chinese culture into a unique type of composition unlike any other. It includes forms of music such as traditional guzheng, erhu, and dizi instruments, together with ancient poetry and storytelling that are used to create grounded yet emotive pieces.
It encompasses vocal and instrumental styles from a variety of regional traditions. Though each region bears its own distinct musical characteristics, most classical pieces are composed using ancient five-tone scale - Pentatonic scale – as well as numerous other musical elements such as traditional modes and esoteric aesthetics to convey feelings and emotions through sounds.
With the continued spread of cultural exchange between China and other global nations through trade, diplomacy, and travel - classical Chinese music has been reimagined in different styles for modern interpretations too. The blending of eastern and western style has resulted in unique combination that transcends both time and culture.
How does it differ from traditional western style?
China has been creating music for thousands of years, developing a sound that is truly distinct from its western counterpart.
Chinese classical music has a unique style and sound that creatively varies from traditional western classical music. It includes various classical instruments such as Guzheng, Sheng, Pipa, and other classical instruments native to China which are the primary sources of timbre and tone within classical music.
The melodies produced by Chinese music have distinct influence most notably from Central Asian folk music but also from ancient Chinese classical histories, philosophies and stories that date centuries ago. Chinese classical music employs pentatonic scale, not for the sake of just using pentatonic music. The scales they built were based on the circle of fifths; you can also think of this concept as stacking fifths.
It has some similarities to classical and traditional western music, but overall these two styles have distinct differences. A typical Chinese classical composition often consists of long, slowly-evolving melodic lines connected by relatively short ornamental passages or passages of virtuosity and centered generally on one key. While you can’t generalize Western classical music as it varies greatly from different regions, but generally it develops more harmonically, changing keys often at times and creating contrasting melodies/themes.
Instruments used in playing classical Chinese music have different effects present compared to traditional western classical style through timbral qualities, use of more microtones than regular interval semitones, scale structure, melodic patterns as well as the length of musical pieces varying from short to epic proportions. All these features bring an intricate blend of East Asian culture into a modern interpretation on classical music which is simply captivating.
Different techniques used in Chinese Classical Music
Chinese classical music provides a fascinating array of techniques and styles, from gentle and lyrical sounds to the use of classical instruments such as the guzheng and erhu. These classical instruments provide a unique sound for Chinese classical music, as well as fleshed out melodies, layered with multiple voices.
Chinese classical music is composed of five distinct classical types—guqin, yayue, qinqiang, xiangsheng and sizhu —which have developed over centuries of creative history in China. Each type follows a specific structure or style combining unusual instrumentation with what is known as "pentatonic" scales to create a variety of intricate melodies that are truly remarkable.
“Pentatonic” scales are five note scales that provide an East-Asian flavor to pieces. Additionally, Chinese classical music makes use of improvisation as part of its composition process, allowing for more dynamic performances that can change every time they are performed.
One example that comes to mind is the lingering, melodic tunes created by instruments such as the guzheng. This distinct sound first emerged in China more than two thousand years ago and continues to figure prominently in classical music from China today. Other common techniques include 'kong zhi', where tempo is regulated through vocal cues, and 'jieba't, musical pieces made up of fragments of familiar tunes.
As well, ancient classical music employs impressively sophisticated rhythms which combine both instrumental and vocal elements that remain impressive today. Despite being centuries old, Chinese classical music remains a popular cultural feature in China and continues to embody the spirit of Chinese history in its style.
What are some of the most famous pieces of Chinese Classical Music and who wrote them?
Among some of the famous classical pieces written by Chinese composers are ‘The Yellow River Cantata’, composed by Xian Xinghai; ‘Butterfly Lovers Violin Concerto’, composed by Chen Gang and He Zhanhao.
“The Yellow River Cantata” is a popular piece that seeks to glorify the revolutionary spirit of China during World War II. It evokes strong imagery with its sorrowful melodies reminiscent of the heroic struggles Chinese people endured under Japanese occupation at the time.
The famous violin-concerto “Butterfly Lovers” tells a classical Chinese love story known as Liang Shanbo and Zhu Yingtai. This piece is considered one of the essential works in classical Chinese music especially due to its modern adaptation of classical instruments including certain percussion instruments among others.
Others include Pu-tai Yeh, Sorrowful Reunion, Spring Festival Overture. Pu-tai Yeh originated in the 10th century as a Buddhist hymn but eventually became so popular among classical musicians that it has since been composed by many classical artists like Yang Xiu Weng and Zha Fuxi. Sorrowful Reunion was written by Zhang Zhao in the 18th century and has been recognized for its beautiful melody.
Another famous classical piece is the Spring Festival Overture written by Chinese composer Li Huanzhi in 1938 - its powerful orchestral melody has earned it international fame.
Guzheng - High Mountain Flowing Water has been stirring hearts since it emerged from Chinese classical music in the 16th century. Composed by two anonymous musicians, this piece exemplifies the beauty and complexity of traditional classical Chinese music. Guzheng - High Mountain Flowing Water is filled with complex key changes and runs that carry listeners away to a peaceful place full of harmony and wonderful soundscapes. The Guzheng, a type of Chinese zither, lends itself perfectly to classical composition as its plucked strings create a delicate yet powerful atmosphere which further enhances the poignant emotion behind the piece.
The Wild Geese Over the Clam Sands is an iconic classical piece of music composed by a Chinese composer in 700 AD. This classical piece evokes feelings of nostalgia, traditionalism, and subtle elegance that draw basic human emotions out of the listener.
"Flute and Drum at Sunset” is an iconic classical melody from the Jiangsu Province of Eastern China. Deceptively simple in its complexity, "Flute and Drum at Sunset" invites listeners to partake in a journey of musical discovery, layering the sophistication of classical music with both the modernity of technological progress and the tradition of Chinese classical heritage.
All these influential pieces of classical music from China show just how rich and vast Chinese classical music really is and this is only a small representative sample. There’s so much to enjoy.
How has it evolved over the years and where is the next generation headed?
Chinese classical music has evolved over the centuries, and yet remains an art form beloved throughout China. While still adhering to rich classical traditions, contemporary Chinese classical musicians now also explore modern techniques in their compositions. This generation of classical composers is especially vibrant, incorporating elements from different eras and styles to create a unique blend or synthesis. Where will this new generation be headed in the future? It's sure to push the boundaries of classical music even further—it's only by taking risks that we can create something truly extraordinary and new.
Final Note
Chinese classical music is a truly unique and diverse form of music that spans thousands of years of ancient songs and compositions. It takes many different shapes, from the delightful plucking of the zither to the intense vibrato of an erhu, to the gentle fluttering of a xiao. Its history is ancient yet ever-evolving, both standing alone in traditional Chinese culture as well as blending into Jazz, Pop and EDM. While some of its oldest pieces still hold their place in classical music antiquity, it’s clear that there is much more left to be discovered in Chinese classical music, for future generations to learn about and explore. As we continue to expand our knowledge and appreciation for this type of music all over the world, we can only look forward to what new wonderfully inventive wings it will take on in the years to come.
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