Comprehensive Introduction to Chinese Traditional Music (eBook)

Yuan Jingfang was Professor and Head of the Musicology Department before she took up the Deanship of Distance Learning at Beijing Central Conservatory of Music (CCOM). A renowned ethnomusicologist, Yuan is a board member of the Chinese Musicians' Association. Founder of the Research Centre of Buddhist Music.

Notes from the translator and proofreader
List of music examples
List of illustrations

INTRODUCTION

I. Long History of Traditional Chines Music Culture
II. Rich Connotation of Traditional Chinese Music Culture
III. Main Features of Traditional Chinese Music Culture
CHAPTER I: FOLK SONGS

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
I. Definition of Folk Songs
II. Historical Evolution of Folk Songs
III. Status of Folk Songs in Lives of the Chines

SECTION 2: TYPES OF FOLK SONGS AND THEIR ARTISTIC FEATURES
I. Folk Songs of Han People
II. Genres of Folk Songs of Ethnic Groups
CHAPTER II: DANCE MUSIC

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
I. Definition of Dance Music
II. Historical Evolution of Chinese Dance Music
III. Artistic Features of Folk Dance

SECTION 2 DANCE MUSIC AND ITS ARTISTIC FEATURES
I. Vocal Dance Music
II. Instrumental Dance Music
III. Composite Dance Music
CHAPTER III NARRATIVE SINGING

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
I. Definition of Narrative Singing
II. Historical Evolutions of Narrative Singing
III. The Position of Narrative Singing in Traditional Chinese Culture

SECTION 2: CATEGORIES AND ARTISTIC CHARACTERISTICS OF NARRATIVE SINGING
I. Labeled Piece-based Narrative Singing
II. Narrative Singing: Gushu (Drum Songs)
III. The Art of Narrative Singing of Ethnic Minorities
CHAPTER IV: MUSIC OF CHINESE OPERA (XIQU)

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
I. Definition of Music of Chinese Opera (Xiqu)
II. Historical Evolution of Xiqu Music
III. Position of Xiqu Art in Traditional Chinese Culture

SECTION 2: CATEGORIES AND CHARACTERISTICS OF XIQU MUSIC
I. Classification of Xiqu Music
II. Four Major Xiqu Melodic Types and Their Characteristics
III. Introduction to Selected Emerging Regional Xiqu Genres
CHAPTER V: INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC

SECTION 1: OVERVIEW
I. Definition of Instrumental Music and the Concept of Yuezhong (Music Genre)
II. Historical Evolution of Instrumental Music
III. The Roles of Chinese Instrumental Ensembles in Chinese Traditional Music Culture

SECTION 2: SOLO AND ENSEMBLE GENRES AND THEIR CHARACTERISTICS
I. Types of Solo Music and Their Music Characteristics
II. Major Types of Ensemble Music and Their Artistic Characteristics
REFERENCES

CONTINUING READING MATERIALS

SOUND RECORDINGS FOR LISTENING AND ANALYSES RELATED TO EACH CHAPTER
APPENDIX

GLOSSARY OF CHINESE TERMS

ABOUT AUTHORS AND TRANSLATORS