China Popular Itineraries |
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Ensembles of Traditional Stringed and Woodwind Instruments |
The words " Si" (string) and "zhu" (bamboo) were recorded first in Chun Guan of Zhou Li (a book of rites). These two kinds of instruments be-long to the eight categories of musical instrument in ancient orchestra (metal, stone, string, bamboo, gourd, clay, leather, wood). As early as the Han Dynasty, stringed and woodwind instruments began to serve as an accompa-ny. During Wei, Jin, South and North dynasties, there appeared solos of stringed woodwind instruments. Then with the development of Chinese tradi-tional opera music, the ensembles of traditional stringed and woodwind instru-ments developed greatly and became very popular all over China till the Ming and the Qing dynasties.
South-of-the-Yangtze-River Si Zhu Music is centered in Shanghai, and develops in south Jiangsu Province and west Zhejiang Province. Stringed and woodwind instruments are the main instruments; next to them are some per-cussion instruments. The number of players ranges from two or three to eight or more. One of the most famous compositions is Walking down the Street. Generally speaking this kind of music is brisk and lively, suggesting the sim-plicity , exquisiteness and the beauty of the south of the Yangtze River with clear waters and green hills. Guangdong Music set in across Guangzhou and the delta of Zhujiang at the beginning of the 20th century. The main playing instrument is Gaohu. During the time of 1920s to 1930s Mr. Lii Wencheng, a famous folk artist, took great efforts to promote Guangdong music until it entered a new stage of development. Guangdong music mainly depicts a dainty picture of daily life. The most famous compositions are Rain Rattling on Ba-nana Leaves, Autumn Moon over Pinghu Lake. |
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