Chinese Music 國劇 guó jù
China
Chinese Culture This is one of the world’s oldest and most complex cultures. The Chinese believe that music is an expression of harmony that exists among heaven, earth and man. Despite this, until recently, it was frowned upon to play music just for fun!
Culture Continued In China the number five is sacred. The five elements- earth, fire, wood, metal and water. Many Chinese music is even composed with a pentatonic scale.
Religion Buddhism is the main Religion in China Some people thought music should be reserved for Buddhist worship and meditation.
Instruments! Erhu Dizi Guqin Pipa Gu
Guoyue Anything written for a Chinese instrument: it includes all Chinese instrumental music, opera, regional folk genres, and solo pieces. First used to separate the Khitan Rulers from Han Chinese. (~907AD) Use for a time after as ceremonial court music before being use as propaganda music during the later half of the 17 th century.
Guoyue Continued Use for a time after as ceremonial court music before being use as propaganda music during the early part of the 20 th century. Use by communist China to control and separate its self from the Western World.
Peking Opera Combination of different art forms: Music Drama Costumes Acrobatics Fancy make-up
Chinese Drama Before the Peking Opera B.C Chou Dynasty Religious ceremonies Mimes Dancers Acrobats Jugglers
Chinese Drama Before the Peking Opera A.D Tang Dynasty Li Yuan (dramatic arts) Founded by Emperor Ming Huang A school of dramatic art in his palace Children of Li Yuan (actors and actresses)
The birth year of Peking opera-1790
The Empress Dowager - Peking opera fan
Peking Opera Examples
Face Painting meanings Painted Red represents uprightness and loyalty. Painted Black indicates impartial and incorruptible. It also means a rough and forthright character Painted White indicates treacherous and cunning. Painted Blue indicates Bravery and pride. Painted Purple indicates justice and solemnity. Painted Gold or silver indicates powerful, such as immortals.