S UFISM The term Sufism does not refer to a specific type of music. Instead, the term actually refers to a denomination of Islam. Sufism is considered to be the “mystical” branch of Islam, doing many things that other branches of Islam may or may not approve of. One of these things is the delivery of music.

S UFI M USIC Because of its relation to religion, Sufi music is largely devotional. In contrast to traditional Islamic music, which is sombre and texturally sparse, Sufi music is upbeat and has deeper texture and more layers. Vocals and instruments alike play together to perform Sufi music. The performance of Sufi music is traditionally delivered in Dhikr ceremonies.

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C ONTEXT OF S UFI M USIC Since Sufism is a part of Islam, many instruments that were already prevalent in Islamic and Middle Eastern music is also featured in Sufi music.

W HIRLING D ERVISH The music is set to help worshippers enter into a euphoric state, a connection with divinity. The music can also act as a backdrop for Sufi dances known as whirling dervishes. The dhikr, or the embrace of god, can include this style of dancing as a way to help worshippers feel a oneness with God and each other. Whirling Dervish.

V OCAL S TYLE Singing in Sufi music can be broken down into three different types: 1. Zakirler – Male driven, often sung in unison 2. Kaside – Solo male singer, rhythmically free melisma 3. Chorus Chanting Sufi Hymn

C HINA Chinese music shows a large variety in musical styles. Music may be played and intended for a solo performer, or be played as a large orchestra, or anything in between. Most musical pieces have names that allude to nature, myths, literature, and moods. The lyrics contained in songs could be anything, ranging from adapted poetry, stories, legends, or descriptions of the physical environment, such as portrayals of nature.

C HINESE I NSTRUMENTS Because of China’s location, many instruments or similar instruments are located in places such as Japan and Korea.

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P LAYING THE G UQIN The characteristic timbres of the guqin are many. The instrument can produce sounds via plucking with the nail or the flesh of the finger, tone- bending created by the sliding movements of the left hand, and the use of harmonics. Scraping sounds can also be incorporated when the player uses the edge of his or her nail along the rough/textured string. While Chinese music is played primarily on a pentatonic scale, other pitches may come into play, though all sound familiar enough to ears accustomed to Western tuning.

M USICAL N OTATION In China, many instruments including the Guqin are noted in a form of writing called tablature. More precisely, it consists of a chart that indicates how to pluck, stop, or touch each string, with minimal indication of pitch of rhythm. Thus, it is up to the performer to perform the piece of music to express the meaning of the music. Melody in the Guqin is comprised of short motives rather than extended passages.

C LASSIFICATION OF C HINESE I NSTRUMENTATION AND E NSEMBLES Chinese musicians used to use something called the bayin ; an organizational system for their instruments. In Europe, we have the four main families of brass, woodwind, percussion, and string instruments. In China, the bayin is composed of the wood, bamboo, metal, stone, clay, skin, silk, and gourd families. Essentially, the families of instruments are based on what the instruments are made out of.

J IANGNAN S IZHU One of the more popular and common place ensembles, Jiangnan Sizhu, is an ensemble made up of silk and bamboo instruments. Silk instruments are stringed instruments, both plucked and bowed. A bamboo instrument would be any form of flute.

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A S AMPLE ! Huan Le Ge (Song of Joy)

J INGJU Jingju is translated as “capital city opera”. Most often, it is referred to as Beijing Opera. In addition to silk and bamboo families of instruments, Jingju also uses metal instruments such as gongs. Similar to Japanese Kabuki theatre, Jingju is an art form that utilizes dramatic stage performance. Vocals are often added, similar to Kabuki, to narrate a tale. The Dream in Visiting the Garden

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