Folksongs Folksongs are also called Mingge. Folksongs begun sometime during the Ming dynasty in the 16th century. Three major types of folksongs: –The Houzi (work song) –The Shange –The Xiao diao

Houzi The Houzi or occupational songs mostly consist of working songs. Functions: –To unify the physical movements. –To break the monotony of work and encourage the working spirit. Styles –Responsorial style –Question and answer style Features –Melody: repeating –Rhythm: generally duple –Use of exclamatory words Popular piece –“Daluge”

Mountain Songs Mountain songs mostly originated in the mountainous regions of southern, central and southeastern China. Functions: –To tell of love or courtship –To relieve work fatigue and to add some pleasure Styles: –Solo form with free rhythm –Question and answer styles Popular pieces –“Shanlushibawan” –“Liusanjie”

Xiao Diao The xiao diao is the miscellaneous folksongs that cover an abundance of variety. Functions: –For entertainment –Sing off work and found in rural and urban areas Popular pieces: –“Mengjiangnu” –“Melihua”

Minority songs Different minority: different language,different culture, different primary occupation ==> Different music style Minority songs: from their life and work Integration of dance and music Major minorities and their famous pieces –Mongol: Heaven –Tibetan: Qingzhanggeyuan