East Asian Culture Thread
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The Music of East Asia: Chinese Instruments
One musical instrument that is associated with China has been the Guqin:
Guqin is seven-stringed zither without bridges, the most classical Chinese instrument with over 3000 years of history. It is literally called qin (
) yet commonly known as "guqin" (
where "gu" stands for ancient), whereas the qin has become a generic name for all string instruments today.
Guqin has the most well-documented history and best preserved repertoire among all the intruments from China. There are a lot of literatures around guqin, and the information about the guqin is plenty.
China to open mega-Confucius center
China will open a US$260 million Confucius center next year, the boldest symbol yet of a recent revival of traditional Chinese religion as the Communist Party seeks to sideline Western faiths.
The sprawling 90,000 square-meter complex — slightly bigger than Madison Square Garden in New York — will include a museum displaying 100,000 relics and an exhibition center in Qufu, the philosopher’s birthplace, state media reported on Friday.
Confucianism has exploded in China since President Xi Jinping visited Qufu in Shandong province a year ago to “send a message to the nation: to carry forward our traditional culture and spread Confucian thought”.
Following his visit, investors have poured billions of dollars into Confucian schools and tourist sites in Qufu, which has reportedly attracted 3,000 visitors per day in recent months. Chinese celebrations marking Confucius’ birthday in September this year were the largest in decades.
State media has regularly featured Xi quoting the philosopher as a rule-based moral compass for China’s new consumerist society, and in October the state-run Foreign Languages Press published a new book of the president’s speeches littered with Confucian references.
“The Chinese tradition, represented by Confucianism, has held a dominant role for more than a thousand years, which means that there has never been an established state religion imposed on the whole population,” Helmut Schmidt, Germany’s chancellor between 1974 and 1982, wrote in a glowing tribute to Xi and the book in Friday’s state-run China Daily.
Confucianism was all but banned in China up to the 1990s after Mao Zedong called for criticism of the 2,500-year-old “feudal” philosophy during the Cultural Revolution.
Since becoming president in March last year, Xi has frequently praised China’s traditional faiths, as the ruling party has continued to warn against “Western religions” amid a growing crackdown on Christianity in Zhejiang province and Islam in restive Xinjiang.
“The government is paying more attention to Confucianism these days since what Confucianism advocates — hierarchical rule with peaceful stability — complies with the ideas of the ruling party,” Yan Ping, director of the National Studies Research Academy in Qufu, told ucanew.com.
China to open mega-Confucius center ucanews.com
One musical instrument that is associated with China has been the Guqin:
Guqin is seven-stringed zither without bridges, the most classical Chinese instrument with over 3000 years of history. It is literally called qin (
Guqin has the most well-documented history and best preserved repertoire among all the intruments from China. There are a lot of literatures around guqin, and the information about the guqin is plenty.
China to open mega-Confucius center
China will open a US$260 million Confucius center next year, the boldest symbol yet of a recent revival of traditional Chinese religion as the Communist Party seeks to sideline Western faiths.
The sprawling 90,000 square-meter complex — slightly bigger than Madison Square Garden in New York — will include a museum displaying 100,000 relics and an exhibition center in Qufu, the philosopher’s birthplace, state media reported on Friday.
Confucianism has exploded in China since President Xi Jinping visited Qufu in Shandong province a year ago to “send a message to the nation: to carry forward our traditional culture and spread Confucian thought”.
Following his visit, investors have poured billions of dollars into Confucian schools and tourist sites in Qufu, which has reportedly attracted 3,000 visitors per day in recent months. Chinese celebrations marking Confucius’ birthday in September this year were the largest in decades.
State media has regularly featured Xi quoting the philosopher as a rule-based moral compass for China’s new consumerist society, and in October the state-run Foreign Languages Press published a new book of the president’s speeches littered with Confucian references.
“The Chinese tradition, represented by Confucianism, has held a dominant role for more than a thousand years, which means that there has never been an established state religion imposed on the whole population,” Helmut Schmidt, Germany’s chancellor between 1974 and 1982, wrote in a glowing tribute to Xi and the book in Friday’s state-run China Daily.
Confucianism was all but banned in China up to the 1990s after Mao Zedong called for criticism of the 2,500-year-old “feudal” philosophy during the Cultural Revolution.
Since becoming president in March last year, Xi has frequently praised China’s traditional faiths, as the ruling party has continued to warn against “Western religions” amid a growing crackdown on Christianity in Zhejiang province and Islam in restive Xinjiang.
“The government is paying more attention to Confucianism these days since what Confucianism advocates — hierarchical rule with peaceful stability — complies with the ideas of the ruling party,” Yan Ping, director of the National Studies Research Academy in Qufu, told ucanew.com.
China to open mega-Confucius center ucanews.com
SvenSvensonov
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Erhu - my personal favorite instrument!
I'm digging that smile!
Erhu is a kind of violin (fiddle) with two strings which, together with zhonghu, gaohu, sihu, etc, belongs to the "huqin" family. It is said that its origin would be dated up to the Tang dynasty (618-907) and related to the instrument, called xiqin originated from a Mongolian tribe Xi. During Song dynasty (960-1279), the instrument was introduced to China and was called "Ji Qin". Soon the second generation of the huqin was among the instruments played at the imperial banquets. During the Dynasties of Yuan (1206-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911), the erhu underwent a great development at the time of the golden age of the local operas. The erhu then developed in a different "schools". Two famous artists Hua Yanjun (1893-1950) and Liu Tianhua(1895-1932) made an exceptional contribution to the improvement of the erhu, and it was indeed due to the latter that the erhu, an instrument mainly for accompaniment in an opera, becomes a solo instrument. After the foundation of People's Republic of China (1949), the manufacture of the erhu, the playing techniques, the repertoire as well as the musical education of this instrument have undergone an unpresidented development. The repertoire has grown rapidly in the genres of solo, with ensemble as well as concerti with symphony orchestra. Erhu now has become one of the most popular instruments in China.
The sound body of the erhu is a drum-like little case usually made of ebony or sandalwood and snake skins. It usually has a hexagonal shape with the length of approximately 13 cm. The front opening is covered with skin of python (snake) and that of the back is left open. The functions of this case of resonance are to amplify the vibrations of the strings. The neck of the erhu is about 81 cm long and is manufactured with the same materials as the drum. The top of the stem is bent for decoration. The two strings of the erhu is usually tuned D and A. The two tuning handles (pegs) are found close to the end of the stem. There is no frets (as contrast to the lute) or touching board (as contrast to violin). The player creates different pitches by touching the strings at various positions along the neck of the instrument. The strings are usually made of silk or nylon. Nowadays, metal strings are commonly used. The bow is 76 cm long and is manufactured of reed which one curves during cooking, and arched with horse hair in the same way as the bow of violin. However, in the case of erhu, the horse hair runs between the two strings. In another word, one cannot take off the bow from the instrument unless one of the two strings is taken off or broken.
The posture which the player must adopt to play the erhu is the same as that adopted for the other kinds of huqin: the left hand holding the fiddle and the right hand, the bow. The erhu is put on the lap vertically, the left hand moves vertically to touch the strings for the right pitch while the left hand (with the bow) move horizontally to make the sound. The Erhu is mainly a instrument for melody in a sense like voice. The left hand slides up and down the instrument while fingers pressing the strings to create desired pitch and "sliding" effects. The right hand pushes the horse hair against this or that string while moving horizontally, to create the sounds on either of the two strings. Occasionally some musicians hold the instrument with the help of a rope, in the same way as for saxophone, in order to play standing or walking. However it doesn't look elegant with the sound body pressing against the belly of the performer and the stem of the instrument pointing up and outwards. Therefore, the musicians normally play sitted unless it's absolutely necessary. In the old days, street musicians often used this method in order to play while walking. Today, in some pop or rock bands, musicians use this method of playing in order to act on the stage.
The erhu sounds similar to human voice, and can imitate many natural sounds such as birds and horse. It is a very expressive instrument, most well-known for playing melancholic tune, but also capable of play merry melody.
The erhu often plays an important role in the national orchestras. In the smaller orchestras, there are usually 2 to 6 erhu, in larger ones, 10 with 12. In fact, the erhu plays the same role as the violin in the Western orchestras.
*One of my favorite bands, Chthonic, makes extensive use of the Erhu... very beautiful sound.
I'm digging that smile!
Erhu is a kind of violin (fiddle) with two strings which, together with zhonghu, gaohu, sihu, etc, belongs to the "huqin" family. It is said that its origin would be dated up to the Tang dynasty (618-907) and related to the instrument, called xiqin originated from a Mongolian tribe Xi. During Song dynasty (960-1279), the instrument was introduced to China and was called "Ji Qin". Soon the second generation of the huqin was among the instruments played at the imperial banquets. During the Dynasties of Yuan (1206-1368), Ming (1368-1644) and Qing (1644-1911), the erhu underwent a great development at the time of the golden age of the local operas. The erhu then developed in a different "schools". Two famous artists Hua Yanjun (1893-1950) and Liu Tianhua(1895-1932) made an exceptional contribution to the improvement of the erhu, and it was indeed due to the latter that the erhu, an instrument mainly for accompaniment in an opera, becomes a solo instrument. After the foundation of People's Republic of China (1949), the manufacture of the erhu, the playing techniques, the repertoire as well as the musical education of this instrument have undergone an unpresidented development. The repertoire has grown rapidly in the genres of solo, with ensemble as well as concerti with symphony orchestra. Erhu now has become one of the most popular instruments in China.
The sound body of the erhu is a drum-like little case usually made of ebony or sandalwood and snake skins. It usually has a hexagonal shape with the length of approximately 13 cm. The front opening is covered with skin of python (snake) and that of the back is left open. The functions of this case of resonance are to amplify the vibrations of the strings. The neck of the erhu is about 81 cm long and is manufactured with the same materials as the drum. The top of the stem is bent for decoration. The two strings of the erhu is usually tuned D and A. The two tuning handles (pegs) are found close to the end of the stem. There is no frets (as contrast to the lute) or touching board (as contrast to violin). The player creates different pitches by touching the strings at various positions along the neck of the instrument. The strings are usually made of silk or nylon. Nowadays, metal strings are commonly used. The bow is 76 cm long and is manufactured of reed which one curves during cooking, and arched with horse hair in the same way as the bow of violin. However, in the case of erhu, the horse hair runs between the two strings. In another word, one cannot take off the bow from the instrument unless one of the two strings is taken off or broken.
The posture which the player must adopt to play the erhu is the same as that adopted for the other kinds of huqin: the left hand holding the fiddle and the right hand, the bow. The erhu is put on the lap vertically, the left hand moves vertically to touch the strings for the right pitch while the left hand (with the bow) move horizontally to make the sound. The Erhu is mainly a instrument for melody in a sense like voice. The left hand slides up and down the instrument while fingers pressing the strings to create desired pitch and "sliding" effects. The right hand pushes the horse hair against this or that string while moving horizontally, to create the sounds on either of the two strings. Occasionally some musicians hold the instrument with the help of a rope, in the same way as for saxophone, in order to play standing or walking. However it doesn't look elegant with the sound body pressing against the belly of the performer and the stem of the instrument pointing up and outwards. Therefore, the musicians normally play sitted unless it's absolutely necessary. In the old days, street musicians often used this method in order to play while walking. Today, in some pop or rock bands, musicians use this method of playing in order to act on the stage.
The erhu sounds similar to human voice, and can imitate many natural sounds such as birds and horse. It is a very expressive instrument, most well-known for playing melancholic tune, but also capable of play merry melody.
The erhu often plays an important role in the national orchestras. In the smaller orchestras, there are usually 2 to 6 erhu, in larger ones, 10 with 12. In fact, the erhu plays the same role as the violin in the Western orchestras.
*One of my favorite bands, Chthonic, makes extensive use of the Erhu... very beautiful sound.
@SvenSvensonov ,
Here is the Korean Gayageum musical performance. Its quite beautiful.
This is the Korean Kayagum Sanjo Style;
Here is the Korean Gayageum musical performance. Its quite beautiful.
This is the Korean Kayagum Sanjo Style;
SvenSvensonov
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@SvenSvensonov ,
Here is the Korean Gayageum musical performance. Its quite beautiful.
This is the Korean Kayagum Sanjo Style;
I was getting a Ghost in the Shell vibe during the first minute of the first video. But that Kayagun Sanjo style video is awesome! Sounds better then me on guitar that for sure
This is one of my favorite performances
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Have you ever attended a Chinese musical performance live, Sven? They are definitely something to experience !
Sonyuke_Songpaisan
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East Asia culture should be Chinese culture and its copies.
ChineseTiger1986
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And here is the classic Chinese beauty, since I don't like the westernized beauty perception in our culture.
sahaliyan
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magic-007
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I enjoy listening to light music, in especially Oriental classical style's and feel japan's light music is very nice,such as 矶村由纪子/
Yukiko Isomura‘ s song
“風居住的街道"（ the street to the wind lived in）、夏川里美的歌曲 淚光閃閃（the tears is glistening in the eyes ）
，the both are all very touching. PLUS, 故宫之神思(Paean To Palace Memories) S.E.N.S pretty beautifully
Yukiko Isomura‘ s song
“風居住的街道"（ the street to the wind lived in）、夏川里美的歌曲 淚光閃閃（the tears is glistening in the eyes ）
，the both are all very touching. PLUS, 故宫之神思(Paean To Palace Memories) S.E.N.S pretty beautifully
Last edited:
William Hung
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This is the real classic Chinese beauty. Wow!!!!!! 
Also, could someone please post some Korean K-Pop. Currently K-Pop is the most loved and most popular East Asian culture around the world!!! there is just no competition from any other East Asian culture.
Also, could someone please post some Korean K-Pop. Currently K-Pop is the most loved and most popular East Asian culture around the world!!! there is just no competition from any other East Asian culture.
Indos
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Beside Keroncong, we have many singing stye like Melayu, Ambon, etc
There is another one which is quite famous here, It is more like pop keroncong, Enjoy
This one live performance from Ikke Nurjanah
There is another one which is quite famous here, It is more like pop keroncong, Enjoy
This one live performance from Ikke Nurjanah
Kiss_of_the_Dragon
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Nowaday, new generation of Chinese is more less under Western influence such Hip Hop or pop song, I believe Chinese Opera help alot of preserve Chinese culture.
ChineseTiger1986
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The trashy K-pop is a bigger threat to the western pop and Hip Hop.
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