Grade Examination Pieces (Volume 1 and 2)

Author: Xu Chaoming
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-04-01
Features: To adapt to the development of xun playing art, the primary (Level 1, Level 4) and intermediate (Level 5, Level 7) sections of this graded repertoire are generally recommended for use with the traditional 24-reed xun (hereinafter referred to as the 24-reed xun), while the advanced (Level 8, Level 10) sections are generally recommended for the 37-reed keyed semi-tone xun (hereinafter referred to as the 37-reed xun). This recommendation is based on the following four reasons:
1. Compared to the 37-reed xun, the 24-reed xun is smaller in size, lighter in weight, and more affordable. Adolescents are in a stage of growth and development, making it more suitable and easier to start with the 24-reed xun.
2. Using the 24-reed xun allows for the learning of various traditional playing techniques and the performance of numerous solo pieces (the exercises and pieces selected for the primary and intermediate sections of this graded repertoire can all be played).
3. At a certain level of proficiency, the 24-reed xun lacks certain notes, making it impossible to play many solo pieces. Additionally, adolescents learning the xun often participate in rehearsals and performances with school or local children's conservatory orchestras, but the lack of notes in the 24-reed xun hinders their ability to perform. Therefore, they need to switch to a xun with a complete semi-tone range.
4. Learning with the 24-reed xun also lays a solid foundation for learning the 37-reed xun. The 37-reed xun has a wider range and a complete semi-tone system. It not only fully retains the traditional playing techniques of the xun but also allows for the continuation of playing 24-reed xun pieces. Moreover, it can perform pieces that the 24-reed xun (or even more reeds) cannot play, broadening the scope of xun playing. It also enables participation in rehearsals and performances with various orchestras. For this reason, the compiler highly recommends it.