Chinese drums

Author: Qiao Jianzhong
Publisher:
Publishing Date: 2002-12-01
Features:
Gong and drum are the most important musical instruments in China, with the saying "No music without drums." Gong and drum are also the most widespread musical instruments in China, as "No folk music without gong and drum." Gong and drum are the most ancient musical instruments in China, dating back to the "Turtle Drum" from over 4,000 years ago, the 35 types of "Drum" characters in oracle bone inscriptions from the 16th century BC that are largely similar, the bronze gongs of the Han Dynasty, and the bronze cymbals of the Wei and Jin periods.
Gong and drum have also extended to the most extensive role in Chinese history, spanning religion, politics, military, labor, and daily life, nearly omnipresent. The perfect combination of folk and refined culture, the interaction between artistic and non-artistic fields, are the fundamental elements that constitute the unique personality and infinite charm of Chinese gong and drum culture. Starting with the study and introduction of the refined cultural characteristics, one can explore the origins and formation of the folk culture, revealing an ancient, profound, and dynamic landscape. In this landscape, there is both the wisdom of the early, primitive stage of Chinese gong and drum and the innocent playfulness within their mystery; both the heroic passion of blood and fire and the fearless spirit of life and death; both the majesty and splendor of Chinese gong and drum and their joy and ordinariness.
It can be said that in the entire world, no other musical instrument has been able to stir such grand waves in the long river of human history as Chinese gong and drum! The book features nearly 300 images, including various drums, gongs, naos, and cymbals rarely seen by modern people. There are also scenes of Chinese gong and drum performances that are on the verge of or have already disappeared with changes in the cultural ecological environment. In itself, this is already invaluable.
The book is organized in the order of "Introduction," "Historical Chapter," "Modern Chapter," and "Cultural Chapter," spanning from prehistory to the present day. Musical artifacts and historical records are mutually verified, court gong and drum and folk gong and drum harmoniously resonate, and gong and drum in artistic fields and non-artistic fields are inclusively included, fully showcasing the historical features and contemporary charm of Chinese gong and drum.
Looking back and summarizing also means looking forward and expanding. The long-standing Chinese gong and drum have been rolling along with the history of Chinese civilization for thousands of years. Today, its unprecedented development evens the brilliant and glorious future of tomorrow!