Introduction to the Analysis of Chinese Music Structure

Author: Li Jiti
Publisher:
Publish Date: 2004-10-01
Features: Given that this book cannot cover the structural issues of three different musical systems simultaneously, and considering that the ethnic groups in China influenced by European musical culture are relatively few, and that such music, as a system, should be more representative of the theories of Western ethnic groups. Moreover, since a large number of books on harmony, counterpoint, and music analysis theory have already been published in the West, the structural issues of ethnic music in China influenced by this type of music could be omitted from repetitive introduction and summary. Additionally, given the author's limited knowledge of Islamic musical culture, the study of ethnic music culture in China influenced by Islamic musical culture cannot be in-depth. Therefore, the focus of this monograph will be on the narrower sense of the so-called Chinese musical system. The generation and status of Chinese music are directly influenced by its economic development level, social politics, and overall cultural development. For this reason, the author has divided the book into the following three parts:
I. Upper Part: Analysis of the Structure of Traditional Chinese Music. This includes folk music, literati music, religious music, court music, and opera music, etc.
II. Middle Part: Analysis of the Structure of Sino-Western Integrated Music. This includes new ethnic vocal and instrumental works created by Chinese professional composers, Chinese-style music written for Western instruments, as well as Chinese chamber music, symphonic music, and opera/dance music created by borrowing Western genres.
III. Lower Part: Analysis of Modern Chinese Music Creation. This makes it easier to grasp the different overall styles and structural forms of Chinese music in different eras. Subsequently, the analysis theory and methods will naturally also undergo new changes.