China
Chinese Traditional Music
Lunar New Year - January 29
Meet the Artist: Qian Yi
Reflection:
How long was the Chinese Opera that Qian Yi performed at the Lincoln Center when she was 20?
Chinese Traditional Music
Chinese traditional music refers to an array of musical traditions performed primarily in rural areas and communities, growing out of the music of peasants during the Imperial Era. These traditions included styles of Chinese opera that were often unique from the operas performed for the emperors. Even when performed by folk troupes in rural towns, Chinese opera brings music together with dance, pantomime, acting, costuming, and staging. Both folk music and opera from China use pentatonic scales, and can include string, woodwind, and percussion instruments. Singers often perform solo or in unison with accompanying instruments. In vocal performance, musicians often place a strong emphasis on expression and melisma.
Qian Yi performs a wide range of Chinese music, but she is most closely associated with opera. She began her study of Kunqu, an aristocratic style of opera, at the Shanghai Chinese Opera School at age 10. She came to the US to perform the lead role in the 19-hour opera The Peony Pavilion almost 20 years ago, and has continued to bring her extensive knowledge of Chinese traditional music to American audiences as both a performer and educator ever since.
Learning “Mo Li Hua"
The song “Mo Li Hua” is about a jasmine flower. In Chinese opera, the performers use formal hand gestures to enhance their performance. Qian Yi drew on this tradition to create gestures for “Mo Li Hua” that allude to a jasmine flower opening and closing.
"Mo Li Hua" music and lyrics
Chinese Traditional Pentatonic Scale
"Mo Li Hua" uses a pentatonic scale, which is made up of five notes. The pentatonic scale is often found in Chinese Traditional music, making up the signature sound heard in this repertoire. The pentatonic scale uses steps 1, 2, 3, 5 and 6 of the major scale.
Refection:
Learn the C Major pentatonic scale on your instrument - C, D, E, G, A, C
Make up your own melody using the pentatonic scale!
Chinese Traditional Instruments
Reflection: Which modern instruments look and sound similar to the Pipa?
Celebration:
Lunar New Year
January 29
The Lunar New Year takes place on the first new moon of the calendar year and is celebrated by billions of people all over the world.
Learning “Gong Xi, Gong Xi”
The song “Gong Xi, Gong Xi” is most often associated with the Chinese New Year. While the lyrics are celebratory in nature, the original composer, Chen Ge Xin, actually wrote this song at the culmination of the Second Sino-Japanese War in 1945. The references to the “snow melting” and “time for spring” are allegories to the end of a difficult time of turmoil in China, with hope for starting over again. Because of these lyrics, the song became a part of the Chinese New Year repertoire.
Gong Xi Gong Xi music and lyrics
The phrase “gong xi, gong xi” means “best wishes.” When saying this phrase during the Chinese New Year, it is usually accompanied by a specific bow. Make a fist with one hand and place it in the center of your chest. Cover your fist with your other hand. In this position, bow to someone to the left or right side of you.
