The casual visitor to China could be
forgiven for thinking that the only
traditional style to compete with
bland pop is that of the kitsch folk
troupes to be heard in hotels and
concert halls. But an earthy
traditional music still abounds
throughout the countryside; it can be
heard at weddings, funerals, temple
fairs, and New Year celebrations - and
even downtown in tea houses. A very
different, edgier sound can be heard
in certain smokey city bars - the new
Chinese rock, energetic expressions of
urban angst.
Stephen Jones &
Joanna Lee
Traditional music
Han music (like Irish music) is
heterophonic - the musicians play
differently decorated versions of a
single melodic line - and its
melodies are basically pentatonic.
Percussion plays a major role, both
in instrumental ensembles, and as
accompaniment to opera,
narrative-singing, ritual music and
dance.
Chinese rock
Although the Chinese market is
tapped by the Cantopop industry,
only a small percentage of
"entertainment capital"
has been injected into the local
Chinese rock/pop scene. China's
indigenous rock, although often
connected to the Hong Kong-Taiwanese
entertainment industry, is a
different beast. One which has its
traditions in passionate and fiery
protest, and which still possesses a
cultural and political
self-awareness.
Discography
In China it is easier to find good
recordings of opera than
instrumental music, but authentic
recordings of Chinese instrumental
and religious music are finally
beginning to match the
conservatoire-style recordings of
souped-up arrangements that used to
dominate the market.
