Chinese Music at a Glance
By admin on 2014-12-22

All cultures around the world have been influenced by music. Chinese music is is distinctive and breathtaking, and even the modern Chinese music, which has been influenced by western styles, is distinctive. Traditional Chinese music has remained poplar throughout many generations, and are likely to remain popular through the years to come. However, "Chinese traditional music" is too broad a title, as the regional varieties involved in the music of the different people of China are distinct, with each region having their own style.

Chinese music stresses five musical elements, with a five tone scale instead of the Western eight tone scale. These differences make Chinese music sound very different from Western music, as well as the fact that the Chinese language surprises many Westerners, sounding incredible when sung.

The two strands of Chinese musical tradition are classical and folk tradition. Classical tradition is considered more sophisticated in comparison to folk music and dance music. These classical traditions can be dated back hundreds of years, if not thousands in Chinese history. Throughout this time, it has consisted as an oral tradition, being passed down from successive generations. Whilst the music was written down on musical scores, it is almost impossible to play directly from these written scores without the aid of a teacher.