Culture
94% of people in China belong to which ethnic group?
Han
How many strings does a guqin have?
7
How did western harmonies and scales get to China?
European missionaries
What is unique about Chinese opera actors?
They specialize in a single character.
What were the songs about during Mao's rule?
Faith in the Communist party
What is the official language of China?
Mandarin
What are the strings of a guqin made of?
Silk
What is Socialist Realism?
All art should serve the state, and represent the masses
What is Kunqu?
A classical form of opera
Why was Cui Jian's performance controversial?
He mocked the Communist government
How is music used in Daoism?
Rituals
What kind of instruments does a Sizhu ensemble feature?
Silk and bamboo
What happened to art and artists during the Cultural Revolution?
Music schools were closed and artists were sent to re-education camps
What is the role of percussion in a Jingxi performance?
Provide sound effects
What happened at the Tiananmen Square Massacre?
Soldiers killed peaceful protestors
Who controls the music in Confucianism?
The government
Which philosophy is the guqin associated with and how does it reflect their ideals?
Confucianism
The ideals are balance and harmony
What types of music were supported by the Chinese Government during the Cultural Revolution? Suppressed?
Supported: Folk
Suppressed: Religious
Chinese opera is a unique synthesis of what 3 types of performance?
-Spoken Dialogue
-Mime
-Acrobatics
How is rock music linked to the massacre at Tiananmen Square?
It provided the soundtrack to the protestors and unified them
How is music used in Buddhism?
Meditation and inner knowledge
What is meant by “slowing and adding flowers” when playing sizhu music?
Slowing the tempo and adding ornamentation
List three ways in which the Western orchestras influenced Chinese music
1. Creation of Chinese orchestras with Chinese instruments
2. Invention of new instruments
3. Used in films
List four characteristics of Jingxi theater
-All male actors
-Painted faces
-Elaborate costumes
-Plain sets
How are traditional music elements being incorporated into modern Chinese music?
-Ancient Chinese instruments are combined with
modern music