Music in Chinese Culture

Abstract

Summing up the development of Chinese music, we cannot forget, that Chinese music still remains very individual and characteristic in spite of the west having its influence on it. We are dealing with a very different musical culture, especially having taken the development of ancient music.

From the start music in China played a major role, it was closely bonded with philosophy and religion. The belief in social and educational effects of music contributed to surrounding it with cult. Typical restraints, applied to only a few genres, interpretations and instruments and its rigorous conservatism and archaic nature made this music exceptional and one of a kind. For ancient Chinese culture music became the wisdom of the heart, which was and continues to be a hardwired part of every Chinese person’s life.