Musical life in China - the peculiarities in the Far East!

The music scene in China is as unique as the country itself, offering an impressive blend of tradition and modernity. Amidst rapid technological and cultural change, China has developed a thriving musical landscape that both honors centuries-old traditions and embraces modern trends. In this magazine feature, we take a look at how musical life in China is shaping up and what special features there are to discover in the Far East. In doing so, we not only shed light on traditional forms of music, but also take a look at the modern era.

The history and significance of Chinese music

Chinese music history is a unique heritage that can be traced back more than 3,000 years. It is closely interwoven with the country's philosophical and spiritual traditions and reflects their deep significance. At that time, music served not only for entertainment, but also as a means of cultural transmission and spiritual enlightenment.

Chinese music theory is based on the concept of harmony, which is deeply rooted within the philosophy of Confucianism and Taoism. In this context, music is seen as an expression of harmony and balance between heaven, earth and humanity. Not without reason, music in China has thereby a balancing character to provide distraction from the daily work stress. Above all, the diverse musical instruments characterize musical life in China.

Which instruments embody musical life?

Chinese traditional music is known for its unique and fascinating instruments. Two of the most famous are erhu and guzheng. The erhu, a two-stringed violin, is commonly used in Chinese orchestral music and folk music. Its sound is rich and expressive and can express a wide range of emotions. The guzheng, a type of zither with up to 26 strings, is another key instrument in Chinese music. Its melodic and harp-like sound can be heard in many traditional pieces, which are very common in China.

In modern Chinese music, on the other hand, Western instruments are also widely used. Piano, guitar, and drums are present in many styles of music, from pop and rock to jazz and electronic music. Many contemporary Chinese musicians and bands are also experimenting with the fusion of traditional Chinese and Western instruments to create a unique and innovative sound. Regional differences are nothing special.

This is how Chinese folk music differs regionally

Due to the numerous regions and cities in China, the type and structure of Chinese music is not the same in every place. As a result, many locales have an individual character, which is especially noticeable in the field of Chinese folk music. In many cases, this reflects the cultural diversity of the country:

• In northern Chinese folk music, for example, storytelling plays a major role. The instrument jinghu, a kind of two-stringed violin, is often used here, and the music is characterized by its lively and dramatic melodies.
• Southern Chinese folk music, on the other hand, focuses on the representation of nature and emotions. The music is often softer and more melodic, and instruments such as the dizi (a Chinese transverse flute) and the pipa (a type of lute) are used.
• The music of the western regions of China, such as Tibet and Xinjiang, is influenced by the musical traditions of nomadic and Muslim communities. Here, instruments such as the dombra, a two-stringed lute, can be found and the singing style is extremely powerful.

This is how significant music is for Chinese youth

Music plays a central role in the lives of Chinese youth. It serves not only as a medium of entertainment, but also as a means of expression for personal identity and social belonging. In a time of rapid technological and social change, music provides a platform for many young people in China to express their experiences, feelings and perspectives. This makes the many regional music festivals held directly in China all the more important.

Digitalization has drastically changed the musical world in China anyway, so festivals and concerts are an important way to compensate. These festivals showcase a wide range of genres, from mando pop and rock to electronic and hip-hop, and give young people the opportunity to network and see their favorite artists live on site.

How Chinese music has changed in modern times

Due to the many developments, driven by the youth, Chinese music has changed a lot in the last decades. With the advancement of globalization and the influence of Western pop culture, a vibrant music scene has developed that combines traditional and modern China. Many Chinese musicians have begun to explore genres such as pop, rock, jazz, and electronic music and blend them with elements of traditional Chinese music. The result is a special and at the same time cultural musical aesthetic.

The most famous Chinese musicians

Based on the constant change, the Chinese music landscape has been able to produce numerous remarkable musicians and artists. Their music has a great influence not only locally in China, but also internationally. In the following, we will introduce you to some of these musicians and show you how their characteristics influence musical life in the heart of China:

Faye Wong

She is one of the most influential singers in the mandopop world and has a career that spans several decades. Wong is known for her distinctive vocal style and her diverse musical influences, which range from pop to rock.

Jay Chou

As one of the best-known singers and songwriters in mandopop music, Jay Chou has a large following throughout Asia. His music is a mixture of pop, rock, R&B and elements of traditional Chinese music.

Cui Jian

Often called the father of Chinese rock, Cui Jian was a pioneer of the genre in China. His music often has political undertones and has influenced a generation of young Chinese people.

Eason Chan

He is one of the leading artists in Canton pop music and has a career that spans more than two decades. Chan's music spans a variety of genres, including pop, rock and jazz.

Kris Wu

Originally a member of the Korean-Chinese boy band EXO, Wu has a successful solo career in music and acting. His music is a mix of hip-hop and R&B.

G.E.M.

Standing for "Get Everybody Moving," G.E.M. has established herself as one of the most popular young singers in China. Her music is an energetic mix of pop and electronic dance music.

Interesting songs from China with global significance

The Chinese music scene has produced some remarkable songs over the years that have gained both local and international recognition. One of the most famous examples is "Ye Lai Xiang" by Teresa Teng. This song is a good example of the "Mandopop" (Mandarin pop) music scene. Teresa Teng was one of the most famous singers in East Asia, and her songs are still popular today. Another international hit is "Mojito" by Jay Chou. Released in 2020, the song quickly became a hit, combining elements of Latin pop and mandopop.

The youngest generation of Chinese artists has received a lot of recognition. For example, "Fairytale" by Guo Jing was selected as China's entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2020 and received worldwide recognition. Another notable example is the Mandarin cover of "See You Again" by Wiz Khalifa feat. Charlie Puth, sung by Jane Zhang. The cover of the famous song was produced especially for the Chinese market and has won over audiences in China and around the world.

How Chinese music makes a global impact

Chinese music has had a significant impact on the music world, both through its unique musical tradition and through modern musical innovations. Traditional Chinese music, with its characteristic instruments such as guzheng, pipa, and erhu, has inspired musicians to incorporate these elements into their works. The hypnotic melodies and rhythms of these traditional instruments add a new atmosphere to music and have helped expand interest in Chinese culture and music globally.

How musical life is developing in China

However, the current development of modern Chinese music is unlikely to end there. China's musical life is dynamic and constantly changing, with both traditional and modern musical genres having a significant influence. Recognition and appreciation of China's rich cultural history, including its unique musical tradition, remains a central element in the music scene - even in new and dynamic content.

However, not only the musical content, but also the digital advantages are shaping musical life in China more and more every day. Streaming services and social media are used in this way to spread the new music in order to be able to appeal worldwide. The associated globalization will probably continue in the future when it comes to Chinese music.

Learn more about the music and its instruments in China

Music in China is incredibly diverse and rich in traditions that date back to ancient times. It is characterized by a wealth of musical instruments that contribute to the iconic sound of Chinese music. In our magazine, you will also learn about modern instruments such as the saxophone and drums. You'll also find many other articles on various new albums and songs, as well as reviews of music movies or books.