History of Chinese Music and Dynasties

Vocabulary flashcards covering the historical development, instruments, institutions, genres, and terminology of traditional Chinese music from the Xia to the Qing dynasties.

Era

A time period with specific features marking the beginning and end of it.

Dynasty

A lineage of rulers.

Order of Chinese Dynasties

Xia, Shang, Zhou, Qin, Han, Sui, Tang, Song, Yuan, Ming, Qing.

Xia and Shang

The two dynasties that had little to no musical knowledge that has survived to the modern day.

Yayue

The ritualistic form of music established during the Zhou dynasty, also known as "Elegant Music."

Eastern Zhou Government

A government system that was more ceremonial and culturally focused, allowing more time for gathering musical knowledge and cultural advancement.

Western Zhou Government

A government system focused more on military operations.

Spring and Autumn Period

The period during the Zhou dynasty that saw a decrease in the popularity of Yayue.

The Music Bureau

The government body created by the Qin dynasty, discarded during the Chu-Han contention, and revived during the Han dynasty alongside Confucianism.

Xiongnu

The main group of people that both the Qin and Han dynasties interacted with.

Early Chinese Trumpet Music

The type of music created after extended interactions between the Han dynasty and its northern neighbors.

Pipa

A stringed instrument somewhat resembling a pear that was introduced during the Han era through trade.

Standardized Pitch

An important musical concept that arose during the Sui dynasty due to ideas of reunification.

Yuefu

The form of poetry developed in the southern region of China.

Secular

Not connected with religion.

The Great Music Bureau

The musical body created during the Tang dynasty as power and influence was consolidated within the capital.

Yanyue

The new form of secular music developed during the Tang dynasty.

Eight Categories of Yayue Instruments

The material categories for Yayue instruments: Silk, Bamboo, Wood, Stone, Metal, Clay, Gourd, and Hide.

The Pear Garden

The name of the first performing arts school, founded during the Tang dynasty.

Kaifeng

The first performance hub, which had lots of people and places to perform during the Song dynasty.

Zaju

A theatrical performance style developed during the Song dynasty that was later absorbed into Japanese Kabuki traditions.

Xiaoling

A form of Ci poetry developed during the Song dynasty that was shorter and faster.

Manci

A form of Ci poetry developed more extensively during the Song dynasty that was slower and longer.

Huqin

The bowed fiddle instrument introduced from Mongolia during the Yuan dynasty.

Sanqu

A poetic and musical form during the Yuan dynasty whose works were mostly about resentment towards Mongolian occupation.

Ci Poetry

A version of poetry created by the Song that became popular during the Yuan dynasty and acted as a precursor to Yuan Qu.

Yuan Qu

A performing art that includes Sanqu and Zaju, which introduced padding words into the musical world.

Padding Words

A new lyrical element introduced in Yuan Qu that leads to musical ornamentation.

Kunqu Opera

An opera style characterized by delicate movements, strong lyricism, and a combination of singing and dancing.

Equal Temperament

An advancement in music theory developed during the Ming dynasty.

Virtuoso

A skilled musician who plays complex songs on their choice instrument as solos.

Peking Opera

An opera style developed during the Qing dynasty that features a sparsely decorated stage and incorporates instrumental and vocal music, miming, martial arts, acrobatics, and dance.

Sheng, Dan, Jing, Chou

The four main roles performed within Peking Opera.