A study of celebratory songs for drinking by the Buyi Ethnic Group in Guizhou Province, China

Abstract

There are two research objectives: 1) To study the development of celebratory songs for drinking among the Buyi ethnic group in Guizhou Province, China. 2) Analyze the vocal celebratory songs for drinking characteristics of the Buyi ethnic group in Guizhou Province, China. This study employs qualitative research, interviews 6 key informations, field investigations, and musicology methodology to analyse music characteristics.

The results are as follows: 1) The development of celebratory songs for drinking by the Buyi ethnic group originated in the 1980s and 1990s. Improvisational singing is a song used to greet guests during welcoming, sending, and dining, promoting socialization and creating a lively atmosphere for making friends. 2) Analyse The vocal celebratory songs. Drinking songs have both ritual and social lyrics that are improvised, with Buyi language stressing meaning expression and singing emphasizing rhyme. In terms of rhythm, it is generally a half beat and one syllable, with relatively fixed beats (2/4 and 4/4). In terms of vocal melody, the ritual, social, and stage categories are all pentatonic modes. The ceremonial and social categories are primarily included in one segment, which has a pleasant melody and excellent narrative capacity. They are frequently repeated to reinforce the perception. In terms of music aesthetics, etiquette and conventions prioritize emotional expression and knowledge transmission; social language is straightforward and emphasizes participation; and the stage stresses formal beauty and infectiousness.

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