A Study on the Musical Characteristics and Singing Forms of Chuanfuqu Songs

Abstract

This research aims to 1) to investigate the development status of Chuanfuqu songs and 2) to analyze the musical characteristics and singing form of Chuanfuqu songs. This is qualitative research by having a fieldwork to collect the data from finding documents, interviewing the key informants, organizing and analyzing all of the data for completely writing the research and conclusion.

The results are following: 1) based on literature and field investigation, the development and changes of Chuanfuqu songs from "labor songs" to "taking the stage" to "intangible cultural heritage" from before the 1950s to the early 21st century, as well as the current status and living space. Research has found that the current development status of Chuanfuqu songs is in dangerous of being lost. 2) The singing form of Chuanfuqu songs and the rhythm, lyric, and melody characteristics of the Chuanfuqu songs. The spiritual connotation expressed in the Chuanfuqu songs is summarized. The main singing form of Chuanfuqu songs is one leading person and the other are following with a distinct and varied rhythm, simple and plain lyrics with a breath of life. A melodious and singable melody are a true reflection of the boatmen's real life, labor and inner world.

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