Zhuang Tianqin Ceremony: Music ritual in Guangxi, China

Abstract

This dissertation takes Zhuang Tianqin ceremony music in the Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region of China as the research object. The research objectives of this Research are: 1)To explore the current status of the Zhuang Tianqin Ceremony in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,China.2)To analyze the music characteristics of the Zhuang Tianqin Ceremony in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,China.3)To study the preservation and transmission of the Zhuang Tianqin Ceremony in Guangxi Zhuang Autonomous Region,China.This research adopts a qualitative research method, applying theories such as ethnomusicology theory, musicology theory, anthropology theory, and music analysis theory. Key informants working on the ground were interviewed, and a large amount of data was collected. Subsequently, the data from the field investigation were classified and analyzed.

The results of this study indicate that:1)By sorting out the development of the Zhuang Tianqin ceremony in four periods. It was found that the Zhuang Tianqin ceremony evolved from the development of witchcraft. Went through a period of name change and form determination. It also experienced a stable period of gradually enriching forms and changing social functions. Finally, under the vision of intangible cultural heritage protection, a stable transmission system and specific regional symbols have been formed. 2) The Zhuang Tianqin Ceremony the five songs in "Ruji" are respectively "Qingshen diao", "Shanglu diao", "Paoma diao", "Fangyan diao" and "Songshen diao". Combing through the unique musical characteristics of the five songs in terms of melody, rhythm, musical form and instrumental features, Tianqin ceremong music successfully supported the emotional expression of the ceremony and cultural transmission through its melodious and quiet melody, stable and flowing rhythm, concise and rich levels of musical forms, and played an indispensable role in strengthening community unity and spreading faith. 3) Master and apprentice transmission,education transmission of Zhuang Tianqin gradually won the general recognition of the outside world. The government, communities and Tianqin cultural centers have made important contributions to the preservation of Zhuang Tianqin ceremony.Under the mainstream impact of the big era, it is necessary to maintain its original essence and characteristics, but also to integrate diverse cultures, open up a unique mode of communication, and let the art of Tianqin truly pass from generation to generation and continue.

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