Hulusheng of Lisu Ethnic group in Yunnan, China: The Organology and Music characteristics

Abstract

The Hulusheng, a traditional musical instrument of the Lisu ethnic group in Yunnan, China, holds significant cultural and historical value. The objectives of this dissertation were: 1. To investigate the development and cultural significance of the Hulusheng in Lisu society. 2.To analyze the musical characteristics of Hulusheng music 3. To give guidelines to preservation and transmission of Hulusheng music. This study adopts a qualitative research method, with interviews and field observations as the main tools for data collection. Six respondents were interviewed in the field and the collected data were analyzed. The results show that:

1. The development of more than 2,000 years and is an important instrument among the traditional musical instruments of the southwestern ethnic groups. Hulusheng originated from ancient agricultural sacrifices and has been passed down through the Shang, Han, Tang and Song dynasties.

2. The musical characteristics of Hulusheng, explored through the analysis of the representative repertoire of Hulusheng, the unique range, rhythm, structure, harmony, scale and other characteristics of Hulusheng are revealed.

3. The transmission and preservation of Hulusheng face significant challenges due to the reliance on oral traditions and limited institutional support. The dissertation recommends a comprehensive preservation strategy that includes educational initiatives, training programs, cultural heritage centers, and integration into formal education to ensure the continued relevance and transmission of Hulusheng music.

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