Musical Characteristics and Preservation of Pipa in Beijing After the Chinese Revolution

Abstract

This dissertation have objectives were to: This study examines its historical development, musical characteristics, and preservation practices through qualitative research methods, including in-depth interviews with musicians and archival analysis. Findings reveal four key phases of evolution: traditional preservation (1949–1960), recovery post-Cultural Revolution (1970–1980), innovation and international exchange (1990 onward), and digital adaptation in the 21st century. The Pipa’s musical characteristics reflect a fusion of traditional techniques, such as glissando and pizzicato, with contemporary influences, including electronic soundscapes. Representative compositions, such as Drought and Thunder (Han Tian Lei), Clouds Chasing the Moon (Cai Yun Zhui Yue), Blessing (Zhu Fu), and Cloud Thinking of Flowers Thinking (Yun Xiang Hua Xiang), illustrate this dynamic evolution. Preservation methods have shifted from oral transmission to institutionalized education and digital platforms, expanding accessibility and engagement. Government initiatives, including subsidies and cultural festivals, have played a crucial role in sustaining Pipa music while fostering innovation and cross-cultural collaboration. This study contributes to the discourse on cultural preservation by offering insights for ethnomusicologists, educators, and policymakers on balancing tradition and modernization in musical heritage.

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