The casual visitor to China could be forgiven for thinking that the only traditional style to compete with bland pop is that of the kitsch folk troupes to be heard in hotels and concert halls. But an earthy traditional music still abounds throughout the countryside; it can be heard at weddings, funerals, temple fairs, and New Year celebrations - and even downtown in tea houses. A very different, edgier sound can be heard in certain smokey city bars - the new Chinese rock, energetic expressions of urban angst.
Stephen Jones & Joanna Lee
Traditional music
Han music (like Irish music) is heterophonic - the musicians play differently decorated versions of a single melodic line - and its melodies are basically pentatonic. Percussion plays a major role, both in instrumental ensembles, and as accompaniment to opera, narrative-singing, ritual music and dance
Chinese rock
Although the Chinese market is tapped by the Cantopop industry, only a small percentage of "entertainment capital" has been injected into the local Chinese rock/pop scene. China's indigenous rock, although often connected to the Hong Kong-Taiwanese entertainment industry, is a different beast. One which has its traditions in passionate and fiery protest, and which still possesses a cultural and political self-awareness
Discography
In China it is easier to find good recordings of opera than instrumental music, but authentic recordings of Chinese instrumental and religious music are finally beginning to match the conservatoire-style recordings of souped-up arrangements that used to dominate the market
