Shanghai Taoism music（上海道教音乐） is a special music school which combines the unique Han Chinese music style and rich Taoism color. It is played during the Taoism activities in Shanghai and do alternately in various occasions. It is an important part of Shanghai culture.
According to the distributed areas, Shanghai Taoism music can be divided into three groups: Dongxiang Taoism music, Xixiang Taoism music and Downtown Taoism music.
The musical feature of Dongxiang Taoism music is lively and it is represented by Pudong Chuansha and Nanhui. Dongxiang Taoism music pays attention to the playing of gongs and drums and sometimes use Beijing opera fiddle as main percussion instrument, so it has the pure and fresh, lively, cheerful, clear rhythm and life breath.
Xixiang Taoism music is represented by Jiading and Baoshan. The percussion instrument routine of Xixiang Taoism music is similar to that of Dongxiang Taoism music and the difference is that Xixiang Taoism music would add a drama when the Taoism ritual is done. Xixiang Taoism music enriches the chapter and form of Taoism music in Shanghai.
Downtown Taoism music attaches importance to the music of gentle, delicate, exquisite singing style, melody, musical instrument configuration as a whole to cooperate. And most of the downtown Taoism music is played by Shanghai local Taoists.
During the history of more than eight hundred year of Shanghai Taoist music since it was introduced from outside, after nearly 30 generations of Taoist of learning and creating, they have improved and developed with characteristic of Shanghai style music, mainly displays in:
First, tune ups and downs rolling, sounds beautiful.
Second, singing in the accompaniment melody type, make singing distinct and the singer has plenty of breathing.
Third, the first sentence of every facet, often using different tunes from behind when you repeatedly singing tunes, sometimes even in repeated sentences, slowly turn into adjustable, cause change of tune and tone.
Fourth, tune, is also called the "word", tune speed is generally slow and music is majestic.
Fifth, in addition to keep the dizi, bell and drum accompaniment instrument, they also the use comparison by paying attention to pull a string and plucked instruments, make the music more elegant and fullness.
Add on: Jiangnan Sizhu
Qingpu Field Folk Song
Shanghai Harbor Wharf Chant
Trista
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