Art of gongs and drums (bronze ware)

Name of China's national intangible cultural heritage: gongs and drums (large bronze)

Applicant: Jia County, Henan Province

Project No.: 622

Project No.: Ⅱ - 123

Time of publication: 2008 (second batch)

Category: Traditional Music

Region: Henan Province

Type: new item

Applicant: Jia County, Henan Province

Protection unit: Jiaxian Cultural Center

Introduction to gongs and drums (bronze ware)

Applicant: Jia County, Henan Province

Gong and drum art is a common form of folk instrumental music in China. It is widely distributed in Hebei, Tianjin, Shanxi, Shanghai, Henan, Hubei, Shanxi and other places. Although the musical instruments used in different places are different, most of them are high volume percussion instruments such as gongs, drums, cymbals and cymbals. The rhythm is more and more vivid, the performance scene is spectacular, and the artistic style is majestic and powerful. They are mainly performed in various folk auspicious occasions and ceremonies.

Xiping bronze ware is a kind of traditional percussion music which is popular in Xiping County, Henan Province. It belongs to Yan music of Sui and Tang Dynasties and has a history of more than 1400 years. According to the genealogical records, the history of Xiping bronzes is more than 300 years. The instruments used in the performance mainly include big cymbals, big cymbals, big drums, etc. the timbre is sonorous, bold and unconstrained. The traditional performance techniques include passing, putting down, turning cymbals, hitting and boring, etc. Xiping bronzes are mainly used for making new year, paying New Year's respects, celebrating birthday, holding houses, offering sacrifices and praying for blessings. When performing, they are matched with modeling dances and traditional unique skills, which can set off scenes and create atmosphere. There are generally 15 to 60 people in Xiping bronze ware troupe. There are 149 pieces of Qupai inherited and more than 50 pieces commonly used. With a long history and unique style, Xiping bronze ware is a valuable heritage of traditional music, which has research value in music history, ethnic migration history, Chinese and foreign cultural exchange history, etc. In the heyday of Xiping's bronze ware, 80% of the local villages once had performing bands. At present, less than one fifth of these bands can perform. It is necessary to take measures to encourage their inheritance and development.

Jiaxian bronze ware mainly spread in Jiaxian County, Henan Province, and radiated to Pingdingshan, Baofeng, Ruzhou and other surrounding counties and cities. It began in the late Eastern Han Dynasty and has a history of more than 1700 years. It is a typical representative of traditional Chinese percussion music. Jiaxian's bronze wares are mainly played by drums, cymbals, cymbals, gongs, etc., with flexible rhythm and rich content. There are 36 representative traditional tunes, such as "five tigers go to Xichuan", "mamianchuan" and "hulianpao", most of which are named after the background of the times. 1 / 4, 2 / 4, 3 / 4, 4 / 4, 6 / 4 beats are widely used in the music, and there are a lot of syncopation rhythm. Jiaxian big bronze style is rough and hearty, simple and honest, deeply loved by the local people. In recent years, Jiaxian's Bronze craftsmen are getting older and more energetic. In the case of insufficient capital investment, many bronze teams have been disbanded one after another. If it is not protected and inherited in time, this ancient folk art will be lost.