Sheng Guanyue in Jizhong

Sheng Guanyue in Jizhong

Jizhong Sheng wind music is popular in Jizhong Plain, that is, south of Beijing, west of Tianjin, north of Cangzhou and Dingzhou frontline nearly 30 counties and cities of traditional drum music varieties, the local folk commonly known as "concerts".

In 2006, Jizhong Sheng Music was listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list with the approval of the State Council.

historical origin

Jizhong Sheng wind music is popular in Jizhong Plain, that is, south of Beijing, west of Tianjin, north of Cangzhou and Dingzhou, nearly 30 counties and cities of drum music varieties, folk commonly known as "concerts". It is also called "Sheng Guan Music" because it is mainly composed of pipes, Sheng and other accompaniments. In addition to Sheng and wind instruments, there are also Yungong, flute and percussion instruments such as drums, cymbals, clang and so on. There are three types of music: divertimento, ditty and independent percussion. The divertimento is a major part of Sheng wind music because of its long length and complex structure. "Sheng Guanyue" spreads all over the central Hebei Plain. Farmers from all over the country, taking villages as units, play and inherit in local folk activities such as sacrifices, ceremonies and funerals by means of music festivals.

Jizhong wind music was originally played in two forms: the North Concert and the South Concert. "Beiyuequan" orchestra is composed of eight to ten people. The pipes of the main musical instruments are thin, small in volume, soft in pronunciation, simple and dignified in playing style, slow in speed and elegant. The Orchestra of "South Concert" is usually composed of more than ten people. The pipes of the main instrument are thicker. Besides one pipe as the main pipes, they are also equipped with multi-payment pipes. Therefore, they play with loud voice, changeable melody, lively and interesting playing style, faster speed and warmer. In recent decades, the "South Music Club" has become less and more popular and widely spread, becoming the representative of the central Hebei wind orchestra.

Inheritance significance

In the late Qing Dynasty, the concert of Shengfang Town in Bazhou began to receive both Gaoqiang and Kunqu Opera, and became the largest music association in the town. After the founding of New China, Kunqu Opera gradually faded out, but so far musicians can still play Kunqu Opera. In many local concerts, the grand array of banners, corner lights, drums, tea picks and so on formed the characteristics of Zhennan concert. The performances, formations and related artifacts with unique styles of Shengfang Zhennan Concert are the real relics of Buddhist music in the folk, and are also important materials for understanding and studying classical Buddhist music and local folk customs.

The state attaches great importance to the protection of intangible cultural heritage. On May 20, 2006, Shengguan Music in Jizhong was approved by the State Council and listed in the first batch of national intangible cultural heritage list.

Due to various factors, Qujiaying concert, Gaoluo concert, Gaoqiao concert and Shengfang concert are facing great difficulties in inheritance. Only by strengthening protection, can we inherit this excellent folk cultural heritage.