The Evolution and Integration of the Chinese Dulcimer: A Study of Cross-Cultural Musical Fusion
Abstract
The Chinese dulcimer (yangqin) is an instrument of Western origin (Persian origin) that was originally known as the board zither. It was introduced to China through the Silk Road, either by land or ocean during the Ming and Qing dynasties. The Chinese dulcimer has been integrated into Chinese traditional opera as an accompaniment instrument and it is also played by local bands in various cities in China. Consequently, the Chinese dulcimer has gradually become a traditional symbol of Chinese music and has become a representative instrument of Chinese traditional music abroad, despite its Western origin. Interestingly, in the current Chinese dulcimer teaching process, many teachers will incorporate selected Western music into their curriculum because Chinese dulcimers only have a limited repertoire. The curriculum usually includes pieces such as Saint-Saen’s Introduction and Rondo Capriccioso and Sarasate’s Songs of the Wonderer, which were commonly played on the violin. There are currently efforts to develop and expand the repertoire of the Chinese dulcimer by incorporating Western musical elements. However, this work provokes questions, such as: How can Chinese and Western musical elements merge? What are the advantages and disadvantages of the yangqin when performing Western musical pieces? This article will discuss these topics here in depth.
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