The Research On Qupai (Fixed Tune) Of Nanyin In Documentation From The Ming And Qing Dynasties

Nanyin has a long-standing history and rich tradition.Though considered one of the oldest musical art forms in the world,the paucity of original music scores and associated documentation has hindered research on its origin and historical development.Recently,however,three sets of ancient documents of significant artistic,cultural and academic value,have been discovered.Specifically,these are《明刊三种Ming Kan San Zhong》(Three Studies Published in the Ming),《袖珍写本道光指谱Xiu Zhen Xie Ben Dao Guang Zhi Pu》(Pocket Spectrum of Writing this Dao Means)and《清刻本文焕堂指谱Qing Ke Ben Wen Huan Tang Zhi Pu》(A Qing Dynasty Block-Printed Edition of Wenhuan Appear that Spectrum).Each provides a potential evidence-base to underpin research on Nanyin during the Ming and Qing Dynasties.The aim of the proposed research is to undertake a systematic investigation of these document sets and of another known information source《泉南指谱重编Quan Nan Zhi Pu Chong Bian》(South-Chuen that Spectrum Renumbering).This latter document is oa the fixed tune of Nanyin during the late Qing Dynasty.The comparative analysis of the content in these four documents from the Ming(1338 to 1644 AD)and Qing(1644 to 1911 AD)Dynasties will have focus on:(1)the main elements and structures constituting the fixed tune of Nanyin;(2)the lyrics;and(3)the notation and melody systems.The historical and context relationship between these four documents will also be described, as will that between these documents of the Ming and Qing Dynasties and those associated with the Cipai(lyrics)and fixed tune of the Song(960 to 1279 AD)and the Yuan(1279 to 1368 AD)Dynasties.The result of this study will improve current understanding of Nanyin and contribute to its ongoing preservation and systematic knowledge management in documented form.