In Qing Dynasty Xiao Explores Happily For The First Time

Tung-hsiao, one of the most ancient instruments, plays an important role in the development of Chinese traditional music. Based on the previous scholars'achievements of research and ancient books available, this paper makes a systematic and general research of Tung-hsiao music, through comparable, statistical and analytical methods and museological and historical priciple. The main points and results are as follows:Section one: Investigating the development of Tung-hsiao by analysing ancient documents and cultural relics, with Asian music cluture, this paper holds that the tung-hsiao instruments have already existed in Han dynasty and fully developed.Section two: The paper reappears the historical position of tung-hsiao music in Qing dynasty, comparing with the use and distribution of tung-hsiao in Qing aulic music, pointed out that the great importance of tung-hsiao music in Qing court music and the shift downward is more marked compared with Ming dynasty.Section Three: Based on the historical documents on the compose and repertoire in tung-hsiao music,I conclude the characteristics of musical scale and range. This paper points out that the traditional five-note scale was most frequently used in Qing tung-hsiao music, the pinyin was mostly used in the composition for accompanying and the middle and low register were mostly used without four-note scale used in range.Section four: I explore the rythem of tung-hsiao in Ming and Qing dynasty and also investigate the form and artistic characteristics of tung-hsiao.Finally I make a conclusion. The tung-hsiao music is an epitome of the diversified musical culture in Qing dynasty. It witnesses Qing history and has a particular bearing on the Qing and Asian musical culture.