A Study On The Ceremonial Music Of Taoism In Laoshan

Laoshan is the origin of Quanzhen - taosim. Laoshan– taoism, as the"the second jungle of Quanzhen-taoism", has a great impact on the taoistic history. Based on "the Ten Rhyme" of Quanzhen-taoism and directly influenced by the alien music, court music, Buddhism music and folk music in many ways, Laoshan-taoist ritual music, with its mature forms and profound implications, has taken the distinct form of"the Laoshan Rhyme". The ceremonial music of Laoshan– taoism, as a part of Chinese traditional musics, its functions and charactristics have been closely related to our national cultures.In this paper, based on the historical records, previous results and the first-hand data and materials obtained from on - the - spot investigations, the history, art, culture and other aspects of The Laoshan-Taoist ceremonial music are researched and analyzed by employing the case study methodology which is often used in historics and methodology. First of all, according to the clue to historical years, the birth, prosperity and decline of Laoshan-Taoism and its ritual music are analyzed. Meanwhile, its evolution and present situation are revealed as well. Second, the classification of the Laoshan Taoist ritual music and its function in the ceremony are also analyzed. In the paper, Laoshan Taoist music is divided into three categories: "monastic ceremonial music", "bridging the limitless ceremonial music" and " opening of ceremonial music". It also points out its religious functions in keeping health, strengthening faith, falling monsters, creating atmospheres and so on. Then the mode, high-pitch, melodic shape, rhythm of "Laoshan Rhyme" and the relationship between words and music are specifically explored.. By analyzing, it is found that on the basis of pentatonic style, Laoshan Rhythm mode mostly takes the form of debugging and fine-tuned style. Because taoists chant it using natural sound, the widest range of it is only about 10 degrees. Due to the fact that swing of the melody, similar to the center-based sound, is repeatedly used in tunes of "Laoshan Rhyme", the similarity of feeling in a rhyme tunes is produced. In the analysis of the rhythm, the Laoshan Taoist ritual music is divided into two types: balance and imbalance. Balance rhythms are more used in the reading and chanting, while imbalance rhythms are more used in the rhymimg. As for the relationship between words and music, the characteristics of "one music , one word", " one music, more words," "one music, more use," and so on are revealed. In addition, the paper also makes some discussion about the aesthetic style of the "natural quiet" of Laoshan Taoist ritual music in depth. Finally, from the perspective of Laoshan Taoist ritual music generating environment, its cultural characteristics are explored. It is found out that it is unique geographical environment and the Laoshan Taoists'spirit of openness that make folk music, opera, court music, Buddhist music, and other musical elements of Confucian Fusion together form the diversity of Laoshan Taoist ritual music. Laoshan Taoist music has its own cultural system, and its continuity is mainly attributed to the hard work from successive great Taoists and their pursuit, which is the reason for keeping its boundless vitality after stretching for thousands of years.By exploring Laoshan Taoist ritual music in depth, the present research can help us understand the substance and value of Laoshan Taoist ritual music. It also has some help in succeeding and developing Laoshan Taoist ritual music at present.