Instruments, Musicians And Conception-the Investigation And Research On The Performance And Characteristic Of Chaozhou Pipa

Abstract: From the perspectives of instruments, musicians and conception of Chaozhou Pipa, thispaper provides a description of its morphological features, an investigation on its musicians andthe characteristics of performance and an analysis of ethnography and culture. It draws thefollowing conclusions:Based on the investigation of its shape, temperament and performance, present ChaozhouPipa is a modified instrument under the influence of traditional and modern culture. Comparedwith traditional Chaozhou Pipa, it has a lager shape and a broader range with an improvement inits production and quality. Its temperament presents a trend from seven-tone temperament totwelve-tone equal temperament. Based on the traditional performance, it integrates the modernacademic lute playing techniques to increase its overall performing speed and musical tension. Italso learns from the college concert performances to enhance its appreciation. However, it is stillfeatured with an appropriate phonological processing and flexible chorusing in its performance,which are the fundamental characteristics of Chaozhou Pipa as a regional instrument.Based on the oral data and related literature, today’s Chaozhou Pipa players are musiciansinside and outside Chaoshan culture. Inside players are the holders of Chaoshan traditional cultureand descendants of traditional Chaozhou Pipa performing. While the participation of the outsideplayers provides a broader space for the development and spread of Chaozhou Pipa and its spiritof humanity. However, the cultural difference plays a crucial role in the performing differencebetween insiders and outsiders. It needs a long-term cultural accumulation to grasp the charm ofChaozhou Pipa, especially its essence of “alive”. Therefore, Chaozhou Pipa still belongs to theinsiders of Chaoshan culture.Based on the cultural analysis of phonological processing during the performance andflexibility in chorusing, it is clear that the performance of Chaozhou Pipa is inseparable fromChaoshan dialect, its fine people and the concept of harmony. These cultural elements present andenforce the regional culture in the form of musical performance continually.Finally, as a regional instrument, Chaozhou Pipa, with its unique phonological processingand “alive” performing, presents the regional cultural connotation of “harmony” and demonstratesChinese tradition culture.