Chinese Folk Music Masters You Need to Know

There are many masters of Chinese folk music who have made significant contributions to the genre. Here are some of the most important names you should know.

Introduction

Chinese folk music is an important part of the country’s musical heritage. Folk music has been passed down from generation to generation, and has become an important part of Chinese culture. There are many different types of folk music, from traditional ballads to modern pop songs.

There are a number of famous folk music masters who have helped to keep this musical tradition alive. Here are just a few of the most famous Chinese folk music masters you need to know.

Wang Wenxiao is a well-known Chinese folk musician and singer. He was born in Shaanxi province in 1949, and began his musical career in the 1960s. Wang is best known for his work with the Beijing Symphony Orchestra, and has also toured extensively throughout China and Europe.

Lu Suping is a Chinese singer and songwriter who was born in Inner Mongolia in 1957. She began her musical career in the 1970s, and has released a number of albums over the years. Lu is best known for her work with the Inner Mongolian Folk Music Ensemble, and has also performed with a number of other famous musicians from China and abroad.

Zhang Yimou is a famous Chinese film director, but he also has a passion for folk music. He has directed a number of films about folk musicians, including the award-winning film “Not One Less” (1999). Zhang has also produced two albums of traditional Chinese folk music, “The Songs of Zhou Xuan” (1998) and “Folk Songs from Yunnan” (2000).

Zhang Biqing

Zhang Biqing is one of the most influential masters of Chinese folk music. Born in Shandong province in 1918, Zhang began playing the erhu (a two-stringed Chinese instrument) at a young age. He later studied under renowned erhu player Chen Zhenhao, and went on to perform with a number of well-known Chinese orchestras.

During his career, Zhang toured extensively, both within China and abroad. He was also a prolific composer, and his works include such classics as “The Shepherd’s Flute” and “Hua Mulan Joins the Army.” In addition to his musical accomplishments, Zhang was also an outspoken advocate for the preservation of traditional Chinese culture. He passed away in 2006, but his legacy continues to inspire musicians and music lovers around the world.

Liu Tianhua

Liu Tianhua (1895-1932) was a renowned Chinese composer and musician. He is considered to be the father of modern Chinese folk music. His work combined traditional Chinese musical forms with Western influences, creating a unique and distinctly Chinese sound.

Liu was born in a small village in Anhui province. He began learning the erhu (a two-stringed traditional Chinese instrument) at a young age, and later went on to study Western music at the Shanghai Conservatory of Music. After graduation, he traveled to Europe to further his studies.

Upon his return to China, Liu began teaching at the conservatory and composing music for film and theatre. He also wrote several books on music theory and composition. In 1932, he founded the China Folklore Society, which promoted the study and performance of traditional Chinese music.

Liu’s works include “The Yellow River Cantata” (1935), “The Butterfly Lovers” (1939), and “The sea of Spring” (1941). He continued to compose until his untimely death in 1932. His work left a lasting legacy on Chinese music, and continues to inspire musicians today.

Chen Leiji

Chen Leiji is a Chinese folk music master who is known for his work in the field of guqin music. He was born in Shandong Province in 1934 and began to learn guqin music at an early age. In 1957, he became a member of the Guqin Society of China, and later became its vice-president. He has also been a member of the ChineseMusicians Association and the China Folklore Society.

Chen Leiji has made great contributions to the development of guqin music. He has composed many famous guqin pieces, such as “Qinghai Lakeside”, “Lullaby of the Yao Minority”, and “Liu Yang River”. He has also published several important guqin music textbooks, such as “A Treatise on Guqin Music” and “A Collection of Chen Leiji’s Guqin Pieces”. In addition, Chen Leiji has also created many new performance techniques for the guqin, such as two-handed tremolo and left-hand pizzicato.

Chen Leiji’s contributions to Chinese folk music have been highly recognized by the Chinese government. In 2001, he was awarded the title of “National Master of Arts and Crafts”. In 2006, he was awarded the title of “Chinese Folklorist”.

Conclusion

Pipa virtuoso Liu Fang and multi-instrumentalist Wang Li are two of the most celebrated Chinese folk musicians alive today. Though their music comes from different traditions, both artists are dedicated to keeping Chinese folk music alive and relevant in the 21st century. If you’re interested in exploring this rich and vibrant musical tradition, start with Liu Fang and Wang Li. You won’t be disappointed.